Knitting in Florida

 

Florida, the sunshine state, and I must admit I saw some of the best sunsets in my life, was home for me the last few months. You all have read about my good and not so good visits to a few Florida yarn shops. Well in between finding yarn stores near or in Tampa I was knitting, I finished two projects and started a third.

You all remember that lovely yarn I scored from Do Ewe Knit from Voolenvine Yarns? It was called Footsie, which is a fingering weight blend of merino and nylon. The color is what captured me and everyone else too! LOL it is called Octopus Garden and my goodness it is beautiful! I started on it before I left and figured it would keep me company while in Florida.

I was working on it most of the time I was there and boy oh boy did I enjoy working this project. I couldn’t knit fast enough. I wanted to wear it so bad! The pattern is called Freesia by JumperCables. A few strategically placed yarn overs and some garter stitches, gives you a nice detailed edge on a simple shawl.  As you all know it was the first experience with Voolenvine yarns and this shawl is on my top 10 list easily! I used every drop of the yarn..even put tassels on because I refused to waste it No yarn left behind...EVER Click To Tweet I was a little concerned about blocking it in the hotel, but I made it work! I got me a spray bottle and used the steam from the iron, it was all good! 

I know you are probably wondering what’s with the fingering weight yarn GG? LOL I still love my #fatfibers no worries. This pattern called for a US6 needle, which isn’t terribly small. I also packed the Kismet gradient kit that I picked up while in Rochester NY. I had a few shawls in mind but decided on the Dotted Rays by Mr West (Stephen West)

It seems like I flew through this one because I couldn’t wait to get to the next color. LOL! This pattern comes in 2 sizes and I opted for the small version. The wedge is created with yarn overs and short rows. The pattern is written well and it works up nicely. This yarn is also fingering weight and I am so very happy I grabbed it because Kismet Fiber is closed for business :/ so this shawl is super special to me.

I also learned a new technique with this one, the attached i-cord, which produces such a lovely edging! Mr West is a genius, yup he is. I finished Dotted Rays faster than I expected, but you know I always have to have the next project ready to cast on right? LOL I have issues, I know that, but..well no but, it is what it is and I am cool with that.

While visiting Four Purls, I feel in love with one of the samples. Thistle Dew is on my needles right now which is another shawl that calls for fingering weight yarn, I chose Serenity 20 by Zen Garden in a color way that is exclusive to Four purls, it is called Coral Sands. I learned that the colors are based off of Laura’s pool..man I would love to see that pool. Thistle Dew is free if you use coupon code GGMADEIT 🙂

Aren’t those colors lovely? The yarn has a bit of cashmere in it..so it feels amazing gliding off of my needles. As you can see I will have a few pieces to remind me of my time in Florida. I will miss my new found fiber friends, but I am happy to be home.

Do you have projects that you made while away from home, that reminds you of that place? Let’s discuss in the comments.

Knit on my fiber friends…knit on

GG