Eleven Stitches

Retro Redux Shrug

I finished up one little project that was on and off the needles before I took time to blog about it. 

Pattern: Retro Redux Shrug from Lace Style
Yarn: Berroco Pure Merino, 5 skeins
Needles: US 8, 9, 10 and 10.5 Knit Picks Harmony Circulars
Time to Knit: July 3 - 20
Modifications: I knit the sleeves (in the needle size 9 section) longer by about 4 inches on each side

A few weeks ago David mentioned that I hadn't bought any yarn recently, and he really thought that I should.  Now, this wasn't a random comment.  He really wanted me to be running more, and he wanted a reason to make me do it!  I headed over to my LYS with this project in mind.  It was fun to buy yarn with consideration-- most of the yarn I've bought since my resolution has been of the impulse purchase variety.   I considered Malabrigo since I've seen great versions in this yarn, but I've knit a lot of things out of Malabrigo and I wanted the chance to try something new. I have been wanting to try some Berroco yarn for a while now, and I was excited to find the Pure Merino in a great chocolate color.  It's very soft, but it also feels like it will hold up to wear. 

I cast on for this pattern on the train to Rhode Island for our clam bake.  It was the perfect project for this trip-- interesting enough, and easy to do even while having a conversation. 

I have to admit that I like the shrug a little better now that I've seen the pictures of it!  It feels a little bit weird to wear, but I do like the way it looks with my vintagey dress (which is store-bought, I must admit). I hope this will make me able to wear all of my dresses a little later into the season.

It's definitely warm.  I was really ready to take it off by the end of my little photo shoot. It's hot outside!

 

Gifts from Grandma

I have the cleverest of Grandmas.  She gave me just what I wanted for Christmas.  Yarn, of course!

There's a special place in my heart for Tess Supersock and Baby yarn.  It's so soft and strong.  The colors are so pretty.  I've made one pair of socks and one single sock with Tess yarn, and I love it.  Grandma, quite thoughtfully I must say, got me a skein when Megan was destashing recently.  Such a great gift.

But wait, there's more.  I've been very intrigued recently with BFL sock yarn.  Apparently, BFL is stronger than merino yarn, but it's still soft and a little bit shiny.  It seems that there isn't a vast number of people dyeing BFL yarn yet, but I know of at least one who is doing an excellent job of it.  Go visit Mama Blue's etsy shop right now.  You won't be disappointed.  How do I know?  Because my Grandma bought me half of a skein of her yarn.

Wait, half a skein? you might ask.  Well, yes.  Grandma's clever, thoughtful gifts only stretch so far.  We have to keep things fair for the other grandkids.  I was so pleased with this beautiful, soft, shiny yarn that I was happy to get the other half on my own.

Even if it means running laps.  400 yds x 1/2 x 4 = 800 yards.  Two laps.  I think it's worth it.  Don't you?