Some Things To Make You Smile

In A Rare Moment of Altruism…

I gave this scarf to my friend, the unabashedly salubrious Delano Greenridge, of Delano Greenridge Editions. It was a joy to knit (pics enlarge).

I may have ignored my blog, in the busy-ness of it all, but I haven't ignored my fingers. Here's a reason why…

It's The Yarn!

In the 39 years since Manos Del Uruguay brought their colorful yarns to our shores, and economic opportunity to rural women, a number of cooperatives have sprung up with their own iterations of attractive,  space-dyed wool. The latest to hit the scene, The Sheep Shop Yarn Company, produces Sheep 2 Yarn, the fine wool of this scarf.  

At 11" wide by 76" long, it took one week to knit, on size 11 needles. The pattern is Mistake Stitch Rib. I'm amazed that it only took a week, considering how many times I stopped, just to feel the lofty, tactile fabric. I tell ya', the sensual pleasure my hands received from this yarn, was a standout, compared to other brands of this type (yes, even Malabrigo). It's great for beginners; since it's plied, if you have to frog a coupla' times, the yarn doesn't fray. And the whopping 90 yards, meant it only took four skeins––such joy, for under $65USD (Delano is tall. Most of you will only need three skeins).

Bring a Smile To Your Hands

The first time I experienced these needles, was  years ago, when Mr. K presented them as a gift, upon returning from his native Sydney. It was then, I knew he was "a keeper." So, when I was  there two months ago, I made sure to stock up on these for myself, and as souvenirs for friends (holla at me Chante´).

Manufactured by the cheekily punned Swallow Needle Mfg. Co., they are made of casein, a derivative of cow's milk. Remarkably flexible, they become warm in your hands. The tips are somewhat blunt, so they don't split plied yarns.  I'm seriously considering replacing my bamboo straights for these, from size 9 downward. I love the warmth they generate, and when I knit professionally, meaning, having to finish a garment on a deadline within days, my hands don't tire as quickly. The prices for these fine needles will have you smiling too.

In the US, go to Worldknit. The Ivore´ (pictured forth and sixth from right), can be ordered from Tapestry Craft.

Comments

[Chris]

Oh, plied is a nice change for that sort of yarn! It's a lovely scarf.

[Latoya]

Wow! Needles that warm as you knit. I'm drooling. I'll have to look in to getting some of those.

Thanks for sharing.

Knit on!

[Adrienne]

WOW!!! That is awesome! Love the scarf!

[Chante]

I'm Hollering.
We must resume our Thursday knit outs, just let me know the time and the place and I'll be there. You'll have to stop by my new place so you can get some practice on my wheel.

That scarf looks so soft. It must've been so hard to give away.

BTW. The pic on my blog was taken during Will's birthday party. He was DJing at this little lounge at the TIME Hotel on 47th street. It's a nice little after work spot.

[Wanda]

I think you're right that plies on the yarn make a difference. While I love the soft hand of Malabrigo, it is single-ply yarn and it pills terribly. I made a scarf out of the Sheep Shop Yarn(1) and love it and only used 2 skeins for the scarf (but I don't like them terribly long either).