I will openly confess that yarn has become somewhat of an obsession/addiction for me in the past year (how could it not?). And I have narrowed it down to three specific reasons why:
- Colour. As an artist who paints and screen prints, colour is my thing. Naturally my love of colour directly influences my love for yarn. When I find an irresistible colour I have to have it, make it or save it somehow. I like to think of my collection of single skeins of random colours as inspiration.
- Touch. Skin IS the largest organ on our body so I cannot be at fault for this one. Nothing makes me happier than knitting Malabrigo, Cashmere or Silk on a sweet pair of Addis. Alpaca is nice too. It’s touch therapy.
- My LYS. Not only does my local yarn shop stock all my favourite yarns but I also get to work there several times a week. Some knitters would consider it the perfect job, which it is, but working at a yarn shop while suffering from a fiber addiction is the greatest test of one’s will power. And when you think you can beat it there’s the employee discount – gets me every time. And if that’s still not enough, my mother owns the shop and so my stash is relatively minuscule and nonexistent in comparison with hers – she has a whole shop full of the stuff! Sometimes I get to help pick out colours and yarns, which of course make their way into my stash upon arrival. Though, it’s all business really, someone has got to try out the new yarns! (At least that is what I tell myself..)
Some recent goodies:
Some of my new & tasty Malabrigo Worsted! Aren't they beautiful?
A little while back the shop received a large shipment of Malabrigo Worsted in colours I have never seen before. Tuereg (third) and American Beauty (fourth) are among the few I picked up. I also had to get some of the Natural for its absolute softness (which rivals cashmere in my opinion) and Lettuce because it fits so perfectly with the other three.
Knitting a collection of Mittens is the perfect way to experience various single skeins of Malabrigo Worsted and is exactly what I plan to do this summer. Sure, knitting mittens in the summer does seem like an unrealistic plan, however come fall I will be guaranteed warm and toasty fingers while I wait for the bus! They also make perfect gifts come Christmas and only take a matter of days to complete. For the first pair of mittens in the series I chose to make Kirsten Kapur’s Breathe Deep. These mittens are extra special to me, not only because they are my very first pair of mittens but it is also the first time I have ever made something using a chart. Check em out!
Kirsten Kapur's Breathe Deep Mittens
Yarn: Malabrigo Worsted in American Beauty
Size: Small/Medium
I absolutely loved making these mittens. Both are done – (one was holding the camera!) I love the subtle details of the twisted rib and the simple balloon pattern. And of course, who could resist Malabrigo mittens! I can’t wait to make more pairs.
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