Delicate...And Also Strong

I got to be with my fabulous extended family this past weekend. There was no snow to play in (it was in the 50s and sunny--go figure!), but broom ball was played, pickle ball happened, and we got to be together for an entire weekend. I was reminded several times throughout the weekend of how lucky I am to be related to this big, buoyant group of humans and of how great we are when we get together. I didn't realize how much I needed the arms of my cousins around me until I was in the midst of all of those hugs.

The beauriful Manchelopis yarn from WoolDreamers reminds me a bit of myself. It's delicate until you knit or crochet it...and then, with the solidarity of a whole bunch of stitches standing side by side, it is strong and warm and unstoppable.

Why is Manchelopis delicate? Because it arrives in a "cheese wheel" of unspun wool that's like a double strand of cirrus cloud when you unwind it from the spool. Most yarn gets its strength from a combination of the fiber content and the twist provided by spinning. This yarn has the strength of beautiful Spanish wool...but no spinning, so it doesn't reach its full potential until you create amazing fabric with it.

Here's a swatch on US 10 needles. You can see the airiness of the strands coming off of the wheel...and then the solid strength of it once it's knitted.

It occurred to a couple of very clever Yarnologists this week that this yarn would be perfect for a late-winter-into-early-spring Carbeth sweater:

The Carbeth, by Kate Davies, is beloved for many reasons: it's a darned good first (or second) sweater, it comes in a pullover version and a cardigan version, and it looks good on pretty much everyone.

Kate Davies wrote the Carbeth patterns to be knitted with a double strand of DK yarn. And the sweaters are fabulous that way. But knitters soon began substituting one heavier (bulky weight) yarn for the two DK strands, I've knit a couple of very etherial Carbeth pullovers using a double strand of fine mohair/silk. The key is to get the intended gauge and a fabric you enjoy.

And the beautiful, unusual Manchelopis yarn gives exactly the right number of stitches per inch. (Note: we got gauge on a US 10---you may need to adjust needles size to get the required 14 stitches/4 inches.)

Much like unspun yarn, we become a better version of ourselves when we stand in community. I hope this week brings you a chance to be surrounded by people who listen to you...people who appreciate you...people who prop you up when you're feeling wobbly... people who just get you.

Warmly,

Gaby

On-Going Opportunities:

Makers Mornings -- typically the 3rd Saturday of each month

Beginning Crochet Class -- usually once per month on a Thursday afternoon

Beginning Knit Class -- usually once per month on a Thursday afternoon