Monday, August 31, 2009

Playing with Hand Dyed Yarns.

I recently had the pleasure of knitting with some beautiful hand dyed yarns. Liz of MacKintosh Yarns needed some knitted samples made with her yarns and I happily volunteered. After looking at my Ravelry page, she asked me to make 2 baby sweaters. She would send me the yarn and I could choose the patterns. This gave me the opportunity to try some patterns that have been on my queue for a while.
I have to say that this was my favorite color. It's called Submerged. This worsted weight is soft and it's superwash. It knits up quickly and produces a wonderful baby sweater.
It held up well even after I frogged it many times. The collar has stepped increases and it kept coming out wonky. I finally decided to omit the increases and cast on the full 62 stitches. It worked out really well. I could easily slip this whole sweater over Melody's head without having to struggle.

Pattern: Striped Outfit for a Stripeknight (Free PDF pattern via Ravelry)
Needles: US 6 / 4.0 mm
Yarn: MacKintosh Yarns Skye Worsted Weight, 1.2 skeins = 300.0 yards (274.3m), color: Submerged

Victoria is a very rich color. It was along the lines of reddish purple, but very deep. At times, it almost looked like a reddish brown to me. This is just as soft as the Worsted Weight above.This sweater was a time consuming knit, but I am so happy with the final result. I knit it with Size 3 needles and it felt like it took forever. The pattern calls for fingering and this yarn, Chubby Sock, is a sport/dk weight. So, I used a slightly thicker yarn and bigger needles. I followed the directions for the 0-3 month size and the final result is a 6-12 month size.

The sweater is a top down raglan, but the sleeves have to be knit flat and them seamed. I made the mistake of using DPN's and thought I could knit them in the round. The lace pattern has to be done flat, so I had to rip back. The pom pom i-Cord ties are such a cute addition to the sweater. I will definitely be knitting this one again.

Pattern: Betty Lou Lace Cardigan from the book, Vintage Baby Knits.
Needles: US 3 / 3.25 mm
Yarn: Yarn: MacKintosh Yarns Chubby Sock, 1.7 skeins = 425.0 yards (388.6m), color: Victoria

The sweaters are on their way to Liz of MacKintosh Yarns. They will be displayed in her booth at Stitches Midwest. Are any of you going to Stitches Midwest?


My canning adventure continues! I turned all the apricots and peaches I have been receiving from the CSA into marmalade. The soft chunks of fruit are so delicious on a slice of toast. It was a lot of work blanching and peeling the skins, but it's worth it.
The winner of the Ball Blue Book Guide to Preserving is Micki. Micki, please email me your address so I can send you the book.

23 comments:

alcatmom said...

I'm going to the Stitches Midwest market on Saturday! I'll have to stop by the booth so I can see the sweaters in person.

Sue said...

Those yarns are just gorgeous colors, and the items you chose to knit are just absolutely beautiful. I have to say the vintage knit with pompoms is my favourite and I have that same book too. I havent even finished my first project from it as yet as I have been too busy doing other things. Lucky babies who will get to wear those when they are finished being displayed.

caitlyn said...

Wow, both sweaters come out just lovely!!! Great job!

Rima said...

Super super cute. The blue yarn is also my favourite. The other sweater looks like an adult luxury garment! It is a stunner.

Jennie said...

Totally cute sweaters, really loving the turquoise yarn, one of my favourite colours.

knithound brooklyn said...

Lucky you to test knit these yarns! The results are beautiful and I thank you for posting a new enabler to satisfy the yarn and fiber stash enhancements!

Will you get the sweaters back eventually so Melanie can wear them?

CelticCastOn said...

Both sweaters are sooo cute and look great in those yarns. I love the simplicity of the blue one.
Lucky you for getting to test knit!!

hetty said...

The sweaters are absolutely stunning! Nice job. Your jam looks good too!

Micki said...

Good grief, I never win anything--thanks so much! I'll email you as soon as gmail stops throwing a fit.

The baby sweaters are so sweet, and that jam photo is making me hungry.

Agnes said...

I absolutely love the colour of Victoria ... it's rich and comforting to me.

Stephanie said...

your posts are always full of fantastic goodness :) both sweaters are absolutely adorable, and your lineup of marmelade looks absolutely delicious!

shirley said...

I love both sweaters, they're fantastic! And your marmalade has me drooling...where do you find the time to make such wonderful things?!?

Kathy said...

Wow! Beautiful yarn and beautiful sweaters. Good choices for both!

Rebekah said...

wow...that's some beautiful wool and those are some pretty sweaters. I love the first one (color and pattern, both). Great job!

Hannah said...

Simply gorgeous (and seemingly so soft!) sweaters... Makes me wish I was small enough to wear them! :)

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

Both of your sweaters are so beautiful. I am just in awe of your talent as a knitter. And your fruit preserves look so appealing! I can almost taste them! We haven't had any great deals of fruits this summer. Guess it is the hot dry weather down here to blame. :(

Judy said...

Oh my! The sweaters are sooo cute! I love both of the colors!

Daniel Yuhas said...

Wow! Great work as ever, and what gorgeous yarn!

Sam said...

Wow! These sweaters are both gorgeous - I love the patterns, the yarn and colour. Beautifully done.

Corrie said...

oh gorgeous! love your knitting and the marmalade looks delicious too!

Corrie:)

zakkalife said...

oh, love the color Victoria, very rich. and of course the sweater is adorable, as usual. everything you knit always looks lovely

Lisa Stepi said...

Lovely colors, and those sweaters are so cute! And homemeade jam is the best :)

Knitterella said...

Those sweaters are just adorable!! Beautiful colors too!