Last time I left you I told you that I had received new yarn that I was totally smitten with, but first let me give you some background.
Long time ago (2008) Yarnharlot made a trip to the lighthouse in Cape Spear on Newfoundland. She took pictures of the old knits that were spread out in the lighthouse. I remember going over to see the pictures of the old knitted items again and again. There was something that touched my knitter's soul in those humble, warm pieces of clothing: the natural colours, the feel of the knits and the quiet beauty. That is knitting at its bare, sincere core. You know that I also love soft, new, colourful fibers and fashionable and clever knits, but when you start peeling off the newer layers of knitting history to find the innermost, bare, naked soul of the craft, it is there, in these kinds of fibers and garments.
I have a collection of knitting book featuring old knits and also some old knitting books and what I love most in these books is the quality of the fabric presented in the old pictures. The old worn knits in the pictures appear always a bit fulled, which of course is natural and the old knits that have not been worn that much, consist of stitches that are not factory-like even, if you know what I mean, they don't present bad craftsmanship but there is slight unevenness.
I have been knitting few mittens in the past years and have tried a bunch of yarns in doing so. I have used many thin yarns and have found quite a few I like a lot that produce this old feeling but finding a yarn that is not too thin, but would have this rustic sort of feel and yet not be scratchy, has been hard.
Couple of weeks ago I came across the name of Blacker Yarns in Needled blog. Kate Davies referred to Blacker Yarns and I went to check their site and I found a treasure throve. I placed an order for three brands and so far I have tried one of the yarns. It is a long time since a yarn has cast a spell on me, but this yarn did so. I really heard it calling my name and these mittens just flew together because I kept knitting them every single free moment.
The off-white yarn in the mittens is pure Blue-faced Leicester Wool in 4-ply weight.
I have been looking at the other yarns too and plan to try them out. And guess what, I just checked the KnitNation vendor list and there it was: Blacker yarns is going to be there! I am really looking forward to seeing all their yarns.
This greeted me the other night (about ten o'clock)when I returned home.
But now, if you excuse me, I am going to cast on yet another mitten!
Lene, you never cease to amaze me with your knitting skills. Love your new yarn.
The mittens are beautiful, but that picture of your lake is breathtaking!
The mittens are just lovely! They look soft and cozy, and I love the little tassel-y things. Beautiful!
I love the mittens ... the colors are perfect.
I absolutely agree with your luv for the simple basic wool and knits. I am very happy that we breed Finnsheep and Gotland sheep (plus Alpacas)so we have our own supply of these wonderful fibres!
Your mittens are just beautiful.
I love the off-white, but I worry that I'd get white mittens permanently stained!
A beautiful, basic wool is quite elegant.