Some progress . . .
I've been working on the Fleece Artist sock, see?
I turned the heel and picked up the gusset stitches on the bus ride home today. I don't think I'll be attempting that maneuver on public transportation anytime soon, I thought I was going to have to rip the whole thing out every time the bus stopped short!
I just realized I never blogged this project, so here's the details: Fleece Artist yarn in the color Woodlands, which I got from the Loopy Ewe. It was my first time ordering from them and I was really pleased with the service, although I could have done with less wrapping (too much waste with all those layers of tissue).
Anyway, I was curious to try this yarn and I am very impressed! It was surprisingly crunchy in the ball, so much so that I checked the label to see if there was any silk in it. I don't know how they do it but it's both shinier and crunchier than other 100% merinos, and it knits like a dream. The color is to die for, although it does pool as you can see above. The fabric I'm getting on size 1's is soft yet firm, and I have to admit (brace yourselves) that it's actually softer than Koigu. I feel like such a traitor for saying it! Koigu still wins in the color department though, so I still hold it as my top-ranked handpainted merino, but FA is now a close second.
I am trying to get this sock done so I can use the needles to finish the 2nd socks for the other 2 pairs I have going. That, along with deciding to scrap the fuschia cardigan, will allow me to start a new project . . . although I actually found 2 projects I forgot about when I made my list before . . .
Not that the guilt has stopped me buying even more yarn. Today I came home with this jem:
Jitterbug in the elusive Bright Charcoal color!
I have been dying for this color but couldn't find it in stock anywhere, but I'm kind of glad I didn't because String is now carrying Jitterbug! I even got to help pick the colors at TNNA last week! The shipment came in yesterday and I had to stop myself from buying more than just this skein. I had to keep telling myself that the yarn's not going anywhere and I can always order more! (speaking of which it's not up in the online store yet but should be by next week or so depending on how busy we are this weekend)
Which brings me to the project I want to cast on next, the June project from String Direct (click the link to see a photo). I had it in my head to knit the jacket in a dark eggplant and put black buttons on it, but I didn't like any of the purple-y colors that the yarns come in. So now I'm thinking of knitting it in chocolate brown (with brown buttons) or maybe off white (with tortoise shell buttons).
What do you think? What color should I make it in? You're not allowed to pick black or grey, but other than that any color goes, or color ideas. Keep the prominent buttons in mind! I'm at a loss. I keep seeing eggplant with black buttons in my mind's eye . . .
4 Responses
Wanda
Ohh, that Fleece Artist sock yarn looks delectable. I will have to definitely try it. And it’s their merino sock yarn, not the new sea cell sock yarn, right? I do like that Bright Charcoal color. It looks so pretty in the skein. Can’t wait to see more finished socks!
Andrea
I went to the Loopy Ewe and bought some FA for my swap partner and it came in the mail today – I can’t tell you how much I’ve been petting it and holding it. I need to get it out of the house before I keep it!
Sonya
Eggplant would be wonderful, but brown would be wonderful as well. With some lovely horn buttons – oooh.
Sandy
June 14, 2007
can’t wait to come in and see the jitterbug in person. I have one skein in sahara i am working on—but that is the only one i have seen