Showing posts with label Green Mountain Spinnery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Green Mountain Spinnery. Show all posts

March 6, 2018

F.O. Burr by Véronik Avery

Pattern:  Burr from Brooklyn Tweed Fall 2012
              

Designer:  Véronik Avery

YarnGreen Mountain Spinnery Mewesic (100% wool, DK weight)
Colourway:  Purple Haze

Green Mountain Spinnery Mewesic

Purple Haze

Needles:  4.0mm

Ravelry:  my notes

Added Notes:

1.  It feels so good to finish a project that has been a work in progress for some time.  I started Burr in August 2017.  I knit the back and then got distracted by other knitting projects.  Fast forward to February when I decided to join the Ravellenic Games 2018 Knit Along. 



The Ravellenic Games' purpose was to challenge Ravelry members to finish a project during the 2018 Winter Olympics.  I picked the category of WIPs and challenged myself to finish my Burr cardigan by the end of Closing Ceremonies.  It was not easy to reach my goal, but thankfully I finished it on the last day.  I find that setting goals is super motivating for me in all areas of my life, I really should do it more often.
Back

2.  The Burr Cardigan is seamed.  Once all the pieces are knit, the fronts are seamed to the back, and then the ribbing for the collar and the button band is completed.  Although there are many advantages of a seamed cardigan, the hard part is not being able to try it on as you go.  This pattern was written with an intended ease of 4-5 inches which is what I think I achieved.  However, I think I would have preferred less ease if I had to do it all over.  

Preblocking
3.  Veronik Avery's pattern is well written ad easy to follow.  I appreciate how she added a lot of  pretty details.  For example, look at the detail around the collar:

There was only one direction that confused me, and after searching the forums for an answer with no success, I emailed Brooklyn Tweed my question.  I was so impressed when I received a helpful reply so promptly.  In my experience I have found Brooklyn Tweed patterns to be high quality, from the detailed way the pattern is written to the support available through the Brooklyn Tweed website.

4.  Modifications were few.  Many knitters had warned that the sleeves came out rather tight so I spaced my increases closer together (every six rows).  I probably could have done increases eight rows apart and that would have worked too.  I knit the shortest length of sleeves, but after blocking the sleeves were too long on me.  I could have knit them an inch shorter.  What I like about this pattern is how versatile the cardigan is.  You can dress it up or wear it with jeans and it looks great.

5. I really enjoyed knitting with Green Mountain Spinnery Mewesic Yarn, a gorgeous tweedy yarn.  The flecks of colour found in this yarn added an extra depth to the cardigan.  Mewesic is available in many gorgeous colours and I would highly recommend it to you. This pattern originally called for Brooklyn Tweed Loft held double, but I was able to get gauge with the yarn I used and I am pleased with how it knit up.




What does a knitter do once she gets a cardigan off the needles....cast on for two more of course.  More on that later...xo





September 1, 2017

Woolercoaster's Wonderful World of Knitting August 26-September 1

As we head into the Labor Day long weekend, I hope you are able to set aside some time to put your feet up and knit. I intend to spend time knitting my Burr Cardigan by Veronik Avery.  My daughter is heading back to university this weekend for her final year, so I am sure to get some knitting time in the car as we drive her back.
Burr by Veronik Avery

Green Mountain Spinnery Mewesic

Back complete, ready to block

This week there were some great free patterns being offered on Ravelry as well as patterns by Stephen West and Ysolda Teague.


Pattern Deals:

Here are four free patterns that you won't want to miss:


1.  Designer Laura Aylor is offering a free pattern on Ravelry called Touchstone,  a DK weight shawl, combining garter stitch and eyelet.  But hurry it won't be free indefinitely.


2.  Love this free fingering weight shawl by Rita Taylor called Balvraid.  

3.  If you like super bulky shawls then you might enjoy this new one called Medhel an Gwyns by Kalurah Hudson.  Using only 340 yards you could knit this shawl up in no time.

4.  If you enjoy lace shawls how about this pretty one called Bowerbird by Cath Ward.

Hot Patterns:

If you are a Stephen West fan then his announcement about his Speckle & Pop! Westknits Mystery Shawl KAL 2017 must have made you very happy.  The first clue goes out Friday, September 29th.

Knitworthy 4 by Ysolda Teague is now available.  This is a fun collection of eight patterns, perfect for gift giving.  A pattern is published every two weeks and with such a talented designer you can't go wrong.  Check out the first pattern, Elska, released on August 28th, a beautiful colour-worked hat.

I hope you all have a great weekend and if you want to add to my list please write in the Comments section below.


July 13, 2016

Tolt Yarn and Wool: Part Two

Visiting Tolt Yarn and Wool Shop was such a joyful experience for me. Yesterday I took you on a general tour of the store.  Today, I thought you might be interested in seeing some of the yarn available at Tolt.  Whoever is responsible for designing this space and displaying the yarn should be congratulated. Every item in the store is thoughtfully presented, and the store is spacious making it the perfect size to showcase the wonderful variety of yarns available.  It was so thrilling for me to actually see and touch yarn that I have only ever read about. 

Although Tolt Yarn and Wool carries brands like Madelinetosh and Malabrigo a lot of the yarn sold here is very sheepy, minimally processed and much of it is American sourced.  Below is just a small fraction of what is available.  I provided links to Ravelry for each of  the yarns pictured below although I highly recommend you visit their gorgeous online store to get further information.






Brooklyn Tweed:  Loft, Shelter, Plains & Quarry
Brooklyn Tweed (left) and Imperial Yarn:  Columbia (right)


Imperial Yarn:  Erin 


Woolfolk:  Tynd & Sno
Isager:  Silk MohairAlpaca 1 & Spinni
Fancy Tiger:  Heirloom Romney
The Fibre Company:  Road to China, Cumbria & Acadia
Quince & Co.  Chickadee, Owl & Lark
Quince & Co. Chickadee and Owl
Yoth Yarn: Big Sister
Cestari Traditional 2 Ply, Swans Island, & Green Mountain Spinnery Mewesic
Elemental Affects Shetland Fingering
Spincycle Dyed in the Wool
When it came to picking out skeins I wanted to buy I have to be honest and say that it was overwhelming.  There were so many choices.

Of course, I finally made up my mind and here a few of the beauties I bought:
Even the packaging is pretty




Baa Ram Ewe:  Dovestone DK:  Yorkstone
Peace Fleece:  Marigold




Green Mountain Spinnery:  Mewesic

Cestari Traditional Collection
Imperial Yarn:  Columbia
I wish that all of you yarn lovers get the opportunity to visit Tolt Yarn and Wool.  You will love it.