I thought I'd share a few pictures of what I bought on Saturday. Everything was from Habu Textiles and I really wished I hadlooked up the vendors online before I went so I could make a list. Instead I just bought what appealed. Things were already fairly picked over but it worked out well.
A-60 Shosenshi paper is a linen tape yarn. I am planning on making a lightweight cardigan with this, mixing the linen paper yarn with Habu Tsmugi silk. I could also knit the two skeins together to make a sleeveless top, but if I were to do that I think I would prefer having two different colors.
N67-B linen paper in a much finer gauge. I am planning on knitting this using a pattern by Cocoknits called Gretl, which basically only requires one skein if you make the shorter version. But I thought I might lengthen it and two skeins would give me the option of making this tunic or perhaps even dress length.
Here is a picture of Gretl. If I make the shorter version, as shown, I can use the second skein for a scarf either alone or perhaps mixed with a lovely skein of fine copper wire I also purchased.
I don't really know the yardage on the copper wire, but I when I picked it up I was thinking of knitting it with Habu's N-75 fine Merino in a deep wine color, shown next to the copper wire in the photo. My basic impulse was to knit a cowl holding the two yarns together which would yield something soft and light but also with a little bit of form due to the copper.
However there were two skeins of the wine merino available and it is a color I really love so I purchased both. I could use one skein with the copper and one skein for a separate long scarf, perhaps using Habu's silk or wool blend with stainless steel.
Or the two skeins of merino, held together would give me enough to knit a garment of some sort, nothing fancy, a soft top or tee or perhaps even a cardigan if I use large needles and make it very light and airy, which would still provide some warmth as the merino would trap the warmth nicely. In which case I could use the copper wire with the fine linen tape to make a very lightweight summery scarf or shawl.
The last yarn I purchased was this lovely, very soft, lace weight cotton boucle in a soft grayed-purple color. I am once again thinking of using it doubled to make a soft top or cardigan using larger needles, although I am sure it would make an absolutely delightfully soft scarf or shawl.
I did also order some yarn from Habu while I was at the show. There was a lovely garment on display which I really wanted to knit. They did not have enough of the yarn on hand to complete the garment but they were taking orders. I have also ordered the Tsmugi silk that I will use with the Shosenshi paper (top photo) to make a summer-weight cardigan.
None of these yarns are going to appear on my needles right away. I am cold and these projects all make me think of warmer weather. The heat will come soon enough though, and it will be nice to have some very lightweight projects on hand.
Comments
7 responses to “I believe I mentioned buying yarn”
Oh, how beautiful. I’m not sure I could have managed such restraint! K
Oh Karen, I dont think I would have practiced restraint at all if I werent looking at piles of yarn and fabric filling my living room, future sewing room and sun porch every day,while I try to bring some semblance of order to it all.
oh, I’ve never had a chance to browse Habu yarns, but everything I read and see of them makes me very envious. . . I mean, happy for you, really.
I am not a knitter, but these yarns look beautiful. I look forward to seeing your creations.
Thank you Susan
Really love that greyed purple colour, in anything wearable. It is very hard to fine. Is that linen paper yarn comfortable to wear next to bare skin? How do you care for these superfine knits? Looking forward to seeing the results.
Duchesse, Yes, I love those greyed purples, and they are hard to find, often in yarn too, but it seems to be a popular color now so I feel obliged to indulge.
The paper linen is really 100% linen, and is so named because it feels like paper in the hand. It softens up nicely after a wash, just like most linen, and becomes soft with a nice linen-drape. I will probably knit it fairly loosly, to wear as a layering piece or a cardigan.
I find the most difficult thing is not snagging with fine knits. I usually hand wash, although a bag and delicate wash would work just as well I suspect. I do dry them flat, and shape them to retain their form and size. I highly recommend a blocking board, even though they do tend to be rather pricy. I use mine more for aide in shaping and drying sweaters than I do for blocking new knitting projects. It can be put out on the floor or a bed or table and folded up when done. I have the large one and I can put two fairly closely fitting sweaters on it at a time. Since I wear wool and cashmere sweaters a good six months of the year, it has proven handy. I have also used blocking wires for fine lacy sweaters where I cant just get the edges straight though these are a little more difficult to store as they are long and thin and easily bend. At least they are considerably cheaper than the board.