WIPs and what-might-be's

It's the eve of a heavy work period for me. So I want to talk about play! First up, we did get to knit a bit while in California for the Interlacements trip. Here's what I started ...

I cast on Interlacements' appropriately named California yarn for a shrug. I'm working off the Waves Shrug pattern in the Loom Knitting Primer book. The ribbon yarn is knitting like a worsted. I can already tell my gauge might be a little small so I'm hoping it will just take adding more rows in the back section.

I worked on this pattern during down times for our last day in the booth and invited many curious glances. Attendees were intrigued by loom-knitting and we're hoping to introduce it to a wider audience. I'm now working on my first loom-knit pattern for Interlacements Yarns.

I won't give away what it is yet. I want to see the pattern go well first. But it will be soft, cuddly and perfect for spring! I'm knitting with Interlacements' Mississippi cotton yarn.

This pattern and hopefully one more will debut at an April show in Pewaukee, Wis. Pattern #2 should feature ...

Baby Bison yarn

So if I have time, I'll be writing up a new fingerless mittens pattern for this springy wool yarn. I have a few ideas already brewing. Just to add one to the pot — I'm also hoping to write a lacy shawl pattern for this later on ...

Colorado yarn

I'm taking some time to study shawls a bit more before I jump on this project. Is there a type of shawl pattern you'd like to see for the loom? Let me know in the comments!

And in case I get "bored" or simply cast-on crazy, I have one more project just begging to be touched.

I will be translating a beaded scarf pattern to the loom ... probably for personal use. Tracey of Interlacements helped me wind the yarn and Em taught me to string on the beads. This project will be deserving of a blog all to itself once I get started!

Hoping off the Interlacements train, here's a WIP tease for my sis. That's Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, one of my favorites for the large-gauge loom. It will probably be warming up before I set this project down but it will be something to match her hat next winter!

It's knitting up quite fast when I squeeze it in between work, pattern design and the weekly Friendly Scarf Project square.

Yep, if only I had more time (and wrist strength) to knit away my days. It makes sense that these two alpaca beauties are in my "someday, oh someday" pile. I finally took a photo of them today.

 

A few months ago, the knitting guild, Zoe and I trekked to London Dairy Alpacas in Two Rivers, Wis. We got to almost-pet a few critters and shop a bit, too. The yarn feels so much more authentic when the woolies are just outside!