Very slowly my fingers have returned to the needles, absent my attention for the past several months. That space, however, has been filled by my spouse.
Some time in June, I completed my latest knit vest. The yarn is "Kudo" from Plymouth. Happy to find a mostly cotton yarn--55% cotton, 40% rayon, 5% silk--I did not pay attention that all styles designed for its use required 200 or more stitches on the needle. Not me!
If this was not one's choice, it knitted up as horizontal
stripes. Not flattering for chunky old ladies. Thanks to the internet, I found "Sideways Sweetheart," designed for #6 needles; I used #7. A mother-daughter team provided easy-to-follow instructions. Their company, Live.Knit.Love, located in "the charming town of Kalamazoo, Michigan."
At the Black Sheep Festival in June, I purchased a wood pin that works better as closure for lighter weight yarn like Kudo than metal ones I have for bulkier yarns. Made out of found Yew, native to the Northwest, same wood as Ron's spinning wheel by Wallace Van Eaton.
Always in search of more vest ideas, I will order the duo's "Twisted" pattern. Would be a just-right fit for the word that best describes where I live. Preferable to the popular adjective on bumper stickers everywhere, "Keep Portland Weird." May it catch on.
Ron Bloom, however, since his discovery of the wheel ten years ago, has filled our space and heads of many with knit hats. Seems to be found his creative space. Some of the recent ones for all ages, mostly using yarn he has spun.
Last spring he was seized with the notion of trying out other shapes. Several monochromatic styles emerged. Followed by a great bursting out in color. It's cold in Portland these days, so he has unlimited opportunities to heal the world with hats. That's just my take on his trip.