The stole is a rectangle knit in stages, starting with the central square which grows from the center out and then stitches are picked up on two sides and knit down for the sides. I imagined us knitting this as a trio, me knitting the center and then sending it to Cleveland and you guys each knitting a side section, it that appeals. The piece calls for beads but I'm not sure they're necessary, we can decide that together.
The pattern calls for fingering weight yarn knit at 21sts to 4 ins. in center pattern after blocking which is fairly loose for fingering weight. I bring this up because I see a bunch of these on Ravelry that look HUGE and I don't like that idea, I want it to be manageable, both to knit and to wear! I think the solution there might be going down a needle size or two and choosing a yarn that will have memory.
I have been looking at silk blends because they are so pretty and shiny and the wool content will help with memory. Specifically, I like the idea of Handmaiden MiniMaiden because it is a little lighter than fingering but not yet a lace so it would work well with slightly smaller needle size/gauge. Color is another big issue, I can't decide if it should be "wedding themed" and be knit in a neutral color like those below or if it should be bright, perhaps reflecting choices we make for flowers or even bridesmaids dresses. Here are some colors I do like, if I decide to go neutral.
Mom mentioned the other day she had read a lovely review of Swiss Mountain Silk Cashmere which sounds delightful but it's a little hard to find and this colorway isn't in stock at the only website where I found it. It is also very spendy!!
Another yarn I thought of is Madelinetosh Pashima which is is a wool, silk, cashmere blend and which people seem to LOVE. I like a bunch of the colors, but again, not sure what's right yet. Here are some pictures:
So there you have it, my thoughts so far. Any of you have thoughts?
2 comments:
Well, you knew I'd have a comment (or three). First, love the pattern. It's beautiful, and I know both Laura and I will love working on it.
Second, let's not worry too much about yarn cost. Besides, couldn't Clover Hill order in some of that Swiss MOuntain Silk Cashmere? Your discount would bring it down from the stratosphere. I also think the MadTosh pashmina sounds nice and there are a ton of comments about it on Ravelry and no complaints about finished objects at all. (Mostly just complaints about it being difficult to wind into balls.) There are only a few comments on the Swiss Mountain silk/cashmere and the Mini Maiden, but nothing makes me think you're barking up the wrong tree. One thing I'm not sure of is whether you'd get the memory you're looking for from cashmere. On the other hand, Pashmina is superwash. It can get pretty droopy, too.
For something this important, we can easily justify acquiring some "test skeins" to help guide the decision-making process!
OK, comment three is on the color. I think it has to be ivory. Just sayin'.
I like the idea of "test skeins". It's not like we won't find something nice to do with those that don't make the cut! And thanks for the vote for ivory, I think you're right! I was looking at Sanguine Gryphon yarns online today and she has a silk/cashmere blend called Gaia fingering that looks nice too. I think I'd have to ask if she could do a special order for me and lay on the "it's for my wedding" pretty thick cause her stuff can be hard to get!
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