Friday 22 August 2014

from hillside to hat


 
I've been searching for my first proper "spin to knit" project for a while. I was very tempted to join in with Liesl and spin some sock yarn. Only problem is, my spinning skills and equipment are not quite yet up to the task (spinning worsted) and I think I'd be very disappointed to see all my hard work fall to pieces at a worn out heel.

Then Melody started talking about Shetland, Fairisle and hat knitting and I knew I'd found the project for me. The Shwook hat by Hazel Tindall is a low yardage hat that suits both delicate and more rugged (like mine!) yarns alike. It will also be a good opportunity to widen my knitting skills and finally try some Fair Isle.

Melody's idea for a knit-a-long during Shetland Wool Week has come-a-long at just the right moment!

I've got about six weeks to spin five 25g skeins of 2 ply jumper weight yarn in five different colour-ways ready to cast on the hat for the 4th October.

I'm incredibly excited about starting this project. There is something both incredibly rewarding and therapeutic about each stage of the process of turning a dirty bit of fleece into metre upon metre of soft knitting yarn.

I'm also excited by the prospect of documenting each stage of the journey here on my little blog. From hillside to hat, as it were.

6 comments:

  1. Oh yes! And I'm so excited to following you on this journey!
    You're going to create such a unique and beautiful piece.

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    1. ...that's if I ever managed to get all the yarn spun in time! Tee hee!
      I've been sampling and blocking this past week - oh I just can't wait to get properly cast on! xx

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  2. Wow, that sounds interesting. I've always thought I should try spinning at one point, but I still need to find out where/who I could learn or from. Looking forward to following your wool journey! :)

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    1. Yes, you should try spinning! It's such a wonderful past time (if massively addictive!) and from a knitter's perspective, it's teaching me so much about yarn construction and fibres. It's a shame you don't live closer, I'd love to show you the ropes! :)

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  3. yay so excited your joining! it must be so special to knit something from sheep to final piece, I hope I'll be able to do it too one day!

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    1. Yes, it'll be my first time seeing the process "de la toison au tricot" as it were!
      I'm very excited for the start of the KAL! Have you finalised your colourways now?

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