Back home! On my trek back from PA to MA, I took a pit-stop at Webs in Northampton, MA which I deem to be the Mecca of yarn stores. I hadn’t been in over a year and yes, I can order from them online, but it’s not the same as being there in person and looking at the colors, feeling the fibers, etc. So I splurged.
I wanted to make Leaflet as soon as I saw it in the Knitty First Fall issue released a few weeks ago. While I do like the orange pictured, I was trying to remember my fall wardrobe and didn’t think I’d have many tops to layer with that color. So I opted for a hearty wool and alpaca blend from Valley Yarns in a boysenberry color that would work with my grays, browns, and purples that I wear in the fall. I’ll probably be casting on for this in the next week or so. I’m happy that I found a sweater that looks cute and knits up on big needles, since larger needle sizes don’t aggrevate my wrists as much. Probably the reason why I haven’t made much progress lately on my Round Yoke Cardigan.
Clapotis has been in my knitting queue since 2004. A long time, yes. But the length of time is due to the fact that I couldn’t find a substitute yarn I liked for the Lorna’s Laces Lion and Lamb, which would cost me an arm and a leg for this project. Noro Silk Garden, which is a popular sub on Ravelry for this project, has never appealed to me since I’m not a fan of lots and lots of variegation or the texture of the yarn (I frankly think it’s overrated). But the moment I walked in the door at Webs, I immediately saw this yarn and thought “Clapotis.” It’s got the color gradient I was searching for, the soft texture of the blend, and was at a more affordable price point for the project. Sold! I probably won’t finish this in time for the cool autumn weather to set in in New England since I think I’m the world’s slowest knitter, but it’s such a versatile color for a scarf that I could definitely wear it next spring as well.