The Arch-Shaped Socks I'm knitting for the Ravelympics are thisclose to being finished. In the meantime, I've neglected to mention the other Big Thing occupying the needles right now, Jared Flood's Tweed Baby Blanket. A big chunk of garter stitch, even if it is bias, can get a bit boring after a time. But the yarn itself--oh my! I decided not to go the tweed route, but instead work with bright colors, something soft and cuddly. When I found Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo, it was love at first sight. And not only are the colors gorgeous, but the hand just makes me want to swoon. Snuggly is 80/20 bamboo and wool, which makes it the best of both worlds--you get the luscious feel and drape of bamboo, and the springiness of wool, but unlike 100% bamboo, this yarn is machine washable. I consider that a must for baby blankets. Bamboo also has antibacterial properties. Who knew?
Can't wait to get to the fan and feather lace border of this simple but gorgeous pattern. Since this is a Knitting Olympics project, it will have to be finished by the closing ceremonies. I can do the bias garter stitch in my sleep, but the pick-up-stitches border might be a bit of a challenge, so I'm not getting cocky about this blanket. Here's a peek, just to get your curiosity going:
This yarn is pure bliss to work with, so soft and light and not as splitty as some bamboo yarns can be. I'm hoping it will keep its shape pretty well, too, and not get baggy, since I have a feeling more of this yarn is going to find its way into my stash. My summer wardrobe needs some sort of glammed-up tee, and I need some airplane knitting for spring break. Sounds like a plan to me!
That yarn even looks luscious in the photo!
ReplyDeleteHave you tried slipping the first stitch purlwise with the yarn in front, to make edge stitches that are easier to pick up? I've read about it, but haven't tried it yet.
Cathie--yes, I thought about purling the first stitch, but Jared's instructions tell you to knit into the front and back of the first stitch of each row, then pick up a stitch in the first ridge, then knit into the front and back of the next ridge when it comes to picking up stitches. That being the case, I thought I'd just go with what he's written. It's not a tough pattern, but picking up stitches is "fiddly" to me. Oh well. It will be worth it!
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