I thought it was about time I posted about the alpaca and wool fiber I spun up last summer
(see this post for beginning of the spinning process : https://gwenbuchanan.blogspot.com/2019/05/heading-into-my-little-studio-early.html
I handspun on my traditional Ashford wheel.. such a simple dependable tool... I love working with it.
skeins done up after removing from the clothesline
on the skeinwinder... another dependable tool
using the ball winder here to make it easier to use the yarn..
It keeps the loft in the yarn as it is not wound on too tightly
beginning pics of the knitting/experimenting on the wool/alpaca blend... I really enjoyed the entire process...
still hoping it will turn into a cardigan.
At first I was going to make a knit purl diamond design across the body of the sweater, but it seems the yarn has so much colour/texture that they would disappear so I am just doing stockinette stitch on the body and an interesting ribbing for the bottom of the sweater and the sleeve cuff.
I persevered with my limited knowledge and made the 2 fronts and the back
seamed them together at the shoulder and picked up the stitches for the sleeves from the bodyback and front side seams ( before sewing together)
Well, surprisingly, I finished knitting my cardigan..
...can't believe I did it.. 'cause I do not know how to knit a cardigan..
took measurements from a very worn out old shirt, scribbled notes on several sheets of paper...
I did not know what I was doing but I just kept knitting, changing things as I went along...
I did not know how to make buttonholes or a real collar... but it eventually turned into a cardigan!!!
...took 3 weeks.... and I am really missing working on it.
It actually fits and is really warm... I'm pleasantly boggled ...I think I love it!
A big Thank You to all the YouTube people who share your knowledge..
9 comments:
I love warm wooly clothes. I used to have a sort of knitted vest/cardigan almost like this one, thick and grey, when I was a child. The wool made it itchy, but I loved it big time.
I'm impressed, friend Gwen. Just in time for the Big Deep Freeze, eh? :) Love, cat.
Fantastic, it looks terrific. From start to finish. Will be great for winter. Wish I had learnt to spin. I am afraid I am too old now.
That's awesome Gwen! I think it's so neat that you spin your own wool. Very cool! Is the yarn soft?
Beautiful, like everything you do! I'm so impressed by all your skills ... And I haven't even finished my first knitted vest yet!
Wow, thank you lovely people Laura, Rain, Penny, Cat Guillaume for checking out my crazy need to be creative with a function!! so kind... Yes the yarn is so soft... not scratchy at all, the alpaca makes it even softer and warmer., Just received our biggest snowfall of the winter yesterday..very calm today and the sun is shining.. now onto clearing the driveway.. Cheers
Dear Wildside , Thank you for visiting. I have taken to wearing this sweater every day. This winter has been bearable and it is almost the end of Jan. not much longer now.. I guess if I have any big inside projects now is the time to dive into them. I haven't been able to get on your blog... Hope you are well and life is good. Cheers
what talent you have - i would be happy to knit or crochet a kitchen mitt or a square.
Ha Sandy... Maybe it's the cold weather that drives me on... ha
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