sweater « Blonde Chicken Boutique

NaKniSweMo begins!

By Tara, on November 1st, 2010%

November=NaKniSweMo!

This month I’m attempting to knit 50,000 stitches. Or, a whole sweater. This is a knitter’s version or NaNoWriMo (whereine writers attempt to write a novel in a month). NAtional KNIt a SWEaterMOnth, in it’s 4th year, is organized by the brave KnitGrrl, Shannon Oakey.

The Sweater

I’m knitting the Featherweight Cardigan by Helen Fettig. I spent, oh, an embarrassing amount of time thinking about what yarn I would make this in, before settling on the designer’s own kit. It comes with the fabulously squooshy Malabrigo laceweight, which I got it in Pearl.

(photo credit: Knitbot.com)

The Wait

I had hoped to share my OWN pictures of the yarn + pattern today, but sadly, it hasn’t arrived yet. While most of the knitters have already swatched and are ready to go, I’m eagerly awaiting delivery!

The good news: USPS tells me it will arrive today! Yay!

How . . . → Read More: NaKniSweMo begins!

5 Free Sweater Patterns for Handspun Yarn

By Tara, on September 24th, 2008%

Last night, I gave up on a sweater. My beautiful handspun sweater just isn’t working out. After completing the body and 1 sleeve, I realized I need more yarn. And the yoke isn’t right (too much fabric at the shoulders). And the whole thing is too stiff, not drapey enough. Most of these issues could have been solved by following a pattern (well, except for the drape, I just needed to use a bigger needle and knit it at a different gauge), but because I’m designing it myself, all these little things have to be figured out. If I had chosen a pattern suited for handspun, many of these mistakes might have been avoided. But that’s only if I choose the right pattern! Here’s a few things to keep in mind when choosing a pattern for handspun yarn

Gauge with handspun is variable. One skein might be heavy worsted, . . . → Read More: 5 Free Sweater Patterns for Handspun Yarn