Another yarn matched to pattern

 Many years ago I designed a pair of fingerless gloves using some cotton/wool yarn that Beverly's carried briefly.

This is the Fern Garden Glove and I don't remember knitting a second one. I knitted this up, wrote the pattern as I went and then put it up on Ravelry (and at the time my etsy shop) for just the pattern. I adapted that edging from one that was done in all garter stitch and after looking at the pattern now, I could not figure out what the heck I was doing. It didn't make sense compared to the original pattern and I may well have missed a stitch or two in translation. No one ever contacted me about the pattern so maybe it worked. That edging is knitted lengthwise with the connecting edge as the first stitch in the row. Just pick up the stitches needed for the glove and continue on. Relatively easy knit actually and wonderful stitch pattern with my favorite leaf pattern on the back and a small mock cable on the palm.

The yarn was fine, from an American farm called Cestari that is now strictly online (I think they're still in business). They only had wool/cotton or all wool yarns milled in the US. Although not ideal for the pattern it worked out and it gave me a chance at the time to use a different yarn. 

After seeing the pictures several times looking for other things on my computer I wanted to remake the pattern in another yarn so I could put it up for sale again on Ravelry but didn't think I had the right yarn until I remembered this:

Another gifted yarn that unfortunately also had issues with breakage or it might have been me not cutting the ties correctly but I ended up tying it together in about four places, plus two more that were actually moth eaten. I could not in conscience use this wonderful soft yarn for socks. SW Merino, Yak and Silk it is soft and springy and wonderful greens. FERN GARDEN greens. PERFECT!

So then after winding it three times I had one short piece I could do a test on for the original edging. Not so easy. I couldn't figure it out so went in search of a similar edging that was already in stockinette.

And found it. Another vintage edging that dates probably from the 40's or 50's so had to look up what one of the abbreviations was.They used N for knit two together and o for yarn over. Other than that, it's a simple enough pattern but instead of knitting whatever length of trim you needed, this is knitted from the bottom edge to the selvedge.

I like it better because it's narrower and it's a bit m ore fern like as a leaf. I knitted up a swatch not knowing the configuration and when I ran out of yarn I realized I had only done one leaf section. So instead of casting on 10 for the edging and continue on until you finish the section you need, this has to be cast on for the total number of stitches needed for the length of trim. Much like the difference between knitting a scarf long ways and not crossways.

Oh and Rocky discovered the kumquat I knitted. Didn't realize what he was playing with until I caught him and saw the orange. Ohhhhnoyoudont, I hid it better this time and am now making a small ball for him. 

When I get going on the gloves I'll post some pictures.

A silly idea and a yarn sale

 So socks are coming along nicely, I'm able to switch between them now easily. The green socks are my 'no brainer' pattern since it's only four row repeat I can work on those and watch tv or whatever. The blue socks are a bit slower due to the darkness of the yarn and a bit more complicated pattern. Haven't picked up the hat in a couple of weeks.

 

I made a crocheted kumquat!

But first an explanation. So, my loving man Jon has a silly thing he says sometimes when groceries or food is mentioned. 'Kumquats. I love kumquats'. He doesn't. He just likes saying the word. This got him in a little bit of trouble when he was working because someone took him seriously and bought a 1/2 lb of kumquats for him. He had to tell them that it was a personal joke and wasn't serious which the person was rather disappointed to find out. Anyway, when we met and he said that I asked him, 'You do?!' (because I like kumquats and it would have been another food that we both like) and he said no and then told me that story.

So, I told him about a week ago 'Better watch out I'm going to knit or crochet a kumquat for your birthday', which he chuckles and says I'm silly. Well, I was sitting at my computer last night and it suddenly struck me that I had the perfect yarn scrap for doing just that. 

As you know, my only experience with crocheting so far is the cat bed and a section of a blanket. Well, if I remembered how to do that sliding magic circle I can do this! Turns out that scrap ball of yarn had just enough green on the end to make this a perfect match for the project. Getting that magic circle started was a pain and I didn't count the stitches, just winged it. Not an exact replica but it's good enough. I have enough to do another one or two using a size 2 hook since this is sock yarn. I am so pleased with how I just guessed at increases and decreases and muddled through. I stuffed it with cotton balls we have in the medicine cabinet and I don't think he has a clue I made it. He rarely pays attention to what I'm knitting unless I point it out. His birthday is in August so this is going to be so fun! 

Now on to the yarn sale. Knitpicks is still having their summer yarn  sale darn them! But the new colorways for the Arcane Fibreworks Yarn Club started and I want one of all three!

Seriously! I love the grey/lavender (light colors) the blue is gorgeous and the orange/green/speckle being a california poppy inspiration is a must have. As I've pointed out before, the price for the yarn is very reasonable being hand dyed. I just wish I had $40 extra to get some! I am a responsible yarn collector and would have to have a project first to use it. Stop laughing!

The thing about the yarn club is you can gift someone a subscription HINT heheh. I know everyone that reads this is as broke as I am but these are soooo preetty!

That's all for today, it feels good to have things to work on in a short time. Hope all your yarn doesn't tangle and your blocking successful!