"Nuttin but knittin" - that says it all, with an occasional deviation into the real world.

Monday, February 28, 2011

Ahhhh........ one (or two) of life's little luxuries.

I splurged!  Probably many of you have these needles, but, if you will remember - I'm the gal that knit many, Many, MANY pairs of socks with Pony Pearls.....about the least expensive dpn on the market.  And - loved every stitch.  So this is a long jump for me......

I've been thinking about getting these for quite some time, but just could not justify the cost.  Not sure why I finally ordered them, but now that I have.....I'm pretty excited to give them a try! 
First project, I believe, will be a pair of colorwork mittens using this handspun.  It's a fingering weight Polwarth fiber, dyed by FatCatKnits.  It has been in my stash since last spring, a club offering, and finally was spun into yarn this past weekend.  Polwarth is a total joy to spin.  It's nearly as soft as Merino, but more durable, less pilly.  I love these bright colors!  I had a little over 2oz of fiber, and wound up with 250 yards.

Or, perhaps I will knit another pair of plain jane socks such as these:
These have been my mindless, preschool waiting in the car, knitting project for the last couple of weeks.  They are knit out of Regia yarn..  A Kafe Fasset line - canyon the colorway name.  The colors are a little more subdued in person.   Probably not my normal colors, but I do like them.  They will be worn and machine washed and dried many many times, I am sure.  Regia rivals Opal for durability - both total work horses.

I finished a very soft and snuggable cowl this morning too.  It's actually still damp, as I snapped this photo. 
The pattern is Ivy Vines by Anne Hanson.  I knit it out of a very decedent yarn - Cascade "Epiphany", which is 60% Alpaca, 20% Cashmere, and 20% Silk.  I weighed the remaining yarn and the cowl, and I actually have enough yarn to knit another one! 

But - that will have to wait.  I need to try out those new needles!  I ordered 2.25mm and 2.5mm sizes.  My favorite go-to sizes of dpns for fingering weight projects.  I should have some fun.

Oh - and the final update on BG and the Nemo mittens.  At my encouragement, he wore them to preschool to show one of his teachers, Miss K, as she is a knitter.  He ran in with hands extended and much enthusiasm as he announced that grandma had knit him Nemo mittens.  Then promptly took them off, threw them on the floor, and has touched them not since then.  So......  spring will soon be here.  We'll revisit warm woolies next year - he'll be three then.  Hmmmmm....  we'll see.     

13 comments:

Dorothy said...

So that's your splurge! Well done. I keep logging onto the website and try not to drool on my computer, but just haven't gotten up the courage to drop that much money on needles. I'll be interested to hear of your experience with them. Sorry about the Nemo mittens. Apparently Isobel did make peace with her quilt. Maybe there's hope for next year.

Monika said...

So many lovely FO's again. Sounds BG is very proud of your mittens,just does not want to wear them.

Elaine said...

All I can say is wait a year! What a difference even a few months can make with little ones! As you know, Marty is 6 months older than BG and he wouldn't wear mittens then either, but now he happily shows off all his new mittens, so there is hope! I'm anxious to hear how you like the new needles. Alas, I'm hopelessly addicted to magic looping.

Anonymous said...

Good - I am glad your Signature needles arrived. Your cowl looks very soft and cozy. Very nice!

Karen said...

Lovely knits! I can't wait to hear what you think of the needles.
BG will enjoy the knits eventually I hope.

Elle said...

I've eyed those Signature dpn's, they are gorgeous!
I also bought 2 skeins of that Epiphany months ago and I've just been fondling it, haven't decided what to do with it yet. I know it'll be a cowl too, just hadn't decided on what pattern. Love that handspun yarn.

Rose said...

I absolutely love, love my Signature double points. Use them all the time for socks. I feel they are well worth the money, especially for those of us who love double points and sock yarn.

Lynn said...

ROTFL!!!! Ah yes, those *I LOVE THEM* moments just before they rip said project off never to be worn again...... BTDT more times than I care to say!!

LOVE those socks!!! I've never cared for the Kafe Fasset yarn colorways in the skein, but I've been loving all the socks knit up with them!!! Gorgeous!

KnittySue said...

LOVE your cowl and the socks. One day when I splurge I'll give those needles a try. Sorry BJ isn't a winter woolie fan...my grandgirls arn't either..yesterday I went to their house a found the snowman wearing a hat, scarf and gloves I made...of course they don't wear them so why not. The nemo's are adorable!!!!

Judy S. said...

Love that cowl, Kathy. My youngest GS won't wear mittens either; he has to feel the snow or something. You're right, there's always next year. And they do change. That's really pretty yarn you spun; I can't wait to see what you do with it.

perkyknits DH said...

I have been wanting some of those needles lately. I decided against another spinning wheel so I might just order a pair of those.

Robin said...

Brett is actually Robin Kathy. I used the wrong sign in.

L. said...

Kathy,

Can you tell me which size Signature dpns you got and which lengths? I'm thinking of the 6" but perhaps I should go longer? Also, have you used them yet and what do you think?