I've been diligently working on improving my spinning. But until recently, hadn't knit anything with the yarn I've made.
Surfing around blogs on Sunday I was inspired by HPNY over at When the going gets tough, the tough get knitting!. She made a simple hat from her first spinning. I immediately decided I had to do the same thing. I even went so far as to copy the way she knit a soft band on the inside. This was clearly the best choice of finishing since any other edge would take more yarn than I had.
Handspun Hat.
Two-ply yarn spun from Superwash Corriedale from Perchance to Knit on my Golding drop spindle.
Knit top down until I ran out of yarn.
Inside edge knit with Manos Striata.
Needles US 10.5 - I should've used 11's but once I started knitting, I didn't want to stop to rip out.
When we returned from our trip to Miami on Saturday, I was greeted by some lovely birthday gifts in the mail.
Susan, who was one of my first commenters on this blog and has since become a friend, sent some gorgeous hand sewn coasters that she made, along with a sweet card. As a crafter it is always so special to receive a gift that someone has taken the time to make - and they are so beautifully sewn! Thank you for your kindness Susan!
The ever generous LaVerna sent a birthday package as well. She included more roving (from Funky Carolina) to fuel my new obsession & the pattern for the Spring Things Shawl. I am constantly amazed by how LaVerna always knows just what I'll love!
After seeing my photos of Lenten Roses, LaVerna decided to also send her latest package from Sundara's Petals Collection!! Having fought with myself to resist joining the Sundara's Sock Club, it is such an indulgence to have LaVerna share this with me. Lenten Roses (or hellebores) have been one of my favorite flowers for years. Sundara beautifully captured the color of the darkest varieties, which I so admire, in her yarn. The lacy sock pattern that is included with the package is equally glorious. Thank you once again LaVerna!
Those are wonderful gifts.
Posted by: Carole | April 17, 2007 at 02:51 PM
Beautiful! That roving would be a beautiful Spring Things Shawl.
Posted by: Kathy | April 17, 2007 at 03:13 PM
Wow, beautiful photos of wonderful gifts! And I love the handspun hat. The colors are gorgeous.
Posted by: Emma | April 17, 2007 at 04:40 PM
That is one snazzy hat! I like it!
Posted by: nova | April 17, 2007 at 05:07 PM
What a lucky birthday woman! I actually meant to comment on how much I loved your birthday picture you posted. It was exactly how I pictured you -- happy and a little quirky in a good way!
Posted by: Liz K. | April 17, 2007 at 08:46 PM
What a lucky birthday woman! I actually meant to comment on how much I loved your birthday picture you posted. It was exactly how I pictured you -- happy and a little quirky in a good way!
Posted by: Liz K. | April 17, 2007 at 08:48 PM
That hat looks great - you're becoming quite the spinner! And that Sundara yarn, swoon. That colorway is delicious.
Posted by: kelp! | April 17, 2007 at 10:43 PM
Cute hat! What great presents!
Posted by: tiennie | April 17, 2007 at 11:17 PM
Your daughter looks gorgeous in her handspun hat! You're a good mum...
Posted by: Nora | April 18, 2007 at 12:15 AM
Those are some wonderful gifts! You are a lucky woman to have such friends. And you have lucky children who get pretty handspun hats. :)
Posted by: Pikku-Kettu | April 18, 2007 at 01:14 AM
I love both the socks and the hat. And what beautifully spun yarn. So hard to resist. You need to pet it for awhile before knitting it into anything.
Posted by: Rhonda the Stitchingnut | April 18, 2007 at 11:17 AM
Love the hat...socks....gifts...~sigh~ All good!!!!
Posted by: Alisha | April 19, 2007 at 10:15 PM
i love hellebores too! beautiful flowers . . happy birthday!
Posted by: anne | April 20, 2007 at 01:28 PM