Karen's Handpainted Gloves KAL I got the pattern on Wednesday and couldn't wait to cast on. It was like coming home - Lace is OK, but I ADORE fairisle knitting. I love the way the pattern forms and that it is easy to tink if you make a mistake. I like counting the pattern in my head as I knit along the row: eg. one, two two, three, two, two, one - because there is always a rhythm and a balance and a flow (I know - I sound like a complete eejit - only other knitters can understand!). I love the way the colours merge and change according to what they're put next to.
I just LOVE colour. Swatch - what's that? Fortunately it fits perfectly, knit on 2mm dp needles.I'm using this yarn:
the Opal self patterning yarn for the pattern, with the light coloured Rowan cashsoft for highlights and the Jaeger Matchmaker and Rowan 4ply soft for the background.
I didn't like how the black and white pattern of the Opal made the top of the first flower disappear, although it worked OK in the corrugated rib, so I've edited it as I've gone on.Doing the fingers is going to be fun - theyr'e all different and, although there are suggested patterns, I'm just going with the flow. The braided cast on was interesting to knit and looks good too. I wonder what else it could be used on?
The pattern was very expensive - at $13 inc. postage, it was more than a Rowan pattern book! But, having moaned about the cost, I'm enjoying knitting these gloves so much that I forgive the KAL site for not mentioning the price until AFTER I joined up and requested the pattern. Very canny. Being part of a KAL is also good fun, as I'm enjoying seeing what colourways other knitters have chosen, and how they transform the pattern into something totally unique. Guess that's what knitting is all about.
I got something very special from my not so secret 'secret pal' (NSSSP) when I got home late last night - A hugely generous voucher to spend at my favourite local yarn store Spin-a-yarn. What a fantastic present! I've a mind to spend it on the beautiful handpainted yarn from New Zealand and use it to try and recreate a diagonally knit jumper I designed years ago for some fancy Italian yarn that can't even be bought nowadays. Thanks Terri - a really original and inspired gift. I'm overwhelmed.
27 comments:
Oooh, I said a rude word when I saw the first pic come up on my screen! Best not to repeat it, I'm sure, but the polite version would be that it's absolutely fantastic! I'm very impressed and looking forward to seeing further progress :)
The gloves are gorgeous! And I am truly impressed by your knitting ability - fair isle no less. I don't think I'll ever try it in a million years, but I so admire those who produce beautiful work like this. Well done. :o)
Terri - phsaw! I've seen your work on your blog, and you have done things that are just as good if not better. Fairisle is so much easier than a lot of other fancy stitches so long as your tension is kept even when you strand colours across the back.
Thanks for your lovely feedback, guys - I'm off to work with a warm fuzzy glow. (and that's not because I had porridge for breakfast either!).
Loveeeeeellly glovely! They are exceptionally beautiful gloves! and what a fantastic present from your pal too!
I agree with Seahorse LOL !! it's a fantastic pattern & I so love your colour combo ; makes me want to dump all my knitting projects & dig out some fair isle . Look forward to see how your gloves turn out :)
Great gift from your not so SP :)
I was really temped to join that KAL but I had joined a few other so decided not to. I really wish I had now, seeing your gloves take shape, they are gorgeous! Wonderful yarns you're using.
Your SP is so cool!
Thanks so much for directing me to the Real Seed Co in your coment on my blog! Brilliant site :)
Oh wow - those are absolutely amazing!
Tutmut they are gorgeous!!! You are soooo clever!!! I love these gloves. I have been too scared to try Fair Isle, and too enamoured with lace and cables but you truly inspire me :)
I'm not a fan of Opal self-patternng, but it looks really good in this combo.
India
Stuning gloves. Love them. And lucky you getting a gift voucher for Spin A Yarn. I'm going up there on 1st May for the knitting club.
Wow! What an amazing glove! Wow again.
;) Happy day! :)
Wow, they are stunning! I don't think I could ever do fair isle! The colours look lovely together.
wow - very impressive gloves. I've never tried fairisle yet - maybe one day, when I'm as clever as you ;)
Following your comment on the kal, I've come over here to see you. Ah, so Devon is it? Bit far from me in Cambs! I love your gloves, I wondered how you managed to get that light purple stripe in the middle of the big flower, never thought you'd used all those different balls of wool! Very clever.
I love the colours you have chosen to use, How clever of the yarn to make it look like you've used so many colours! Beautiful work!
KEWL!!!
sorry, i didn't know how much the pattern was, only that i wanted it .. if you know anyone that wants to join, we are still taking members .. gotta get my yarn & pattern
Cathy
What an inspiring post - I must have a go at fairisle. great idea to use self-patterning yarn in that way. Looking forward to seeing more pics of your work...
Your gloves are so beautiful , I love the colours , they should cheer you up on a freezing January morning .
Wonderful gloves!! I just love the colours!! Congrats to them!
Love those gloves!
The gloves look lovely in your colour choices. I've had the pattern for a little while but couldn't find any two yarns the pattern stated that I liked together...maybe more colours is the answer. Yours work really well together.
Fantasic gloves! The pattern is great and I love the colours with it. Anything with purple is always good! Just a shame the weather is getting better and you won't need to wear them for a while.
Your knitting is gorgeous. I must be an eejit too because I fully understand what you are saying about fair isle knitting.
The gloves are lovely. Makes me want to dye some graduated coloured yarns to do fairisle. Hmm
They're gorgeous! I'm in awe. I can't wait to see them finished. Knit faster woman!
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