We got moved out of our house last week and came down to stay with my family for almost a week — it’s been a lovely time, except it’s gone by way too quickly! My mom and I have both been working on Islay as a distance KAL, and it’s been so nice to get to knit on it together this past week. We’ve been squeezing in as much porch knitting time as we can!
I mentioned starting Islay, but I haven’t properly shared the details of the project here yet — partly because with the move, I’d barely had anytime to work on it! But now it’s finally starting to take shape. The pattern is really cleverly written. It’s knit from the bottom-up, and I’ve just gotten to the point where you separate the body for the fronts and back. I’m working on the left front now, and I really like that you don’t have to put the rest of the sweater on holders while you work one front!
My mom and I are both knitting our sweaters out of Blue Moon Fiber Arts BFL Sport yarn — she’s working hers in a lighter gray that leans purple. Here they are together:
I’ve been carting my Islay around in this new trundle bag from Madderroot. I saw samples of these bags at Maryland Sheep and Wool, but they had all sold out. I ordered one a few weeks ago and love it! It’s surprisingly roomie (my in progress sweater and pattern fit in no problem!), and the buckle for the bag makes it super handy for traveling — you can just clip it onto a backpack, purse, etc.
I’ve also been making steady, if slow, progress on my Marigoldjen socks. I’m doing them two at a time from the toe up, with afterthought heels. I don’t usually follow a set pattern for this type of vanilla socks. These took awhile to get going though — I first started on size 2 needles (too big!), then tried to do a 68-stitch sock on size 1s (still too big!). These are 60 stitches on size 1s and just right. I’m remembering how much I enjoy sock knitting and thinking I need to try something more adventurous for my next pair.
Our multi-day travel odyssey to New Zealand starts tomorrow, but I might try to pop in with a few travel updates en route! Happy Wednesday!
fiber and sustenance 