Finally...

I have things to share.  Actual knitting.  With photographs and everything.  First up, Demi.   I've explained the fit issues.  It is now proudly owned and frequently worn by Bridgette, who volunteered to be photographed so I could have proof of life. 

Breakdown:
Demi from Rowan Vintage Knits
7 skeins of 100% Cormo from Buckwheat Bridge Farms, purchased at Rhinebeck NY Sheep and Wool Festival 2007
Buttons from G Street Fabric
Modifications - nothing substantial.
Conclusion - Note to self - CHECK YOUR GAUGE.  However, Bridgette loves the sweater dearly.  It's really nice to have someone love and appreciate so much a garment that you've made.  So, all in all, a great project.  I'd definitely make another one, just not right now.

Next up, I decided to tackle some lace.  I have a great deal of Rowan Yorkshire Tweed 4-Ply that I snatched up when Knit Happens was having a sale a few years back.  It was mainly odds and ends - not enough to make a sweater in a full color, but it's been used for some really good projects in smaller quantities thusfar (such as Mist, the hat from Rowan Yorkshire Fable that I'm wearing in my profile photo). 

One of the colors in which I had good yarnage (that was a typo, supposed to be "yardage" but I thought it was punny so I left it) is Enchanted.  Lovely grey/lavendar tweedy goodness.  I'd wanted to tackle lace and, having seen the MANY beautiful results on Ravelry, decided to cast on for the Shetland Triangle. Two weeks later, I had this:   

Breakdown:
Shetland Triangle from Wrap Style
5 skeins of Rowan Yorkshire Tweed 4-Ply in Enchanted, purchased from a Knit Happens fire sale.  Unfortunately, when Rowan decided to consolidate and just sell their Scottish Tweed line, they discontinued this colorway and there is not a similar one now.  That's a pity, because it's gorgeous.
Needles: Addi Lace, size 6
Modifications - 15 repeats of the pattern instead of the suggested 8 (different yarn, different needles, etc).
Conclusion - LOVE. IT.  An incredibly easy pattern to memorize, with beautiful results.  If I did it again, I would have made it larger.  But those purl rows get a bit tedious and I was ready to be done with it.  It's definitely more of a scarf than a shawl.  But that's alright. 

I've definitely been focusing on knitting with existing stash.  I'm really proud of myself for that.  I have a ridiculous amount of money invested in all the yarn I have right now and it sits around collecting dust.  So, for the next several projects, I'll be knitting from stash (save one). 

Marinating ideas include:
Valia from Twist Collective - I own the suggested yarn in that very colorway!
Hemlock Ring Blanket - already cast on in Buckwheat Bridge merino.
Magnolia from Rowan Vintage Style - finished the back.  Problem - Rowan the cat loves Rowan the yarn.  specifically Kid Classic.  She's now obliterated two skeins.  I'm wondering whether this yarn needs to be sacrificed to the kitty gods for the greater good...

Also, I'm loving what Ms. Punster did with Heroine from Twist Collective.  Doesn't that look fabulous?  I wouldn't have given that pattern a second glance before seeing hers.  And I have that lovely Alchemy Lonestar that hasn't figured out what it wants to be... On the backburner, but definitely considered.

Finally, I'm anxiously awaiting a Christmas present to arrive in the mail.  10 skeins of Rowan Yorkshire Tweed Aran (SHOCKER) in Thistle.  To be made into October Frost from A Fine Fleece.  Any sweater designed with cables to resemble wise old trees is a-okay in my book. 

This is likely the last update for awhile.  Heading out Saturday morning for a family vacation in the Carribbean.  Can't wait.  Looking forward to soaking up some vitamin D.

Comments

[lisa]

Wow! Demi is gorgeous. A shame about the fit, but it looks great on Bridgette. Is the merino for the Hemlock Ring Blanket by any chance Othello? I still have not knit up my old gray Othello yet, but am also committed to knitting from stash as much as possible this year. If so, we'll have to compare our Othello FOs!

[ann]

Demi is gorgeous! Thanks for the warning about gauge. I will learn from you. :)

Have a GREAT vacation. You've earned it!

[danielle]

Demi and the Shetland Triangle look wonderful! I don't even need to tell you how jealous I am of your vacation! Have a wonderful time.

[Sharon]

Oh man!!!! That lucky girl. Love your work. :0)