Sun and Soleil

We have been having some *hot* weather in Washington, DC! Poor air quality, hazy, humid, gross days. Perfect for staying indoors and knitting! I am working on a new project, Soleil from Knitty. After I practiced the lace pattern on a small swatch, I had no trouble with the actual pattern. Here’s my progress so far:



I am using Dale of Norway Svale, of which Lolly spoke so highly. She’s right that it is somewhat splitty, but it makes such a smooth fabric you can forgive that. Actually, the reason for the splittiness (multiple parallel strands) is the same reason, I think, that it evens out your stitches and creates this great fabric.

In other knitting news, I have been commissioned (okay, nudged) by a close friend to knit a sweater for her sister’s next baby. I sent M. a few sweater ideas to choose from, and miraculously, she picked the one I a) liked the best and b) already had the yarn and the pattern for! I will be making the Matinee Coat from the Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino collection. Here’s a pic:

I’m not using Baby Cashmerino though – I will be using some Louet Opal I got at Purl last month. Apparently, it is machine-washable and dryable - great for babies!

I also have some big news to share with you all…but I need a little more time to write a post about it. Til then – happy knitting!