Starting line

For the past year or so, I have watched my friend, Toni, knit the most fantastic pieces of Fair Isle. True works of art these sweaters are! She is currently working on a cardigan called Anne Boleyn, which you can see here. I kept thinking, ooooh, I must have one of those gorgeous masterpieces someday. That day has come, and with Toni's encouragement and knowledge, I will begin my first Alice Starmore design. I chose the beautiful Oregon Vest in the Autumn colorway, perfect for a coolish Fall day. My kit from Virtual Yarns arrived yesterday, and I must say, I had ambivalent feelings. I was overwhelmed and intimidated, but at the same time, excited!! The colors are so rich and exquisite, and as the day wore on, and Toni reassured me, I became more confident that this is something I can accomplish. So, last night, I began winding my yarn and studying the instructions. It seems the knitting aspect of the garment isn't difficult, I mean, it's just knit and purl! As has been pointed out to me, it's all in the tension when working with two yarns at the same time, and remembering which one is your main color. I have been practicing on a tam that I intend to complete, because I love the pattern, and I love wearing my handknit hats. I haven't decided if I will keep this one for myself though, because I keep thinking how cute it would also look on my sister-in-law. In any case, I've reached the decrease point, so should be done with it soon.

Other knitting news includes the little matching beret I have finished to go with the bolero I knitted for my cousin's new baby that should arrive next month. Both pieces were a lot of fun to knit and went very quickly. I'm so happy with the colorway I chose in the Universal Yarns Classic Tapestry. I wanted something girly for Zoe, but also something out of the non-traditional colors for babies. I knitted the 6-12 month size so that she will be able to wear it this next winter.

I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday and I hope to have frequent blog posts about my journey into Fair Isle knitting. I'm really excited and looking forward to sharing it with you!