OhSewCrafty Blog

Yes, I know it’s April and Christmas was months ago, but here we go….

• Pattern: Rogue by Jenna Wilson
• Yarn: Knitpicks Wool of the Andes in Cobblestone Heather, ~1300 yds
• Size/Needles/Gauge: 4.5 spi on US 7, 39″ chest
• Time to knit: Well, I started September 13, 2008…

I’ve knit Rogue 3 times now and there’s not much more I can say about the pattern.  It is fine, however it’s a lot of work and I probably won’t be knitting it again.  I wasn’t thrilled with the yarn- this particular color of Wool of the Andes seemed thinner than some.  But blocking worked miracles, the yarn bloomed and gentle stretching got it to size.  I spent a lot of time feeling less than enthusiastic about the project, but seeing my mom’s face light up when she opened this on Christmas made it all worth it.  The sweater fits her perfectly and is flattering.  She loves it and I love that she is happy.

Onto gift no. 2….

• Pattern: Habitat by Jared Flood
• Yarn: Queensland Kathmandu Aran (wool/silk/cashmere) in Dark Grey, 1.5 balls
• Size/Needles: 7’s for the ribbing, 8’s for the rest, M/L
• Time to knit: 5 days in December 2009

Nearly everyone in my knitting group has made this pattern multiple times so it was “approved” and I figured it would work as a Christmas present for my dad, who needed a hat to keep him warm has he runs. We all know that wool is much better for retaining warmth, even when wet, than the expensive synthetic stuff available at sporting goods stores.  I found the tweed yarn at Fibre Space in Alexandria, VA, and it matches perfectly with his running fleece. My dad has a lot of hair, so I knit the M/L size, and it fits. The yarn is wonderful, soft and light with great stitch definition. Kathmandu is one of my “desert island” yarns (if one needed warm wool on a desert island…), Anyway, both of these projects have been well worn, washed, etc. over the past few months and I’m pleased that they still look good.  Hopefully they will be useful for years to come.