Chickenlips Knitting

It's such a pretty tweed, and incredibly soft. It has some silk and cashmere in it. I bought one ball for swatching. I'd love to have enough to make a sweater from Michele Rose Orne's drool-inducing book Inspired To Knit, but those pesky, pervasive, financial woes have hit Stitchjones in a big way. Not to go into boring detail--it's just that while the business seems to be growing by leaps and bounds, I'm investing in materials to do trade shows this year while trying to keep materials in stock to complete the wholesale orders that are coming in, and it's left operating capital completely depleted. Which translates to no more stashing for a while. So right now my stash is at the top of my gratitude list, and I have been knitting some of it up into things to give away--something that always makes me feel good.

Here's a comfort shawl made for the Shawl Ministry at the local Unitarian Universalist church.

It came out to be about 66" long and blocked like a dream. The photo doesn't do it justice--there's color complexity, and lustrous gleam from the 50% wool/50% alpaca blend. The yarn is Artful Yarns Jazz, and I got 4 250-yard hanks from last fall's auction and swap at Tigard Knitting Guild, all for the fabulous sum of $10! How could I not make that yarn into something warm and cuddly and unisex?

I was so happy with how it came out that I started another shawl, this one a little more challenging but still easy.

It's the Beginner Triangles shawl from A Gathering of Lace. When making shawls, I tend to gravitate towards patterns that don't strain the brain, as I hate to have to go back and fix mistakes! This is easy peasy, and should also block out beautifully and soft. I'm using Galway wool in a pretty shade of aqua, and size 8 needles.

Eventually I'll finish Mr. Stitchjones socks and sweater. I did cast on for the second Earl Grey sock, and was making good progress on his Cobblestone sweater. I dug it out of my knitting basket to take a photo.

The yarn is Classic Elite Portland Tweed. I really think it's going to look great if I could just get cranking on it, I'm such a little yarn dilettante!

FAIL dept.: The Stargazer top (Ravelry link) has crashed and burned. I joined the bodice to the sleeves, bound off, and tried it on. Damn thing wouldn't even go over the bewbs. So in a fit of pique I ripped out the bodice--hey, I'm a bodice ripper! (groan) and concluded that this type of garment construction doesn't work well for me. I also saw a photo of the finished top on a plus size lady, and I have to say it isn't the most flattering for big gals. I do much better with straightforward designs knit in the round, like the Bombshell. The sleeves will eventually be frogged too.

As for the photos I was going to show you last post, here they are. I haven't gotten much action from my new colorway on Etsy, but I'm in love with it. It's "Bollywood", inspired by those awesome production numbers in musicals from India. Here it is on Titanium Sock and BFL roving.

Have a great week! Today after a walk, which really helps fight my 2 nemeses Depression and Arthritis, I'll fire up the dyepots.