Funny thing happens when I need needles that aren't in my needle box... I have to start thinking about forgotten projects. Hummm, what's using 40" 5mm Addis? Oh my yes, Birch! Just where is Birch?
Found it stashed in my closet, and true to form, spent this morning working through a pattern repeat. I'm kind of a CSNY knitter (Crosby Stills Nash and Young to you kids) - I love the one I'm with. Now, I should add I was in my paddling pool in the summer of '69, but I grew up in the land of classic rock radio and I knew every popular Led Zepplin and Who song by heart at age 13. Add to that my mom's stack of Elvis 45s and the neighbors love of Southern rock and Hank Williams (Sr. thank you very much) and you've got a good 'ol Amurican musical upbringing. Yes, Zep and the Who are Brits, but tell that to a bunch of stoned long-haired hippie-wanna-be suburban punks singing Teenage Wasteland at the top of their lungs around the pool table in someones basement rec-room circa 1978. And no Mom, I was not stoned, but you know who I'm talking about (picture Kevin N in his huge red hair phase).
So, that segue down memory lane over, here's Birch, though I've added another two rows since taking this an hour ago (I'm fickle, but passionately so). This pattern is written for either stockinette or garter - I'm doing garter. It actually seems to make the 2tog stitches tougher to pick, but I like the cobweb look of it. Pleased to say it's even softer knit up than in the ball. The silk shines so nicely in person. Will try to get a natural light photo next time, but it's too dark now.
Birch in Rowan Kidsilk Haze
One reason I'd stopped knitting back in September (that long ago?) is that the lovely shiny, silvery thread (almost too thin to be called yarn) was impossible to see against the shiny, silvery addi needles. Recently bought these Bryspun to try them out and they're perfect for this. I highly recommend them! The tapered tips dip into the lace stitches beautifully. They flex well - another big plus when knitting lace. This yarn slides even better on the plastic than on the metal. No cord to catch the delicate stitches when pulling them onto the left needle. And finally, the light color shows the yarn. Plus they're about $5! My only complaint is the end cap is way too heavy. Considering pulling it off - let you know if I do.
When I first started knitting I couldn't figure out why there were so many different kinds of needles. Now I try each project on several types if I have them and I find I always have a distinct preference. These are my new favorite for lace work.
Passionately fickle. Hey, at least you are consistent :-).
Posted by: Colleen | January 21, 2005 at 07:00 PM
I want to knit birch...have the yarn and pattern, just wasn't sure which needles to use. I have some bryspun, so maybe I'll try those. Thanks for sharing that. Clapotis looks great too.
Posted by: Violet | January 22, 2005 at 09:07 AM
I have a complete set of Bryspun straights, and they are the needles that I recommend for beginners - not too sticky not too slick. Despite this, I hadn't considered using them for lace. I always go for my addis because I hate using bamboo with mohair (very sticky). However, I think you may be on to something here - not too sticky, not too slick, right? Good tip.
Posted by: julia | February 05, 2005 at 05:10 AM