I love writing lists. I’m a list addict. I just wrote a list of possible knitting projects to do with my stash yarn. I sorted them into full garments (jumpers, jackets, etc), small garments (vests, shawls, etc) and accessories.
I want to knit them ALL and I want to knit them NOW. So I wrote a list of reasons to prioritise one project over another. That list goes like this:
What I need now
Using yarn given/bought from friends
What I will need soon (lighter garments for spring, in this case)
Using yarn from special stash enhancement expeditions (the UK trip, Aust Country Spinners, etc)
Using up yarn that’s been hanging around the stash for a while
But, you know, I don’t want to knit them all now. I don’t feel like launching into a full garment straight after the Squares Jacket. I think I’d like to whip up some small projects first. I’m in the market for some instant gratification.
So when I considered what I needed that was small, the answer was obvious. Last year I ordered some 12ply rustic from Bendy in a denim blue. I needed a blue beanie, and I intended to knit one in a method I was considering using to make a skirt. However, I didn’t get a chance to knit it before I left for the UK, and by the time I got back it was too warm for beanies and I had lots of UK stash to distract me.
So the beanie is first up. I just have to decide on a pattern.
Second up… well, a few months back I swapped some yarn for some handspun chocolate alpaca from Yarniverous. It’s fine and so, so soft and I adore it. I want to knit something which touches my skin all the time. There’s probably not enough for a scarf or even a hat. I thought fingerless mitts would do. I use the other pair I designed and knit last year all the time, and I could do with another pair. So ‘need’ plus ‘yarn from a friend’ equals two priorities met.
Unfortunately when I started knitting these a few months back I found that the bit of rib I started with didn’t have any ‘sprong’. It didn’t stretch or spring back. I’m not sure what to do. Knit on smaller needles? Knit a lace pattern instead? Knit something else?
My goodness, you’ve been busy! (trying to keep your house dry if nothing else!) Organisation is too much for me at present.
Alpaca does not have elasticity. No sproing. It is like silk in that regard. That is why it is often blended with wool – alpaca gives the warmth, wool gives the sproing!
Aha! I’m gonna have to rethink this. I’ve considered lace gloves, but I’m afraid the wool might be a little too fragile, if I caught it on something.