Friday, April 11, 2008

Yarn-Pattern Marriage Made in Proverbial Heaven

Without a doubt, the best combination of yarn and pattern I've ever made:
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Pattern: Shoulder Cozy from Wrap Style
Yarn: Manos del Uruguay 100% wool in 104 colourway

I was pleased from the moment I began this project. The slip-stitch pattern shows off the lovely colours of the Manos wonderfully.
It's one of those patterns that just gets ingrained in your brain, so completing it was a breeze (total of three days, I believe).
I hardly modded it. The only changes I made were:
-near the end where it says to knit straight for 7 rows, I did so only for 2 (I think it was 2)
-only cast off 2 stitches for the buttonhole (not 4 like called for)
-only did 5 rounds for the edge ribbing (instead of 6)

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Yet another happy-factor on this here knit was the serendipitous-ness of the button.
Received in a swap from France many moons ago, I'd been waiting for the perfect project to stick this perfect-button on.

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I mean really, a little bird? How could I resist?

So there it sits, decorating my shoulder and keeping me warm in my all-too-frigid work environment.

My only issue is this:
After having folded over the ribbed edging, it puffs out a bit much for my liking. I imagine blocking may cure part of this, but the pattern specifically says "Do not block".
And I understand why. Block, and ruin that lovely, lofty slip-stitch pattern?

The slip-stitch was a new technique for me. Anyone else try something new lately? Expanding the knit-experience is always fun, especially when you wind up with an infinitely wearable garment!

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ps: After promising several days ago to do so, I've finally typed up my very sketchy notes for the St Blaise. They can be found here.

7 comments:

Kai said...

Love the shoulder cozy!! Looks great.

This year all about learning new techniques for me.. so far it's been short row heels and magic loop, next it'll be lace cast-on and mastering lacework with actual laceweight!

Anonymous said...

I love it! Manos was the perfect for that! I'm going to have to make one too....

Teresa said...

Thanks!

kai: I need to add Magic Loop to my list too! I've never used that before.

Shannon said...

gorgeous! and the button IS perfect! i (finally) finished my DROPS jacket ala your mods...'tis on my Ravelry, and i'll make sure to x-post to blogspot right now...
:) i think i'm going to tackle the next one with a handspun 2-ply in the thicker gauge, because the malabrigo is pilling like crazy and i've hardly worn the thing.

Hilary said...

Ooh...I LOVE it!

Lucia said...

wow i love it, here in my country, argentine, manos del uruguay are expensive... we are near to uruguay!!! but i cant buy this beautiful yarn...
kisses and i like all your beautiful jobs!!!
im your super fan

Jessica (Totally Lacquer Obsessed) said...

I must agree; I'm a huge fan! You're an amazing knitter. I can't get enough of your knits.

And as for doing something new, I'm doing my first shawl complete with yarn-overs (also new to me). If you can't tell I'm new. lol.

Check me out on Ravelry (jessicad)

Happy Knitting! Can't wait to see what you do next!