I ripped out the project that I mentioned in a post below, the Homespun rectangle that I was working on, despite the fact that I was quite well along on it. I wanted to do something a little more challenging. I found the pattern below by searching the patterns on the Lionbrand website for good patterns using this yarn. Though it would not be a particularly challenging pattern for most knitters, I'm a beginner, so it's a step up for me.
It's basically a shaped neck ruana, and I love ruanas. It was sized on the pattern for a 1x on size 10 needles. Since it not a precisely shaped garment, I used larger needles so that it would be a bit larger when finished.
I'm actually making 2 of them. One with the Homespun yarn pictured above, and 1 with the other 2 yarns below combined. The combined one is coming out really nice. The 2 yarns go together really well. Better than they would appear to from the pictures above. It's a really luscious combination and I can't wait to see the finished product. I'm doing that one on 13 needles, and the Homespun on size 11's. Both are coming out well. I'm fond of Homespun despite the fact that it's acrylic. I know, I know. REAL knitters aren't supposed to like those nasty fake yarns, and maybe someday I'll do more natural fibers, but as a beginner, my pieces are easier and faster and I crank out too many during this learning phase to afford high-end yarns. I do have some nice Icelandic wools that I'm saving for a better project. I made a nice matching hat and scarf with them that are waiting to be felted. I have so many things that are waiting to be photographed!
I also started the 1st project in "The Knitting Experience: The Knit Stitch" book. It's a scarf of course. I'm making it from the same yarn as the bottom right picture above, only in a different color. The yarn is Red Heart Symphony. The color above in Persimmon. The color I'm using for the scarf is Taupe, but it's really more light charcoal grey than taupe. It's a faux mohair and has a nice feel to it. It will make a nice warm scarf. I plan on working my way through the book so I can learn the skills therein. I like the book. Each project teaches one more new skill and so if you work through the book from beginning to end you cumulatively build your knitting skills one project at a time. The patterns in it are nice too. Stuff you actually want to wear, as opposed to many learner's books, which have you knitting things you wouldn't be caught dead in.
I promise to get some pictures taken soon!
TraZey
