Kusha

I heard about metallic yarn for  a long time. But this is the first time that I actually see and touch it. My Kusha-kusha scarf kit-78 arrived today. It comes with a roll of superfine merion wool and a row of silk/stainless steel blend. I know that I'm totally not suppose to start a new knitting project right now, consider that I'm doing my second qualifying exam next week, and I'm already knitting a curtain for the kitchen. But this yarn is so gorgeous that I can't wait to start knitting them. 

They are superfine. I'm basically knitting thread. I think I can only see the effect of the stainless steel when the fiber is getting longer and bigger. However, just the idea lof having a「不锈鋼頸巾」around your neck is super cool already. 

Rainbow Spiral Throw....when will it be done???

Another long-term project -- spiral throw. 

I always want a funky blanket to keep me warm when I'm sitting on a sofa reading. 

When Hans and I went on the road trip in December, I was optimistic that I can finish the knitting in the 10-days trip, while we were driving and chiling in the mountain. I guess I under-estimiate the magnitude of this project. It's still not done yet, but it's close....

A lace wrap for Anna. A pattern from Kntty.com, Juno Regina. 

So far, this is the piece of knitting that I had spent most time on -- closed to 9 months. And the interesting thing is that this piece travel with me across the Pacific, 2 times, during this period. 

It feels really good to finally finish this. And i found this very nice article on how to clock this as well  on the knitty.com website, and made it looks really nice. 

I promised to knit something for you 2 years ago~haha~~so Anna, here it is, my belated birthday + Christmas present to you =)

The block process is actually pretty painless. I tried this new wool wash things, and it smell really good with real lavender oil in it. The lady in the yarn store where I brought it said that it is good to keep the oil in natural fiber. 

Step 1: soak it in warm water, with the fiber softener. I was surprise how much color came out from this yarn...well, the product of chemical dyeing from China. I rinse it few time until the water is clear. Empty the sink, squeeze gently out the excess water, and get ready to dry~

Step 2: roll the wet warp with a big dry towel. Sit on it. Jati tried to help, but he end up playing with the yarn most of the time. 

Step 3: Pin the wrap on the matteress, make sure it's laying straight and the mearsurement is right. Also, try to open up the lace pattern (let them lay flat). Let it stay overnight until it's totally dried. 

For details, see Eunny Jang's instruction on blocking laces knitting.