Have I been knitting a lot lately? NO! and I miss it greatly. We've been busy with mother care, a camping trip and the start of yard cleanup after a heavy winter. Thankfully we did the major cleanup in the fall so this is just leaf pickup and mulching.

I did recently purchase the book "A Fine Fleece" by Lisa Lloyd and it is a must have book. Two chapters give information on the different breeds of sheep, their characteristics and how to use their fleece for hand spun yarn. I'm not a spinner but I learned a lot about how yarn works. The rest of the book is a superb collection of cable sweaters, hats and socks. There isn't one that I wouldn't make. I think this book is going to be a classic.

Several projects on the needles:

Test knitting a scarf for color pooling as Annie Maloney shows on the "Annie Maloney & Friends" Ravelry group. Interesting technique but glad I'm using an inexpensive Paton's variegated wool for a test since you have to cut each row so the colors will line up. I'd hesitate to use a really expensive yarn until the technique was down pat.

Oregon in the original kit from Virtual yarns is going well. I'm 2/3 done with the first sleeve, body is done of course. Still in love with the colors and the feel of the fabric.



"Airy Aran" is high on my list for continuing. I need to watch the chart for this one so cannot take it camping.

I've also started Starmore's "St. Brigid" in Cottage Craft 2 ply worsted weight in Fundy Fog color, a light lavender. This one is pretty easy so might make the transition to the RV.



There are other works in canvas bags stuck here and there all over my craft room. I fondle them occasionally. Got to get over my start-itis.

Knitting away on "Airy Aran" which is what I'm calling the cable sweater using Annie Maloney's cables #61 and #28 revised. Well actually both of them are revised a bit but they are definately sourced from her. I almost stopped as the Victorian sport from Halycon Yarns just felt to stiff. Then an online friend reminded me that I had a big swatch all washed. Dug it out and yes, it was a lot softer and bloomed a bit. Not a lot of bloom but enough to make me happy again. I'm on Row 45 of the 48/24 chart repeat though I started with row 13 on the #28 cable. I'll base the sweater design on a basic slightly inset sleeve using Sweater Wizard.

First photo shows the cables run down into the ribbing from the three nested #61s.



Second photo shows the #28 over on the right just after a rope cable and check rib on the sides.



Knitting away on "Airy Aran" which is what I'm calling the cable sweater using Annie Maloney's cables #61 and #28 revised. Well actually both of them are revised a bit but they are definately sourced from her. I almost stopped as the Victorian sport from Halycon Yarns just felt to stiff. Then an online friend reminded me that I had a big swatch all washed. Dug it out and yes, it was a lot softer and bloomed a bit. Not a lot of bloom but enough to make me happy again. I'm on Row 45 of the 48/24 chart repeat though I started with row 13 on the #28 cable. I'll base the sweater design on a basic slightly inset sleeve using Sweater Wizard.

Oregon Autumn fair isle's body is done with a regular round neck instead of a V. The first sleeve is down about 7" and going quickly.

Also previewing fiber for St. Brigid, a heavily cabled outdoor aran I've always admired. I'll probably end up with dark purple Cascade 220 as there is enough of it already in stash, the color is lovely, and gauge is spot on.