New Additions To SwatchOut

(Pictured, is Bernat's "Lana," a 100% wool, in Marine. The stitch pattern is called Wheat Ears. The needles used were size 7. All pics enlarge).

First, An Addendum

The Tracey Ross shop no longer has the clogs I posted about because, I bought the last pair––sorry. They are Täos tabitha clogs, $65.00US, and are available at the following retail outlets: in North and South Carolina, at Lebo's. In Wisconsin, at Wilkins and Olander. In the San Francisco bay area, at Footwear Etc. All, have on-line ordering.

Library Acquisitions

I have finally been to add new fabrics to the swatch library. For those of you who are new to knitting and/or to this blog, here is some background info.

SwatchOut was started to answer the question of what to do with the numerous swatches I had accumulated, that no, wasn't gonna become an afghan, or a bedspread. It is also my response, to folk's  disdain for the most important step in knitting and crochet. I figured if I put up swatches with their relevant information, in the form of a reference library, it may inspire y'all to try––as in swatch––a particular yarn, or decide whether to buy it.  

Fabrics are categorized by fiber, with a brief introduction to it's classification and use. Moreover, they are cross-referenced, enabling you to look up blends.

Now, this library should not encourage laziness. The final gauge I obtained, is not a guarantee. There are no guarantees in life; this is only to give you a boost.

Here Are A Few of The Latest Boosters

I am currently knitting an collared, halter-style tank for the summer. I want a 'hint' of pattern, hence the purl dots. Cascade "Sierra," an 80% cotton, 20% wool mix, is a good year round yarn, especially for those experiencing menopausal "power surges." It's absorbent, while keeping you cool. The brand is discontinued, but Brown Sheep's Cotton Fleece is the original. I used a size 5 needle.

Catalina's Alpaca Bulky is so soft, that rubbing it for a while, will put you to sleep. The big brother to their baby alpaca, this is also value for money, because of the good yardage. Needle size 8. The pattern is from The Harmony Guides: 250 Creative Knitting Stitches, vol. 4.

I picked up this wool blend at Rubi + Lana, in Sydney, Australia. Turns out, this is Beaumont "Kitty," an American novelty. As of post time, their website (www.geoyarns.com) was not to be found. You may have to call the shop in Sydney, who will be happy to ship this gorgeous, inexpensive yarn to you. Needle size 11 (it's more lush than the photo shows).

These swatches and more, will be posted by Friday, but do take advantage of perusing the numerous swatches that are up already. If you have inquiries about any of them, feel free to email me. Ancestors know, I knitted all of them. In fact, swatching still remains my favorite pastime. Don't look at me in disdain.

Comments

[Roman]

Hello, Admin! You are the best!!! Congratulations. Best regards from regular visitor of your site. ;)
;)

[Anna-Liza]

Disdain? Heavens, no! I think it's very cool. While I am sometimes impatient to start a project, I usually enjoy the swatching process. Not my favorite part, but a good part.

I think SwstchOut is a great idea, and a lovely public service. It's so nice to be able to see what the yarns do knitted up.

[Ann]

BRILLIANT! I have been staring at some yarn wondering what it wants to become and the Wheatear pattern just made it happy. One Wheatear raglan sweater in blue Skye Tweed coming up.

Thanks!

[del]

Wow, what pretty, pretty swatches! I wish I was as good of a swatcher, but I don't often have the patience.

[Carson]

Hey it's a disdain-free zone here; I love knitting swatches.
Such a good idea to keep 'em and catalogue 'em online.
-typing all those "'em"s felt good too ;)