Tau !

My latest cardigan- TAU by Melanie Berg.

An asymmetrical front, knitted from the top down with raglan sleeve shaping, a basket weave pattern textures the front panel and sleeve cuffs.
The pattern states 4 ply yarn but I went for a sturdier, condensed fabric and chose to knit with Tosh sport, colour Calligraphy. Its difficult to photograph Calligraphy, but it one of the nicest neutrals I've ever knitted with. You can see some very pale peach and purple tones trying to come through , just lovely.

There is a large positive ease so I chose the extra small size at first, knitted down to almost sleeves separation and then noticed the neck line, much tighter and rounder than the other sizes and not at all flattering.
 Here it is before I frogged it all-

frogged!

I went the next size up with the neck cast on but kept the body increases in between size small and extra small. That worked much better.

I had only 4 skeins of Tosh sport which weren't quite enough so I sneaked in the sleeves some tosh sock in Calligraphy.

with regard to buttons I had these beautiful glass buttons purchased from fro the Mud buttons boot in Rhinebeck. I had only eight buttons so had to increases the gap between button holes. It looks less busy on the fronts.

 

Very pleased with the outcome- quite elegant I think.

On Saturday I'm travelling again to Bath, trying a dye work shop in 'yarn story' shop. Very much looking forward to.. update to follow..

 

So what's on my needles?

Couple of weeks ago, I took the train from Salisbury to Bath on a fine Saturday morning with the knitting cyclist- all for a good cause. I've been wanting to visit this new yarn shop in Bath-yarn Story and it is indeed a lovely spot for luxury yarn lovers.

The owner, Carmen knows her stuff and manages to get some excellent brands- Julie Asselin, Hedgehog fibres, Lioness arts, Kettle yarns, Shibui knits, Skein, Madelinetosh and much more . Of course you buy online but nothing beats to actually see the colours in reality and to feel the fluff :)

On the train I cast on for a new summer top- whippet by Anke.

I'm using uncommon thread merino silk lace in 'naval officer' which I think works well for the design. That blue is just gorgeous,  deep and saturated with darker shades. It is such an airy knit with some details to keep the interest whilst knitting.

At yarn story I had a good look at hedgehog sock yarn variety. A month ago I've started Beata's new shawl 'outline' which captures my imagination.

At first I went with her colours but it didn't work well for me so I cast on another.

Here is the failed version- The hi- vis yellow from uncommon thread just hurts my eyes.

 

and a new blue-pink version that will have to prove itself to me..

Last is Tau which I'm pushing with and close to finishing. More of it in the next post. See you soon !