Summertime Knits

The weather is finally warming up here. I actually got to spend some time starting my tan. Two of my latest knitting projects are perfect for summer. The first is a shawl called Japanese Garden Shawl. It was designed by Wendy Johnson and was a fundraiser for aid to Japan when it was devastated by the hurricane and tsunami a few years ago. It was gifted to me and sat in my queue, waiting for the right yarn. I was surprised to find that the right yarn was some bamboo that I'd spun at nearly the time that the pattern came out.

The yarn is a bit thick in some spots and too thin in others - bamboo is tough to spin - but I'm really pleased with the finished shawl. The bamboo is light and cool to the touch and the lace pattern is beautiful and simple at the same time. The other project has been waiting to be made for years. The pattern, Montego Bay, was in Interweave Knits and I loved it. I bought the yarn, Sea Silk, for the pattern - the first time I've bought the specified yarn. Well, it sat until a couple of weeks ago. I decided that I must now have my scarf. It was a super fast knit and looks so cool. >br/ >

The yarn is made from a blend of silk and seaweed. It's so soft and smooth and shines like you wouldn't believe. I've worn it around town and it's light and airy and makes me feel glamorous. I'll be making a few more of these - I have another skein of this yarn in a black/brown colorway and a couple of other yarns that will look great. Lately I've been watching a lot of documentaries on Netflix. I really enjoyed one called Ultrasuede about the designer Halston. I love the clothes in it, especially the early ones. I've been browsing etsy and ebay for patterns but they're kind of expensive. It made a little sad though. When I was little my aunt Carolyn used to wear Halston perfume. I loved her so much - she was beautiful and glamorous and made me feel special. I've missed her over the years - she and my uncle divorced so I didn't know how to get in touch with her. I hope she's well. Okay, that's all for now. Maybe soon I'll have a sewing project to share - if the darn hem doesn't kill me!