Just started a new knitting project, one I've been planning for a long time. I started experimenting with using more than one colour last winter - hygge was all the rage and one of the knitting magazines gave away a free sample kit of scandinavian traditional three colour patterns with snowflake and pine tree motifs. Through the summer I researched and tried different techniques drawing on some of Martin Storey's patterns for a knit along throw. I was using cotton yarn, though, which creates very crisp and defined textures, rather than the fuzzy look of wool fibres felting together that gives that satisfyingly cosy look and feel.
Post-Christmas is a good time to go hunting for reduced items and in Knit One I found two bundles of chunky Sublime Phoebe, enough for a throw, made from extra fine merino wool with 6% nylon providing a little strength and structure to the yarn. Phoebe has a chain construction, rather than the traditional twist, creating a lightweight but chunky yarn with lots of little insulating air pockets. Ideal for my purposes and at 40% reduction on the recommended retail price, it would be rude not to.
So far, I've knitted three of the twelve panels that will make up the throw, each one taking a couple of hours to do, depending on the complexity of the pattern. One of the benefits of knitting in panels is that small amounts of knitting can be carried on train journeys. At a panel a day, plus making up and a border, the throw will take about three weeks to make.
I'm always fascinated by the reverse pattern which is often more subtle than the "right side".
Yarn: Sirdar Sublime Phoebe from the Sublime Yarns range in Damsenberry and Cable Grey
Needles: Knitpro Basix birch fixed circular needles
