I promised that I'd update you on the knitted Totoro project I wrote about last Friday. Here's how he turned out:
A bit wonky but recognisable, I hope.
This was not enjoyable knitting. I don't do fiddly but I'm trying to be more fearless about patterns and the sense of satisfaction at making something new (a plush, this time) is, well, satisfying.
The Little Knitted Totoro pattern is free and I made it with acrylic scrap/stash yarn which is in big contrast to what I have to share next...
I decided to make myself something special to wear for myself this Autumn after being lured by some beautiful Debbie Bliss Andes yarn. It's 65% baby alpaca and 35% mulberry silk and never before have I wished more that you could reach out and touch what I'm showing because it feels incredibly luxurious!
I have cast on The Aspen Wrap and, although there are mixed reviews about the pattern, I'm finding it very clear and useful, so far.
I'm on gauge without having to make any alterations and because the needle size is quite big for the yarn it's knitting up quickly and the yarn is going a long way.
I'm so excited about this project and have completely caught the fancy yarn bug (shhhh, don't tell my bank manager)!
This week I've been reading Keri Smith's How to be an Explorer of the World. I have a bit of a crush on Keri Smith - I find her writing so inspirational but in a non-confrontational, gentle nudge kind of a way.
What are you knitting and reading this week?
I love the yarn for your wrap. It is always nice to make something for yourself. Happy Knitting!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kathleen :o)
DeleteAnyone fancy knitting one for me for my daughter's birthday for cash?
ReplyDeleteAny takers yet, Elaine?
DeleteNo, none I'm afraid. Just bought some absolutely gorgeous, hand knitted, baby, grandad slippers on Folksy for my nephew to be though.
DeleteNo, none I'm afraid. Just bought some absolutely gorgeous hand knitted baby grandad slippers on Folksy for my nephew to be though.
DeleteThe Aspen Wrap is so pretty -- good luck with the knitting!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Evelyn :o)
DeleteSo cute! I love it! And the book sounds right up my alley! I have never heard of the author, but sounds very cool!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Heather. I hope you like Keri's books as much as I do :o)
DeleteOh my gosh, one of my friends' sons would go MAD for that totoro - but I don't do fiddly either... maybe I should try...
ReplyDeleteIt is fiddly but not difficult stitches - it's worth having a go!
DeleteIt looks like totorro to me! I say you did a brilliant job :) Love the pattern you picked out. I'm sure you will have no problems with it.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karen :o)
DeleteOh my goodness, is that cute, or what?!
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah, I know, right!
DeleteHow cute!!! I love the Aspen wrap too - very lovely pattern that I look forward to seeing you finish :)
ReplyDeleteThank you :o)
DeleteI knew it was Totorro as soon as I laid eyes on it. So cute! The yarn for your wrap looks soft and beautiful. Looking forward to seeing the Aspen finished.
ReplyDeleteThat's great to hear - thank you :o)
DeleteYou have been very busy..I love all your knitting!!
ReplyDelete~~Renee
Thanks, Renee :o)
DeleteLovely!
ReplyDeleteThank you :o)
DeleteI clicked on the link for the wrap. I knew I shouldn't have, but I was curious. Now I NEED that wrap too:) I have added it to my long long list of projects. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI know, isn't it a pretty pattern?
DeleteUmmm, how bad would it be to pressure a Very pregnant lady into knitting a Totoro for me? I mean surely once the baby is born she won't have anything better to do with her time? Right?
ReplyDeleteLOL - no, she wont have anything better to, I'm sure...
DeleteWell done on the Totoro! I shy away from fiddly knits - I think this is great. Perhaps one day I'll try it...
ReplyDeleteThanks :o)
DeleteYour torotoro is super cute, but that wrap is going to be divine!!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sarah :o)
DeleteHannah, I am wishing I could reach in and touch that yarn too, it looks stunning and that is going to be a great color on you. And you made gauge too? You rock!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tracey!!
DeleteThat shawl looks heavenly!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Leanne - I hope it works out well!
DeleteHoly cow! That's an adorable totoro. I want to make one too!
ReplyDeleteWhat an adorable totoro! I want to make one too!
ReplyDeletelol, I thought you'd said Holy Cowl on my first glance and was wondering if it was a knitting term/joke!
DeleteThanks, Allison :o)
The little Totoro is adorable! My sister in law just gifted me a few balls of that same Debbie Bliss yarn and I've been dreaming of ways to use it...will have to look into the wrap pattern--looks lovely.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Annie. I think you'd need more than a few for a wrap but you could adapt it to make a scarf version, possibly.
Deleteack! love love totoro! :D
ReplyDeleteLove Totorro! He's a cutie. We only just noticed he makes a guest appearance in Toy Story 3 last night. The boys went mad when we noticed. I see a lot of Studio Ghibli in my future...
ReplyDelete