Hello everyone!
Long time no see! (Figuratively of course, I can’t really see you. Except you there in the pyjamas, go and get dressed!)
Once again I should apologise for my lack of posting, it’s been one of those years where life gets in the way of blogging. As is traditional, I’ve once again missed my Blogiversary last month (as I have every year so far I think!) oops!
Anyway enough of this aimless chatter, I guess you want to know what I’ve been knitting? Well, quite few things I can’t show you yet, but all will be revealed in due course. At the moment though, I’m having a bit of rest from knitting new designs and taking the opportunity to have a go at a pattern that has been intriguing me for a little while.
The pattern in question is Dotted Rays by Stephen West. I’ve chosen to use a self striping yarn, Louisa Harding Amitola, in shade #120/Winter Rose, but although there is a self striping version of this pattern (written for worsted weight yarn) I’m using the original version as it is much closer to the thickness of yarn I’m using. (Louisa Harding Amitola is sold as a DK weight yarn, but it really knits up much more likes 4ply). I’m using 4mm needles to give the fabric a nice airy feel while still keeping it soft and bouncy.
It’s a really interesting construction, with increases and short rows creating a crescent shape. I’m really enjoying the relaxing simplicity of the garter stitch combined with the rhythm of the increases and short rows. It’s just simple enough to do while watching TV, yet interesting enough to occupy my mind.
The other thing I’m enjoying about this project is the yarn! I wanted to use self striping yarn to highlight the unique construction of this shawl (which should be easier for you to see when I’ve knitted a bit more of it). I love the colours in this particular shade, Winter Rose. It shades from black to dark green to light grass green, then back to dark green and black and on to deep pink and repeats in this sequence throughout. I love that the colour sequence is mirrored like this, unlike Noro yarns for example, which have a more linear progression. It’s a great motivator too! I can’t wait to knit another short row wedge and get to the next colour!
Which pattern have you found addictive?
Happy Knitting! 😀
Lottie x
Lottieknits 
Through the Loops Mystery kal for this summer. I’m actually almost done with it. 🙂
Oh, sounds fun! I love her designs, yet another on my ‘must-knit-some-time’ list (it seems to get longer everyday).
PHop’s ribbed DK sock pattern – I have knitted it t least a dozen times! Must just go and add the shawl to my library….
It’s always good to have a reliable pattern you can knit again and again, especially for patterned sock yarns!
Fab shawl! And er, I knew I shouldn’t do my blog in my PJs… Though in my defence, I’m in my pyjamas cos I just got home from work and it’s nearly 10pm.
Hahaha! I’ll let you off 😉