Wednesday 1 January 2014

Halele'a Knit Along................and the first Yarn Along post of the year.



"Brown paper packages tied up with string,
these are a few of my favourite things"

Happy New Year everyone, I hope you all had a great Christmas and here's to a Happy, Healthy 2014. I received this package just before Christmas, all the way from the U.S.A., it was a little Christmas gift to myself. 

What's inside you are wondering, well two of my favourite Podcasters, joined forces. Mel from Single Handed Knits and Stacie, one half of the Must Stash Podcast. Mel wrote a beautiful pattern called Halele'a, a sweet little cardigan, partly knitted in pieces then picking up stitches and knitting the bottom half in one piece using Stacie's gorgeous, hand-dyed yarn. How could I resisit!!!!!!

Before I even opened my package I was excited, seeing it wrapped in brown paper, tied with twine with a tag and palm tree stitch marker, there was also a hand written "Aloha" postcard. 


When I opened it up, there were two huge skeins of squishy, soft yarn, 1500 yards of Superwash Merino in the colour Kau Pua. Can you see a theme running through here? Yes, it's all about the beautiful Hawaii, where Mel has recently moved from, so this pattern was inspired by her beloved Islands. Stacie custom dyed her Helluva Skeins in six gorgeous colours, all with inspiration from Hawaii.

The Halele'a KAL, officially started on the 26th December on the Must Stash Podcast Group over on Ravelry. This was the day we started swatching for our cardigan, Mel is big on swatching but more about that on another post coming soon. The first part of the pattern is all about the swatch!!!!!


This is my swatch, as you can see it's not your typical 4"x 4" swatch, I've never really swatched before but I've got to say, I really enjoyed this part of the pattern. It teaches you a lot about the pattern and the yarn you are using. The yarn was gorgeous before soaking and blocking but once it dried it came into it's own, the drape and the softness is amazing.


Week 1 was a short week and we are now on Week 2 where we will all start knitting the back. The joy of a KAL is all the help and encouragement you get along the way, if you are stuck on one part or just need advice, there will be somebody who will be able to sort you out. I've been writing down lots of notes for the upcoming year, hopefully I will be more organised.

 Hopefully, I should finish the back by the end of the week, ready for Week 3, but even if I don't, it doesn't matter. This KAL is very laid back and you go at your own pace, it's just nice to knit along with a group of friendly people, all knitting the same thing. It's not to late to join in, you don't have to use Stacie's yarn to be part of the group, you can find the pattern here. 




 I've started a new book called The Parisian Christmas Bake Off by Jenny Oliver, on my Kindle. I'm only a couple of chapters in but so far, so good, it's turning into an enjoyable read. I'm joining in with the first Yarn Along of the year, check out Ginny's beautiful blog.

Thanks for reading my first post of 2014, I'll be back in a couple of days about the joys of swatching, yes, Mel has converted me.

xxxxDebxxxx

17 comments:

gilly said...

Happy new year Deb! May 2014 be filled with all things wonderful and lots more gorgeous makes. That yarn looks so yummy - enjoy the knit along.
Xx

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

So beautiful!! I am loving that color!!!! Happy New Year!!!

Erin said...

What a beautiful project- that color is lovely!

ColourMeCrochet said...

Your swatch looks gorgeous, loving the colour. Can't wait to see it finished in all its glory.
Happy NewYear
Sally xxx

CathieJ said...

Happy New Year Deb. Beautiful yarn in your swatch.

Unknown said...

Deb this looks wonderrrful and I shall be following up your leads I adore the colour of the yarn and the pattern is adorable. What a talented lady you are. Hope you had a fab new year. Big 2014 hug to you Deb
Dorothy
:-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

LauraLillyLaura said...

It looks beautiful. Can't wait to see it finished!

Christine N said...

On wow that yarn, that swatch, just stunning!

Stefanie said...

Happy New Year, Deb! I knew that was Hawaiian. The apostrophes were a big clue. What interesting construction this cardi I has. I like the rich, feminine colorway.

justamouse said...

What an absolutely gorgeous, lush color. My mother would love something knit in that, I'll have to get it.

Happy New Year!

Amy at love made my home said...

What beautiful yarn and such great packaging too! It is looking lovely, I look forward to seeing it finished! Happy New Year. xx

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year and what a super lovely colour. The yarn looks gorgeous.

Unknown said...

Happy New Year to you and your loved ones Deb and thanks for all your lovely comments the past year! Can't wait to see the end result of this pretty new garment you're creating! Hugs, Ira x
Ira’s Crea Corner

Clare said...

That yarn is gorgeous,I just love that colour, Happy New year to you.
Clare xx

Ros Crawford said...

Happy New year Deb ... Lovely colour wool ... I'm sure it will be beautiful finished

Unknown said...

That yarn looks beautiful. I know I have said this before but I love to see your knitting projects or crocheting projects your work is amazing.

Hugs~

Lynnda said...

So beautiful! Loving the color... Happy New Year Deb!. hugs...x

The Handmade Sock Society 3 by Helen Stewart

Hello there, I just wanted to let you all know that Season 3 of  The Handmade Sock Society  is available for pre-sale  here  with an Ea...