weaving swatch inspired by the samples in Plain Weaving

A day in early January inspired this scarf and then time was spent thinking about how to capture it via warp and weft. I chose muted green and gray tsumugi silk and planned a specific stripe sequence for the warp. I used the same material for the weft but also added some kid mohair to contrast the cotton-like feel of the silk. I finished late last night and was eager this morning to see it in natural light, to wrap this new textile around my neck. Delicate texture - it feels wonderful.

Warp: habu tsumugi silk (A-1-1 and A-1-43)
Weft: habu tsumugi silk (A-1-1 and A-1-43) & habu kid mohair (N-52-24)
Scarf: 9.5 inches by 55 inches

Posted by brooke at 10:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)

An early morning run a few weeks ago. The gentle waves of fog rolled over muted green grass. Forgetting distance and cold. Appreciating the moment outdoors. Wishing every morning could be like this one. Mind and body invigorated.

This week I sat down at the table with materials of mixed textures before me – tsumugi silk, airy kid mohair and crisp linen. Working on my warp plan. Nearby, Plain Weaving open to the page that shows Misao Iwamura’s studio near Mt. Hiei. A building with tall skinny windows nestled in a small grove of trees. Black and white photos show the interior – a spinning wheel in one corner draped with a handwoven piece and three round stones at its feet. Yarn filled cones line a shelf. Iwamura at work at one of her looms.

A look at my next handwoven piece in progress
tsumugi silk (A-1-1 & A-1-43) and kid mohair (N-52-24) from habu

Many thanks to all who visited and commented on the aran coat. I truly appreciate your kind words.

Posted by brooke at 08:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)

Aran Coat
Knitting Around by Elizabeth Zimmermann

yarn: Rowan Yorkshire Tweed Chunky in Stout, Shade 554 Lot 19G4 – 11 balls
needles: 32” and 16” US 10 addi circular needles and US 10 dpns
buttons: 5 wooden toggle buttons #W35 from Durango Button Company
size: 34” around body, 29“ from shoulder to lower edge
steek: crocheted steek using 5.00 mm crochet hook, used Eunny Jang’s tutorial here, although I cast on 4 sts as suggested I would RX cast on 5 at the center front
mods: 12 st Sheepsfold instead of 10 st
9 st Ribbon Cable from The Opinionated Knitter replaced the Fishbone pattern
Followed the shoulder epaulet directions but the actual epaulet is not as pronounced on my coat.
The hood – the only part of the project I’m not completely satisfied with as it’s too deep. I love the way the increases organically shape the hood – it looked okay while I was knitting it, but unfortunately it is too deep. The height, 12 inches, is perfect and the epaulet worked out beautifully. Shoulder holder and afterthought pockets to be added at a later date.

[close up of the coat here]

This project was filled with new things I hadn’t tried before and the process, from planning the coat and stitch patterns using a circular schematic to knitting the Sheepsfold pattern, was pure knitting bliss. I no longer fear the crocheted steek, but find it beautiful. I loved working EZ’s sewn cast off (her favorite for garter stitch) on the front borders. Perfect tension, even stitches, neat edges – a cast off that gives the garment the finished look I’m always after when completing a project.

I’ll miss sitting down each night with the huge mass of wool on my lap and Knitting Around at my side. Knit in chunky tweedy wool, my perfect winter project is now my favorite winter coat.

Posted by brooke at 09:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (28)

Today I sat down at the table with the finished body, sleeves and hood of my Aran Coat and prepared to cut my knitting.

crocheted steek using Eunny Jang’s tutorial

The crocheted chains in place, I took out my scissors and carefully cut each ladder thread, working my way up 28 inches of coat. Then 12 inches of hood – worked separately to give you a chance to breathe between the two sections. I cut the last thread, examined the entire coat and slumped back into my chair exhausted. Keeping in mind that I practiced on swatches twice yesterday, I must say the crocheted steek is surprisingly comfortable, beautiful even. Next up….garter stitch borders and toggle buttons.

Posted by brooke at 09:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)