Learning a new cast on and knitting in the round


My top-down raglan jumper is progressing slowly but surely. Along the way I've had to learn the 'backward loop' cast on. As you'll know if you've used this cast-on there's nothing to it:

So the 11 new stitches at each arm and 39 for the front panel took no time at all to add, and for the first time it looks like the start of a jumper.

The needle is a bit longer than recommended, so at first I pulled out an extra loop of the circular needle's cable (like Magic Loop). A friend had told me that this was a 'pain in the ass' because you have to keep pulling out that loop again as you pass it. I wouldn't have put it so strongly, but I'm not a fan of the technique. Happily having done a few rows I found that the stitches distribute themselves quite well on the length of needle I'm using without that magic loop.

With half a dozen rounds done since joining, the pattern on the front panel is starting to appear. It's quite simple to follow, and with the rest of the round being plain, I'm finding that the rounds are going really quickly.

My pattern is the Opulent Raglan from Interweave - here it is with my original swatch.

Knitted big cat pelts

Beautiful and animal-friendly! I love these big-cat pelts by Aussie artist Ruth Marshall.

check out her reptiles too - she's knitted all 68 known species of coral snake.

The Bowmonts' Journey to Savile Row

I've reported the wool promotion event in Savile Row starting 11 Oct, and in this fascinating post, devonfinefibres describes the logistics of getting their flock to London.

Read the post

Spinning as relaxation

Did I need to sit down and relax last night.

It was the perfect time to put on the current audiobook and get spinning for fellow Bint, Scout. I'd carded the fibre a while ago - my 'wheatfield' mix of merino and a little silk - I was just waiting for an opportunity to spin it.