Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Why I Love Knitting...

(...not to be confused with tomorrow's post, which will tell you why I hate it - on occasion.)

Aria Delicato pattern by Anne Hanson
I'm using up the 300 yard remainder of my Quince Finch Yarn, a beautiful, affordable wool that should occupy a place in every knitter's stash. Quince's shipping charge is incredibly reasonable - as much so as the yarn - so there's no reason to deny yourself. In contrast with Brooklyn Tweed fingering yarn, which I've written about before, the Finch is quotidien. It's got beautiful spring but it's in no way delicate. It's not expensive but the colours are rich and saturated. It's (practically) a budget yarn that doesn't present in that way. It's not scratchy (unlike the BT Loft) so you can wear it against your skin. It's not hipster yarn so you can use it for vintage projects without producing garments that look avant garde. What can I say, I really like it.

This pattern, while it looks intricate, is not difficult. When it blocks, I suspect the yarn will relax considerably and really show off the lace work to its best advantage. It's a very enjoyable knit.

You haven't seen the completed project for which I originally purchased this yarn, one which I've yet to seam up - though I certainly haven't forgotten about it. I've just got to wait for the right weekend to dive in (the finishing process is involved).

So, what do you think? Have you made this scarf? If yes, did you enjoy the knitting process, the finished outcome? Let's talk.

10 comments:

  1. Pretty! And this sounds like the kind of yarn that is up my alley. I haven't done this pattern, but I did knit a feathers and fan scarf early on that was similarly easy and very satisfying.

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  2. I haven't made the scarf, but I have a similar affection for Quince & Co. Finch, which I love and want to knit a dozen cardigans/sweaters out of. Such a fantastic yarn for the price, and considering it's sourced from American-raised sheep, it's even more impressive.

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    1. I know! It's so good! And I do love that it's locally sourced, for the most part.

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  3. What a pretty pattern! Have you ever read the Yarn Harlot on blocking? She regularly refers to the way that lace "looks like ass" until it's blocked, and it's true that the transformation is astonishing. So that pretty pattern is going to be even prettier!

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    1. I know! You should make it! Goes quickly for Xmas. It doesn't surprise me that Stephanie says unblocked lace looks like ass. Even I, with my limited knowledge of lacework, can tell that it's all going to settle in the blocking.

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  4. The pattern is beautiful and the wool sounds divine.

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  5. I'm looking for "tomorrow's post" about why you hate knitting?

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    1. Hi Jeri: The post is this one: http://line4line.blogspot.ca/2013/09/just-walk-away.html. Should have named it better!

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