This morning I finished the second sleeve of my 1958 sweater, but I wasn't feeling in the mood to start the finishing, so I decided to start Hubby's Windschief hat. Folks, this pattern is so much fun, I couldn't put it down! I made the whole hat!
I'm really hoping I have enough yarn left over to make a good sized cowl to match.
I used Valley Yarns Northampton, a yarn I've never used before. I ordered a bunch of it for another project a few weeks ago when Webs had their free shipping deal, and one ball of the light grey. I have to admit I was a little disappointed when I first took it out of the box; it wasn't as soft as I'd hoped it would be. But once I started knitting with it, I really fell in love. I think I like it even better than Cascade 220 - it's squishier and has slightly better yardage at a slightly lower price.
This was also my first time using a Stephen West pattern, and I'm very impressed. I can see why his patterns are so popular. This pattern was well-written and easy to follow. I did change a couple things, based on my own knitting. Technically, I ought to have made the size large for Hubby based on the pattern measurements, but the medium used the number of stitches (96) I've had success with before in this weight of yarn, so I went with that, and the fit is perfect. And because I know I knit loosely, I did the whole thing on a size 6 needle, rather than going up to a 7 after the rib.
Hubby likes it!
Have any of you used this yarn or pattern?
Also, I cut out the pieces for my raspberry silk Jasmine yesterday! So there should be some sewing coming up this week!
Love it! I wonder if hubby didn't want to pose on the blog :) but I bet it looks awesome on him.
ReplyDeleteNo posing for Hubby! But it does look good on him! I might even end up making one for myself :-)
ReplyDeleteOmigosh ... there's so many parts of your post that I need to respond to.
ReplyDeleteNorthampton is nicer than Cascade 220? Wow, I've got to try it. I ordered some lovely yarns from WEBS during their free shipping deal but none of this -- boo hoo. I often visit Northampton so I'll put this yarn on my list for next time.
I've never knit a West pattern but seeing yours has me itching to try.
Looking forward to seeing the cowl you come up!
xo
At least in this colorway, the Northampton is loftier/squishier than my experience with Cascade 220. But, there's a more limited color selection. I'll have a little better idea about it once I start Hubby's sweater in the Merlot Heather colorway.
ReplyDeleteThis particular pattern is something that could easily be figured out, but I always feel kind of "mom-ish" and want to support the young folks by buying their patterns, LOL!