The past couple weeks have been great — busy, lots of family and friends, and some plain ol hanging out and knitting. I hope you all had wonderful holidays. It seems that I’m quite predictable this time of year. Looking back on my postings last December I see I didn’t post for two weeks around Christmas last year as well. Guess I’m more of a creature of habit than I’d like to admit.
Christmas did bring a few new knitting things (including one really special one). Maybe you’ll be able to pick it out:
I have had countless copies of Aran Knitting on my watch list on eBay for well over a year. I had set a price ceilling that was quite unreasonable and I knew I’d never actually get a copy — on my own.
I’ve never actually seen a copy in person. I know I could have gotten a copy from a library, but I sorta enjoyed the waiting.
Now that I’ve gotten a chance to look through the book I know what all the fuss is about. The first few chapters are chock full of history. Reading through I’ve learned how the aran evolved and why it was created. Reading those chapters gave me just the boost I needed to do this:
Yup, I’ve cast on (yet again) for St Brigid. I’ve actually cast on twice this past week (there’s more of that habit again. Christy I know you’re laughing right now). I started out with Black Water Abbey yarn in Moss(the bottom one). I love the yarn. The depth of color cannot be beat. But, even knit on US 5 it was still a bigger than what the pattern called for. After a full repeat I admitted to myself that the yarn was just not right (Mary Beth you were SO right!).
So I headed down to Rosie’s yesterday and found a beautiful shade of Araucania. My mom (not a knitter) says it looks like velvet. The shadings in this batch are quite subtle. The cables are popping beautifully. Araucania is a little lighter weight so I went with US 6s instead of 7s. I’m knitting the larger size and it’s coming out somewhere between the two — just what I was hoping for.
Now if you’ll excuse me it’s time for me to get back to my Christmas knitting.
So how did you get this copy? I actually paid over $230 on EBay a couple of years ago. Still haven’t knit anything out of it yet but wouldn’t part with it for anything. Love your Araucania!
Wow–what an unusual choice of yarn–it will be lovely Jody!
I’m so happy you found a yarn you are happy with that’s working with the pattern – it looks heavenly! (I’m always telling my kids that I am SO right – doesn’t seem to get the same response!)
SUCH a score! Enjoy it. I’m not jealous. I swear. Nope. (Okay, maybe a little)
It’s the row counter, right :-)?
You missed Carrie at Rosie’s! She is working there now but is home with me on break. She is gonna be so sorry she missed you! Make sure if you are in again to look for her, she would love to see you. Pretty cables!
Oh my gosh – I’m drooling with jealousy! Lucky girl. I love that you got started right away. The Araucania lloks lovely.
Yum.
Love the seweater color! Lucky you, you scored Jody!
I’m wishing you a happy healthy 2006, Jody!
How much of the Auracania did you buy to make St. Brigid? I’ve got a bunch…. its a great idea. congrats on getting that wonderful book!
Of course I’m laughing.
I’ll believe that you’re sticking with the Araucania when I see it!
The book looks to be in great shape. I took a copy out of the library last year and really enjoyed reading the history. What a wonderful gift!
I am unbelievably jealous! I’ve also been watching ebay for a copy that doesn’t break every budget I come up with… and haven’t found one yet. You are a lucky, lucky girl!
And I just picked my St. Brigid back up… I started her last January, finished the back and got into the front before the heat started and I just couldn’t sit with wool in my lap anymore. So I started her again today, vowing to finish before Valentines Day this year. I love the color you chose – your mom is pretty right on – that really does look like velvet!