I like to have a variety of projects going at the same time. I feel my knitting life is balanced when I have a sweater, a shawl, and a pair of socks on the needles. But lately my project bags have been full of bigger knits, and a small and quick knit is a welcome break. I like the kind of project that can be completed in a few days, like a knitted toy.
I’m still absorbing the cuteness in Susan B. Anderson’s Spud and Chloë at the Farm, and I love the twisted loop stitch used to create the fleece in these little ones. The technique is time-consuming, but after a few rows I became quite efficient at it. Stop by the shop if you need a demonstration! I love the combinations people have created with Spud—the project gallery shows everything from green sheep to rainbow sheep.
These little farm animals are a surprisingly fast knit and sure to impress. I made them out of Spud & Chloë sweater (55% wool, 45% organic cotton), one of my favorites. This yarn truly looks great knitted at different gauges. It compresses nicely on size 4 needles for the sheep, and on larger needles the plies softly relax to fill the looser gauge. I’m knitting the Brigid Jacket (Ravelry) from Vintage Modern Knits, available at the shop. I’m really impressed with the stitch definition and the way the cables pop off this fibre. The yarn is super soft, drapes elegantly, and comes in a happy palette of colors that sound like they belong in a playground (Root Beer, Grass, Waterslide). It’s also user-friendly, as it is machine washable!
Another project I want to use this yarn for is the Leafy Baby Blanket by Leyla Alieva (free on Ravelry). The calm pattern of leaves branching out is lovely and it looks fun to knit! I can’t resist a lace leaf design. It uses three skeins of the soft and easy to wash Spud & Chloë Sweater, a perfect match for a family welcoming a new baby!