Work In Progress: Hitchhiker by Martina Behm

Sometimes when I look at a skein of yarn I know immediately what I want to knit with it.  Check out this gorgeous skein of Gauge Dye Works Merino Twist Fingering  (80% merino 20% nylon) in the colourway All Together Now.

Gauge Dye Works Merino Twist Fingering

When I set eyes on Gauge Dye Works newest colourway I loved it.  I knew that I wanted to knit a pair of vanilla socks to showcase the yarn. 

Colourway:  All Together Now

I cast on 56 stitches and started knitting the socks top down.  However, once I got a few inches into the sock pattern, I realized that the stripes were rather larger than I had anticipated, and I was not happy with how they were turning out. I decided that I was going to do something else with this yarn, as it was too pretty not to choose a pattern that I loved. 

After searching through Ravelry I decided on the most basic of patterns, a Hitchhiker by Martina Behm, which an astounding 27 960 people have knit. This shawl is so popular for a number of reasons.  The pattern is an easy to knit garter stitch shawl, works beautifully with any yarn, and creates the perfect shaped shawl.  The pattern allows you to use every last bit of yarn so none is wasted.  This is my mindless knit that I can't wait to finish. I am so happy with how it is turning out.

Loving my Lykke needles

The dyeing in this yarn is fantastic.  How the dyer goes back and forth from colour to colour so seamlessly fascinates me.

If you are interested in ordering your own skein of this beautiful yarn you will find it at Knit City in Vancouver next week.  Otherwise sign up for Gauge Dye Work's newsletter so you can find out when their next Etsy sale is.  Now back to my knitting : )

Happy knitting everyone!

Off the Needles: Brickless & Easy Folded Poncho

I have a couple finished objects to share with you.  First up is my version of Brickless by Martina Behm.  I used Tanis Fiber Arts Red Label in OOAK called Fjord.  I have alway been a big fan of Red Label.  It is extremely soft and blocks well.  Plus Tanis is an expert at colourways and, as you can see, Fjord is a lovely combination of blues.  I was able to complete the whole project with one skein which is always a bonus.  This pattern was very enjoyable to knit as the pattern kept changing every few rows.  I also love the length of this shawl....you can wrap it around your neck several times.

Brickless

Brickless:  preblocking

The magic of blocking

Second up is my Easy Folded Poncho which is basically one large rectangle knit in stockinette. When I first started this project I planned on knitting a few rows every day so I thought I would be done by the time the spring weather arrived.  Well my husband took these photos of me during yet another snowy day in March.  We had a good laugh as the snow kept blowing in my face and I kept squinting in most of the photos he took.  However, I have hope that the spring weather will arrive and I will actually be able to wear this lovely poncho without freezing.  I cannot say enough about Juniper Moon Herriott yarn.  I kept squishing the yarn as I knitted this poncho and so it took longer to complete than it should! I think this was one of those pattern/yarn combinations that goes well together.  When I put the poncho on it is warm, and yet light, perfect for the spring weather.  Churchmouse Yarns and Teas have recently come out with a Version Two of this pattern.  It really interests me too as I find this poncho very wearable.  If you have a copy of the original pattern you can download it for free from the Churchmouse Yarns and Teas website.

Easy Folded Poncho

The snow was blowing around me

I have been off on holidays this week and have had the luxury of a week with no big commitments.  I had time to organize my yarn stash (how did it get so big?), my favourites on Ravelry and plan a few future projects.  I really want to knit a few cardigans but I am nervous about picking a pattern and matching it with the appropriate yarn and gauge.  I have knit a few cardigans in the last few years that have not fit me as well as they should.  Have a great week and hopefully spring will spring upon us soon.