I started this knit blog two years ago today -- right around the time I learned to knit. It seems appropriate that the finished project I am flaunting today is going to the person who taught me to knit, my wee sister Molly. Molly is working on her graduate degree and just completed her student teaching. She deserves a gift in recognition of all of that effort.
The Aspen Neck Cowl is a simple and elegant knit. It would be easy for a pastel color like this pink to look a bit twee, but the ridged reverse stockinette pattern gives it a modern architectural feel. You can wear the cowl slouched around your neck or pulled up like a hood. If you haven't yet knit in the round, this would be a great first project. I'd recommend doing as I did, and knit it inside out, so as to spend more time knitting and less time purling.
The yarn I used is the Pure Baby Alpaca by future global microbrand Fable Handknit. I didn't have much experience with alpaca, but was seduced by the description. The yarn itself is a bit less elastic than I'm used to with wool, but the fiber knits up to an incredibly soft fabric with a gorgeous halo. It's also very warm.
You'll be able to purchase this yarn online from pureknits, a shop that is opening very soon now open. They shipped my test order quickly and the yarn was packaged very nicely. I have a feeling this store will be a big hit.
Full disclosure: I'm a bit biased because the proprietress is one of my favorite knitters. No, I did not get a discount to say this. She has impeccable taste and I'm confident you guys will be as big a fan of her shop as I am.
The Project: Aspen Neck Cowl
The Yarn: Fable Handknit Pure Baby Alpaca in Sweet Pink purchased from pureknits (I used about 2 1/2 skeins)
The Needles: 3.75mm 16" circular
Started: February 23 2006
Finished: March 6 2006
Various and Sundry Links - March 10 2006
- Could you eat a knob at night?
- Sew Fast Sew Easy is up to more Yahoo group trademark chicanery. I'm rather frustrated with Yahoo and the way they let these idiots harass their customers.
- I visited The Museum of Russian Art yesterday. The building is gorgeous and the collection was amazing. There's also the obligatory museum shop, which sold Orenburg-style shawls and these interesting boa scarves by smARTWORKs.
- Libby Dole is a real class act. It's always good to send people surveys/donation requests in a format that looks like official tax documents.
- Knit your Barbie a teensy weensy fair isle cardie [via Enchanting Juno].
- Project Runway is finally done and though I was disappointed that Santino lost, Chloe was a deserving winner. What surprised me is that I thought Kara's decoy collection was the best of the lot. knitters anonymous has posted a copy of the handspun hat that Kara sent down the catwalk or you could order one directly from Kara.
- I want to go back to Scotland and live in this $7 million tree house!
- Swapatorium has been posting wonderful scans from a 1930s Sketchbook of a Girl.
Wow, it looks great! I bet it feels so soft, too. Make sure to take some action shots of your sister modeling it.
Posted by: Oiyi | March 10, 2006 at 11:14
It is softer than anything I've knit before. I'll try to cajole her into posing in it.
Posted by: Amy | March 10, 2006 at 11:18
looks so yummy, Im sure your sister will enjoy it!
oh, here's where I first heard about those restaurants. http://www.chowmag.com/2006/02/19/my-dinners-bigger-than-yours-is/
Posted by: yahaira | March 10, 2006 at 12:20
Happy blog-iversary Amy! Your cowl looks super-soft too! I saw Kara's collection and didn't realize it was a decoy - very sneaky of the producers. I liked it a lot too. She is actually in Chicago this week showing her lingerie line at a local lingerie store.
Posted by: Melissa | March 10, 2006 at 12:53
lovely cowl!! and that's a gorgeous pink. i'm sure the recipient will love it. how many skeins did you use and how many yards per skein is this new yarn? i have some hairy alpaca at home that might be nice for this.
Posted by: gleek | March 10, 2006 at 12:58
Thanks! Yahaira, you are such a foodie.
Tim Gunn's podcast said they gave Kara the same $$ as the other designers so that it would be harder to pick out the decoy. Kara has some cute lingerie. I like the plumbing panties. http://tinyurl.com/ndkxg
Posted by: Amy | March 10, 2006 at 12:59
Thanks, gleek! I used about 2-1/2 skeins of the baby alpaca (approx. 145 m per skein). I should update the post to include that.
Posted by: Amy | March 10, 2006 at 13:02
The cowl looks lovely! And happy blogiversary to you :)
I was glad Chloe won. Santino had some nice designs but his collection was not cohesive at all. I think that after he watched the show back, he played it safe.
Posted by: jillz | March 10, 2006 at 13:26
Happy blogiversary too! The cowl looks great but you must show us some modelling shots :)
Posted by: lyn | March 10, 2006 at 13:33
Thanks for the tips for Kara's hats. I loved that yarn. I was very bummed that Santino didn't win, but it's probably for the best. He's not exactly Banana Republic is he?
Posted by: Christina | March 10, 2006 at 13:47
Happy blog-iversary!
I was completely floored that Chloe won. I had my money on Daniel.
Oh, and yes, you've got to show pics of your sister wearing the cowl!
Posted by: Veronique | March 10, 2006 at 13:48
Im a foodie, but I'll pass on the knob thanks! (let karl have it)
I should make you a cake for your blog-bday, do you think it will survive? would you eat it? do you trust me? :P
Posted by: yahaira | March 10, 2006 at 15:05
happy bloggoversary amy!
your cowl looks awesome, but yeah...you gotta model it for us so we get the full effect.
i love that kara hat. i haven't seen the rest of the collection but have heard it was the best of the lot. not surprising. that girl was good. i love love love her kimono dress. and the plumbing undies are a hoot.
Posted by: kate | March 10, 2006 at 17:42
Happy blog birthday!
The cowl looks so soft and cozy. Great job! I'm sure your sister will love it.
Re: SFSE -- That really burns me up. Wow. That's all I can say, while still being polite.
Posted by: Faith | March 11, 2006 at 07:12
amy! happy blogiversary and wow, the cowl is gorgeous! i demand modeled shots as well ;-)
Posted by: kris | March 13, 2006 at 06:45
happy happy blogiversary!
gosh, all these secret yarn shops. can't wait to see whose it is. that alpaca is so cute.
Posted by: carrie m | March 13, 2006 at 22:08
I love the cowl and can not wait to knit one myself. Right now I am in stash busting mode and have nothing to knit it with.
Happy Blog Birthday. Hope all is well
Posted by: megan | March 16, 2006 at 14:59