Wednesday, August 09, 2006

Winter Companion



A few days ago I asked Rebecca if her Kidsilk Haze shawl was warm (you know, worth all that effort). I mean, this yarn is so light it's almost not there. Now, that was before I finished my Winter Companion. In retrospect I have to say - what a silly question! There cannot be a better yarn from which to knit a shawl. It's very light, yes, but each stitch is surrounded by a haze, which of course is what catches your body warmth and holds it there on the surface of the skin. Of course, that's exactly why it's called Kidsilk Haze. Duh. But I'd never knitted with it before and now I feel I may be facing some kind of addiction. Like crack cocaine. One hit and you're lost. Crack yarn, that's what this is. Oh, and by the way, it really doesn't moult too much at all.

I'm sure most of you must have given this yarn a go, but if you haven't, do.....please! I was eyeing all those beautiful lacy shawls and thinking.....well, yeah - absolutely stunning but how useful, honestly? I like my knitting to look nice but be useful. And so arose my question to Rebecca, as I said. As soon as I realised just how wide this scarf is, I flung it over my shoulders and came face to face with the revelation of just how warm and light a garment can be at once. In fact, this morning I made breakfast with it around my shoulders like a shawl, with none of the ends sewn in. I never want to let it go.


As you can see, this is a very plain knit. That's fine as I won't be tempted to treat it too much with kid gloves (no pun intended). But now I've discovered the delights of KSH and the raptures it sends me into, I want more and I want fancy. How about this Edwardian Lace Shawl? I ordered the pattern this morning and, as it only takes three balls, it won't bankrupt me. It's going to be in black.

I sound as though I think it's a straightforward thing, knitting this flibbertygibbet. But I don't know if I'm up to it and it may be beyond me. Or.............I know I will rise to the challenge and learn any new skills I need to complete the task. There, that's better. The power of positive thinking.

17 comments:

  1. That is just the color I like! It is gorgeous! I'm going to have to break into lace. I have mohair and a pattern upstairs I bought when I got married 4 yrs ago, I was going to wear and didn't. I've been tempted to give it away...but maybe I should just sit down and do it!

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  2. It has a very yummy colour! ^^ And looks warm and cozy.
    I feel lonely without any lacy shawl on the needles so I hope to start a new one soon (not of Kidsilk Haze unfortunately, because I cannot buy it in Poland...).
    It's finally colder here and I'm wearing my green Ella for the first time this evening, keep your fingers crossed! *^-^*

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  3. Beautiful! I was eyeing up some KSH yesterday, then decided to be good and not buy any. Your scarf looks like a wonderful project for it.

    The Heirloom Knitting patterns are lovely, I agree. I doubt you'll have much trouble with them!

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  4. very very lovely. I say- go for the Edwardian Lace Shawl! you can do it. its very unique looking. hard to believe it only takes 3 skeins!

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  5. Beeeeeautiful! You picked a great colour - it really suits you :-)

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  6. I made River (rowan book something or other) for my Mum out of KSH in a teal colour, and loved it so much I made myself one, really long, in purple, teal, orange, pink, snot green (actually my favourite colour) and mint. and it's beautiful, warm, forgiving... Lovely to knit with!

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  7. Oh it looks lovely on you and I love the Edwardian lace you are going to make; great that it doesn't take much yarn mmmmmmm LOL. I started my first Ella last night ; I say my first because I just love this pattern and the yarn I am working with so will defo get more but work in one maybe two skeins this time. This one will be a heavier one = to DK weight

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  8. Awesome! I did make one shawl in kidsilk haze.. and GAVE IT AWAY! I think I definitely have to have one of my own.. it is awesome how light and airy they knit up.. ok.. NOW see what you've done?

    DID you happen to find any Kidsilk Haze on sale anywhere on the net? *grin*

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  9. Oh it's gorgeous, looks so lovely and enveloping. That looks like the same colour as my Birch, absolutely beautiful.

    KSH is just my favourite ever yarn and I would like wraps/shawls in every shade to see me through the seasons. That Edwardian Wrap is stunning, can't wait to see how you get on with it, don't worry, you'll do great, the best way to learn new things is to get on and do them.

    I think lace knitting becomes a little addictive, and once you get over the cursing there is something very relaxing and therapeutic about knitting lace. Have you seen the wedding ring shawl? Amazing!

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  10. you look so suspicious and sinister -- great photographs! i love the jarring color.

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  11. Wow! It looks gorgeous. But I'm a bit confused - didn't you say you were using Adi 8mm needles?
    If you're short of yarn money how about selling something you've made?
    Or would that be too much like selling your children!

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  12. That is so gorgeous! I'm actually going green with knit envy.

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  13. I did use 8mm Addis, Frankie! Does it look like a closer knit, or something?

    I have such a mish-mash of items I've made since I started knitting. I think only a couple of them could be sold at all. Which is fine if you're sort of "incidentally" selling . But to try and knit to sell would take up so much time for little return. If I had a huge stash of socks or hats I would certainly do it. Or if someone was prepared to pay £200 for a scarf - haha (not that my skills are up to that standard!)

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  14. Your Winter Companion shawl looks absolutely lovely and the colour is great.

    I used KSH a lot last winter so I know how fantastic it is but most of the scarves I made were given away as Christmas presents. I think its time to treat myself now!

    Did you have a pattern for your shawl?

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  15. Kathryn, I can't find an e-mail address for you.....

    I made the scarf in moss stitch, with 8mm needles and cast-on 60 sts. It took 2 skeins. I got it from http://knitplosion.blogspot.com/

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  16. Thank you for the pattern information Alice. I'm looking forward to starting it when we get back from our holiday.

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  17. p.s.
    I looked for Jon Benson's book on Amazon but disappointingly couldn't find it - I found the same title by Sherry McMillan and another by James M Ripper but not your book.

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