Perhaps it is the time of year, but I definitely find myself in full-on hat-knitting mode. I’ve finished the first clue of my Woolly Wormhead Mystery hat . . . I’m not sure whether or not the next photograph warrants a SPOILER ALERT warning, since it is purposely rather cryptic and unrepresentative, but if you are involved in the KAL and would rather not see, then look away now!
I am using Fyberspates Rural Charm (70% Bluefaced Leicester 20% Silk & 10% Cashmere) in shade “Forest,” a birthday gift from Jen and Nic (thanks, ladies). This deliciously luxe, and slightly variegated yarn is quite unlike anything I’ve been knitting with recently, and I absolutely love it. It is soft and smooth in the hand, with an amazing sheen, but the high proportion of Blueface Leicester means that it also springs up with a little bit of steam – the stitches bloom and puff out to fill their available space in a most pleasing manner. The ‘forest’ colourway is a beautifully complex green, with some dark undernotes and a lot of Autumnal gold in the finish. . this is beginning to sound like a whisky tasting . . . in any case, it is a very tasty skein indeed, and I’m looking forward to my next clue, so that I can continue working with it.
Clearly knitting Woolly’s brim has made me hungry for head coverings, as I immediately cast on another:
This is not, strictly speaking, a hat, but Anna Elliott’s Spirograph Headband which appeared in a Summer Issue of Knit Now, and whose neat simplicity I have admired for some time. One of the perils of working from home is the inevitable neglect of one’s personal appearance. Recently, I have been working very hard, and I would frankly rather spend time on my book and other important stuff than superfluous matters like, um, brushing and styling my hair. The only person I tend to see during the day is the postie (who doesn’t seem to care that I am dishevelled) and I only leave the building to go for a walk with Bruce (who happily has said nothing along the lines of ‘she’s letting herself go a bit’ etc). Anyway, some days when walking time arrives, I just want to gather up my unruly mane, squirrel its hideousness away in a pleasing TUBE, get out of the house, and go for a good four mile stomp. Until the book is done and I can be arsed dealing with my increasingly unkempt appearance, this headband will hopefully fulfill that function. I am using Kid Classic, one of my Rowan favourites, in shade ‘Nightly’ (846).
And finally, some yarn that has not yet begun to be a hat, but will certainly do so soon. The yarn is grey Shetland 4 ply from the lovely folk at Shetland Organics. This yarn has a great bouncy hand, a proper Wintery sheepy feel, and a real depth of hue in its natural fleece shades. I have been gripped by a familiar compulsion to make lots of festive things, and fear I am about to design a hat whose seasonal theme will make Boreal look quite restrained. We will see how this goes . . .
Glad to see your wooly wormhead project! It looks like mine! I was a wee bit worried about what I was knitting, but safety in numbers! I love a good surprise!
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Can’t wait to see all this lovely yarn worked up. One can’t go wrong with Fyberspates. Really. :)
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you haven’t let yourself go hon’, you’ve let go.
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You are an absolute star – I am signed onto the WW hat kal as well and have not been able to find a suitable yarn in my stash – so it’s off to Fyberspates now to buy the same yarn. Many many thanks for that,
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This time of year does indeed make a person want to make hats and mittens. And I would love to make something festive so please follow that compulsion:)) I love your designs!
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Oh, how I love that Forest colourway. I can’t wait to see the finished hat – I just know it will be gorgeous!
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Your review of Rural Charm has charmed me completely – I’m glad to see that Fyberspates has a US distributor.
I look forward to your festive hat!
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Although Fyberspates has a US distributor (Lantern Moon), Rural Charm is one of her hand-dyed bases, and is therefore only available in limited runs from her website (follow the link above). The Scrumptious range is available Stateside (but isn’t hand-dyed). Hope that’s helpful, and not too disappointing!
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Festive hat! Sounds great! Jump right in there, compared to the sequin Santa hats I saw the other day anything in beautiful natural Shetland wool is going to be beautifully tasteful, however over the top you feel it might be and festive hats are great.
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A very descriptive post. You really do make yarn come alive. I’m looking forward to the book.
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what is the wrap in your cover photo??? taking it for granted that it is one of yours?? is it something you will offer in the near future?? who’s design is it?? such a tease!!! it is soooo pretty!!!
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Yes, Linda, it IS one of my designs and the pattern is included in my new collection / book, out soon!
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Yes I was thinking the same thing. Goodness you love to tease us. Can’t wait
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Silly me, I should have checked the comments, I’ve just spent (a very nice) half an hour perusing revelry, and your pattern page trying to find it! Looking forward to the book.
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I agree, it’s beautiful, I spent ages gazing at it yesterday!
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Just realised that working from home a lot might explain my recent hat kick as well. Berets can be pulled over a pony tail for going to the gym for example…
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I LOVE Boreal…(am working on one myself)…so I can’t WAIT to see the hat design. Love winter and all its seasonal bliss.
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Sounds like you are having fun! Keep going, who cares about the hair! I just pull mine back and whip it into a ponytail in back. Makes it easy. I enjoyed the colors and yarns you are using, and looking forward to seeing what you have knitted. Enjoy!
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