Who doesn’t like a nice, warm jumper? Or for that matter a cardigan, sweater vest, slipover, gilet or a zip-up?

And when such a garment is spun from the finest lambswool clothing, the wearer can be sure of unsurpassed luxury with thick fibres keeping them cosy – regardless of what the weather throws their way.

cozy jumpers and garments really is, with around 30 processes involved. Let us look at the different qualities that these materials possess. Merino wool is perhaps one of the best known, and garments really is, with around 30 processes involved. Let us look at the different qualities that these materials possess. Merino wool is perhaps not viewed as a luxury material – in fact, in Roman times the material so special, and the manufacturing process involved means that garments end up warm, cosy and comfortable but “breathe” well.

Before the innovation of Gore-Tex and other similar waterproof materials, cashmere was the fabric of choice for explorers conquering Everest and undertaking other adventures. Lambswool clothing is perhaps one of the Cashmere goat is what makes the material was reserved purely to be worn by the highest-ranking leaders. The soft coat of the best known, and garments really is, with around 30 processes involved. Let us look at the different qualities that these materials possess. Merino wool is perhaps one of the best known, and garments made from this sumptuously soft material can be sure of unsurpassed luxury with thick fibres keeping them cosy – regardless of what the weather throws their way.

Yet while we’re happy to enjoy the warmth provided by these stylishly practical garments, do we think about how our comfortable attire is manufactured? You may be surprised at just how technical the process of turning luxury yarns, such as lambswool, merino and cashmere, into jumpers and other similar waterproof materials, cashmere was the fabric of choice for explorers conquering Everest and undertaking other adventures. Lambswool clothing is perhaps one of the best known, and garments really is, with around 30 processes involved.

Let us look at the different qualities that these materials possess.

Cabled cowl hand-knitted with Manos del Uruguay Wool Clasica. It has an ending that gives the garment a Victorian style at the same time modern. The body was knitted with cabled ribs that gives consistency and firmness to the piece. The one-piece garment fastens with two wooden buttons.

Details:
-Dimensions:
Length 15.75 in – 40 cm
Wide 6.3 in – 16 cm
-Weight: 2.12 oz – 60 gr
-Materials: Manos del Uruguay Wool Clasica, Hera 6554, 100% corriedale and merino blend wool, craft spun, hand dyed in variegated purple, rust, orange, ocher and blue. Wooden buttons.

This collar is a detail of sophistication to be worn on the lady’s neck. It could be fine with a hair up, with a collarless shirt, both in winter and mid-season.
The ideal complement and gift for her.

Buy it…

Cabled cowl hand-knitted with Manos del Uruguay Wool Clasica. It has an ending that gives the garment a Victorian style at the same time modern. The body was knitted with cabled ribs that gives consistency and firmness to the piece. The one-piece garment fastens with two wooden buttons.

Details:
-Dimensions:
Length 15.75 in – 40 cm
Wide 6.3 in – 16 cm
-Weight: 2.12 oz – 60 gr
-Materials: Manos del Uruguay Wool Clasica, Scorpio 6460, 100% corriedale and merino blend wool, craft spun, hand dyed in variegated olive green, rust, ocher and brown. Wooden buttons.

This collar is a detail of sophistication to be worn on the lady’s neck. It could be fine with a hair up, with a collarless shirt, both in winter and mid-season.
The ideal complement and gift for her.

Buy it…

I came across some patterns yesterday using small amounts of bulky yarn.  So I whipped the following:

That BFL I was tickled I didn’t felt?  I held it double and made this quick cowl:

Keely modeling the cowl

Close up of cowl

And remember my first wheel spun handspun? The crazy thick & thin stuff?

It became this cool chunky beret:

Close up of beret

These turned out so well, I decided to quick spin the Squoosh merino nice & thick to knit up some more quick berets and cowls.

It is drying now.

VERY SCARLET OOAK Wedding or Special Occasions Full HANDMADE Felted Bolero with Detachable Collar Scarf

Available at my Etsy shop:
Magical Laboratory of Fashion
© COPYRIGHT NOTE: All of my designs, photos and descriptions are protected by copyright. They may not be duplicated, copied, reproduced and/or republished without permission or notice. All rights are reserved.

I’ve been working on Rose Red by the phenomenal Ysolda.

Although one knitter said that this could be her desert island knitting — as in, if she could knit one pattern only for the rest of her life, this would be it — I would not go that far.  I’ve determined that lace Stresses. Me. Out.  It requires a lot of counting and double-checking, especially when it comes to keeping track of those yarn-overs. 

That said, this is a terrifically well-written pattern with a nice result.  And Malabrigo Silky Merino is delicious.  I am eager to see it all blocked out.  (You may be able to see in the photo that some of the lace stitches, while accurate, look wonky pre-blocking.)   At this point, I plan to do a 1×1 rib at the bottom, which looks more finished and practical to me in the Ravelry examples I’ve studied.

I am, I believe, almost out of my hat phase and have almost recovered from the disaster that was my Empire Waist Cardigan.  (I am not linking here because I just don’t want those pictures getting more play.  You can do a search on the right if you absolutely must!)  I am just about ready to jump into that pullover I mentioned recently.

By the way, I’ve done some baking recently too — ricotta muffins, Hanukkah cookies and coconut macaroons.  For some reason, I’m a bit shy about posting these things.  I am kind of intimidated by the amazing cooking and baking blogs out there.  I simply can’t compete.  But baking is something that I do do with moderate frequency.

I like saying that, “The” Base Layer, like there’s only one.  Plus it feels like a subtle way to make fun of The North Face.

I learned about wicking many years ago, when I lived in San Francisco, and spent half my life on a bike.  Despite my incredulity, I decided to try a short-sleeved wool tee-shirt.  It was scratchy, but it pulled the sweat away from my skin like a greedy sponge, so that after I overheated climbing a hill, I wouldn’t freeze in my sweat and the wind.  And it was good.

These days, doing backcountry hiking in the mountain snow, cycling at northern latitudes, kayaking, etc, and fighting the start, stop, start syndrome ( working up a sweat, and then stopping, can be uncomfortable ) has sent me back to give wool another shot.  This time, I tried merino wool.

I went with an Arc’teryx top and bottom, along with a neck gaiter and glove liners, so that when I head out into the wild, my body is covered in wool.  This is comfortable under the goretex hard shell I wear, as long as I’m doing some amount of exercise, or have been recently.  I’ll get a little cold dressed this way if I bike by the Sound at night sometimes – the breeze coming off the 40 degree sea water chills to the bone.  Otherwise, however, this is an excellent setup.

Because of wool’s temperature regulation, slight water resistance, and ability to stay warm while wet, if there’s no wind, I’ll take short walks ( up to an hour and a few miles ) with no jacket.  It’s been about 40 degrees lately in the evenings, and this is very comfortable, even in the rain.

Best of all, wool doesn’t stink.  I’ve had mine for a month, worn it every day while exercising and once a week to the office, and have yet to wash it.

A base layer is the most important layer you’ll wear, as it sits immediately next to your skin, keeping you dry.  My recent experience has shown this to be true in spades.  If you’re just getting into winter outdoor sports, I can’t recommend merino enough as a first base layer.  Skip past the synthetics.

I was going to order a second shirt, as I sweat more from my torso than legs, and found this.  If you’re in the market for the top to a base layer, BackCountry.com has a long sleeve merino tee on sale for $40, which is a tempting enough price that I just ordered one.  The shirt goes down to almost half this for ladies;  just the shirt was $99 from Arc’teryx.  I haven’t received mine yet, but assume that since it’s made from the same grade of the same fabric, so I’m assuming this is a deal.

Merino Wool - Base Layer Top

I impulsively bought 2 braids of pigeonroof studios merino in unknown colorways in a ravelry destash earlier this week, and they arrived yesterday.

My plan is to fill a bobbin with each braid, and then ply them together to make a squishy super-sized skein. (I made progress on this first bobbin late last night, not instead of working, but instead of sleeping…)

Wouldn’t it be cool if I could sit at my spinning wheel and produce a conclusion I’m happy with for my paper — along with pretty singles?

Time for coffee and concluding, I hope.

Carmen called over for a cup of tea and a chat this morning, we actually hadn’t met for over a week as both of us have been so busy in the run up to Christmas. 

The finished felt bag, new handles attached!

I was delighted with her input re. adding handles to a felt bag that I had made, this bag is to be sent to a swap buddy in the States and I was very frustrated with the shoulder strap that I had already stitched on.  We both agreed that the long linen shoulder strap was awful, it really didn’t add anything at all to the bag.  I had a pair of  simple oval wooden handles in my studio and felt that they would suit the shape better, Carmen agreed.  My problem was wondering exactly how to attach them to the bag so that the metal ‘closure’ was not actually visable and Carmen solved the problem by suggesting stitching some fancy yarn over the join.  The yarn that I used is Icelandic knitting wool, not fancy at all but a perfect colour choice for the merino in the bag, stitching the handles on completed before lunchtime which must be some kind of record for me!

My second completed project of the day was a chunky felt and ceramic necklace, destined for …..’s Christmas present, don’t want to give the game away so not posting any pics yet!  The ceramic beads were another buy at the Knit and Stitch Show, they are a beautiful shape and each one is uniquly glazed in various shades of chocolate, rust, ochre and teal.  I used some of the Norwegian C1 wool that I ordered from one of the suppliers at ‘Felt in Focus’ this summer for the felt balls.  The colours of wool that I had complimented the ceramic beads perfectly and the felt balls didn’t seem to feel scratchy at all, I had been wondering would they but there was no need to worry.

Completed project number three is a crochet cowl, I know, I know, not felt but what can I say!  This is something that I started at the end of my American adventures when crocheting was my only connection to fibre and it kept me sane on the flights home before I seemed to get struck down with possible swine flu.  This is another Christmas pressie, this time for an old family friend.  I have finished it off with a beautiful resin stick from Woolfish, yet another Knit and Stitch find!

Lastly I have a confession to make!  Carmen fell in love with the velvet encrusted scarf from yesterday so it became part of her Christmas present, I forgot to take a photo before she headed off with it so here are a couple with the wool laid out and the velvet and silk ribbons embellishing the surface.  Apologies for the quality of the images, for some reason my camera has severe difficulties when taking anything in this particular colour combination!

Velvet and silk ribbons laid on top of the merino

Trapping the velvet with wisps of wool

I love the Alpine Frost Scarf published in Interweave Crochet.  I had made one out of mohair for a red-haired friend but I wanted one for myself made from the yarn that was used in the original.  Alas, that yarn is very pricey!  Enter Knitpicks, the best value for yarn and natural fibers on the web.  I chose a lace weight yarn that is 70% merino wool and 30% silk.  I wanted the frosty white color in the pattern but was only able to get an off-white called Bare.

After finishing with the first skein I was surprised to see that my scarf measured 44″!  I had ordered 3 skeins according to the yardage required in the pattern instructions.  Each skein is 440 yards long.  However, to get the open and airy lacy look I had to go up to a size G crochet hook.  The pattern calls for a size D.  Once the scarf is blocked, the design will really be much more evident.  Since the finished scarf is 66″ long, it looks as if I will have enough yarn to make another one!  Now, who do I know that would love this scarf?  Any ideas?

214 yards superwash merino handdyed

Here is the full skein picture (before setting the twist, so overlook those twisty spots & the poor skein job!)

Camo skein

Regardless, it looks like manly yarn to me.

I also realized I forgot to blog photo the latest Dragonfly Fibers silk/merino roving I spun up. In the Eureka colorway (greens & golds). This is heavy laceweight singles

Eureka-silk/merino singles 552 yards

It is very pretty, but I am getting a little “greened” out.

New Handmade Luxury Jewelry.

EYE of Providence Fiber Necklace with eyes in Turquoise Couture Textile Jewelry collection.

Available at my Etsy shop:
Magical Laboratory of Fashion
© COPYRIGHT NOTE: All of my designs, photos and descriptions are protected by copyright. They may not be duplicated, copied, reproduced and/or republished without permission or notice. All rights are reserved.

I have no words to describe how much I love this skein of yarn. I mean, I may have pulled back the covers on my bed in order to properly photograph it against a suitable backdrop. (Okay, and I cuddled with it a little. Don’t tell anyone.)

This is 160 yards of squishable 2-ply in what looks to be a worsted to heavy worsted range, from 4 oz. of FLUFF sw merino in Beach Day. This was my first FLUFF spin. Halfway through the second bobbin, I may have emailed to get on their fiber club waiting list…

And then I spun some more. See, I accidentally happened upon a Baktus-Along thread in the Snobby Spinners group. I wasn’t planning to find something else to spin for, but a headache that would just not go away changed my plans last night at the very last minute. (Do you ever have headaches that you think are just related to food/hydration that then refuse to go away after you feed them dinner and lots of water? That was me last night, and I would’ve just dealt with it if the plan hadn’t been to go hear some live music. Headache + loud = unhappy rooster. So I pouted a bit, and then sat down at my wheel.)

Right, Lacy Baktus. I dug through the handspun pile, and didn’t find anything that begged to become this pattern, so I overturned a bucket of fiber and fished out A King’s Ransom from the AVFKW Woolly Wonders Fiber Club: 1.5 oz of superfine merino and 1.5 oz of 80/20 merino/silk. Meanwhile, Boh did this:

This is the superfine merino, which is full of subtle color changes.  I wrestled with this fiber a lot in sections, and I wonder if I should’ve tried to open it up a bit before spinning.

This is the merino/silk blend, and it spun like a dream. So fast, so smooth. Part of the way through my first cup of coffee this morning, I sat down to start plying:

Despite what it looks like (you know, that I spent the WHOLE day spinning), I actually wrote a few more pages yesterday, and did some good thinking about my project whilst spinning. I did not, however, begin tackling the pile of grading. (Yesterday, my headache was the excuse.) Today, I need to get on that.

How about this warm and luminous collection?

Give a touch of golden light to the cold and dark winter days.

In the neck a warmy cowl, which closes with two buttons in the same tone, made with merino wool blended with acrylic. A lace scarf, made of yellow variegated silky acrylic yarn. The set comes complete with a wide aran scarf, saffron yellow color of acrylic merino wool blend yarn.
Do not be cold this winter!

The Holly Peasant Shawl is completed. I love finished objects. I wore it to the yarn store to show it off and advertise myself as a teacher of knitterly things starting next year. Teen Wolf is becoming quite talented at photographing my crafts.

I have decided I need a blocking ROOM. Yes, a whole room dedicated to giant shawls pinned into triangles.

I was skeptical when the shawl was on the blocking board. I wasn’t sure I liked it. I have a habit of being disappointed after I complete a project. Crafting is a bipolar experience for me. So excited to start, lulled in the middle, so excited to finish, extremely let down when it is done, and finishing up with happiness.

I made the shawl one repeat in each hemisphere larger than the pattern as written. I do not like to feel like a mummy in my shawls. A combination of this adjustment and very stretchy merino wool resulted in the shawl being quite a bit larger than I anticipated. It is larger but I am very happy with the size. It fits me well. It is quite warm and comfy and smells good from the baby wash soak.

Now on to the next thing…

Our last iKnit for the 2009 – despite the bubbles, amid good conversation, hilarity and a delish Christmas supper……….

………lots of knitting actually happened.

Christmas stocking – FO by Alice. Her WIP is completing a stocking for herself in time for Christmas.

The yarn used has an attractive velvety feel and look to it. At first glance it could be mistaken it for velvet and the fluffy, unevenly textured white yarn around the cuff is superb. Alice wasn’t sure what the yarn was – a scrap of something.

Ali’s WIP – knitting in blue for her latest customer. All her garments are crafted in the round.

Raewyn adding her section to this travelling scarf destined for the USA.

Karen’s WIP, a garment for her daughter.

I’m enjoying knitting my latest WIP and the 100% NZ merino yarn is a delight to work with and oh so soft.

This yarn has a very high twist which adds texture to the pattern when knitted and means it will not pill, is very durable, combined with an amazing soft quality to boot.

iKnit meets will resume in the New Year as we take a hiatus for the holiday season. I’ll be posting over the break………..so watch this space.

]]> http://tianache.wordpress.com/2009/12/12/december-turquoise-guide/ Sat, 12 Dec 2009 02:49:48 +0000 TianaCHE http://tianache.wordpress.com/2009/12/12/december-turquoise-guide/

December Turquoise Guide!

CARIBBEAN BLUE Felted Beaded Scarflette Full Handmade with Wide Satin Bow Tie and Peacock Feathers Corsage

HUGE HOLIDAY SALE AZURE Art Felted Oversized Necklace

HAPPY FEATHER OOAK Felted Scarf with Peacock Feather in Blue

PRINCESS Fashionable OOAK Felted Scarf with Huge Flower Corsage

Magical Crocheted Mehndi/Henna Mitt /MitTian/ in Turquoise Absolutely unique art for you hand

ALCHEMY OF BAG with felted handles

ETSIAN BAG

CRUX Magical Cross Necklace in Turquoise – Couture Cross Collection

EYE of Providence Necklace with eyes in Turquoise Couture Textile Jewelry collection

Available at my Etsy shop:
Magical Laboratory of Fashion
© COPYRIGHT NOTE: All of my designs, photos and descriptions are protected by copyright. They may not be duplicated, copied, reproduced and/or republished without permission or notice. All rights are reserved.

New Handmade Luxury Jewelry.

CRUX Magical Cross Necklace in Purple Couture Cross Collection

Available at my Etsy shop:
Magical Laboratory of Fashion
© COPYRIGHT NOTE: All of my designs, photos and descriptions are protected by copyright. They may not be duplicated, copied, reproduced and/or republished without permission or notice. All rights are reserved.

New Handmade Luxury Silk and Merino Clutch.

SWEET VALENTINE Clutch

>

Available at my Etsy shop:
Magical Laboratory of Fashion
© COPYRIGHT NOTE: All of my designs, photos and descriptions are protected by copyright. They may not be duplicated, copied, reproduced and/or republished without permission or notice. All rights are reserved.

This Christmas Stix has gifts any crafter would be thrilled to receive.

Pashmina from Joseph Galler - 100% Cashmere
This yarn defines luxury.  It’s so soft you’d believe the knitting gods spun it from cloud fiber and graciously blessed us mere mortals with it.  The colors are more than lovely and with 170 yards of decadence, there are plenty of projects you can make with just one skein.

Hand Spun Angora from Malabrigo – 100% Angora
The unique hand spun texture adds interest to the most simple of patterns and the angora fiber casts an elegant halo around every stitch. But not only is this yarn hand spun, it is also hand painted – and the colorways are nothing less than inspiring.

Tosh Worsted from Madeline Tosh – 100% Merino
This hand dyed merino comes in fabulous color combinations. It’s a “superwash” so your Madeline Tosh projects can be washed safely in the machine. It’s super-cushy, definitely not itchy, and with a generous 225 yards on each skein there’s enough for a hat, pair of mittens, cowl, or socks!

Mohair Splash from ArtYarns – 74% Silk, 26% Mohair
This stunning silk and mohair blend is adorned with tiny sequins and glass beads – a combination that makes for a yarn that is perfect in every way. It’s another one of those yarns bestowed upon us unworthy humans by the benevolent knitting gods.

Needle Cases from Della Q and Lantern Moon
Every crafter needs an efficient (and cute) way to organize their materials. These cases come in a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate straight needles, double-pointed needles, circular needles, interchangeable needles or crochet hooks.

INNOCENCE Wedding or Special Occasions Felted Bolero – GIFT GUIDE featured item

Available at my Etsy shop:
Magic Laboratory of Fashion

All rights reserved.

BE MY VALENTINE Fashionable OOAK Felted Scarf with Huge Heart Flower Corsage

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Available at my Etsy shop:
Magical Laboratory of Fashion
© COPYRIGHT NOTE: All of my designs, photos and descriptions are protected by copyright. They may not be duplicated, copied, reproduced and/or republished without permission or notice. All rights are reserved.