I finally finished Dazzler by Liza Lewis, my Christmas cast-on. The blue yarn, Gilliatt by De Rerum Natura in Tempête, was my Christmas present from my eldest son (I have a list for my sons, they are free to use it or not), I had had the grey Bouleau in my stash for a couple years now and never started the pattern I had in mind when I bought it.
Dazzler is the cover picture of Laine Magazine number 23 from Winter 2024. As soon as I saw the previews I pre-ordered the magazine, and I have to say I could knit every pattern from that issue !
Needless to say I am very happy and will be wearing it as much as I can before it gets too warm. I was surprised to use just a bit over 3 balls of the blue Tempête and just a bit over 2 of the grey Bouleau. Gilliatt is a very comfortable and springy yarn that really runs a long way.
I have a bit under two balls left of the blue, I think I will make a beret or a hat and arm warmers. My sleeves tend to move up a bit and I prefer my wrists to be covered.
So I have been thinking a lot and so have several people I follow in the knitting world. I will be publishing a video about my take on the social media situation next Friday (Feb 07, 2025) and since I filmed it I have been thinking a lot.
This blog has been set aside in the turmoil of my health situation and I have not been publishing anything in a long while. Now may be the opportunity for me to connect again with you all on a different platform.
I have had a Bluesky and Mastodon account for several years now, and just added a PixelFed and MeWe, kinda waiting to see where the future of pic sharing will be. All of these are in a Linktree : https://linktr.ee/iduchatelle that I keep up to date and share where I can.
I used this small blog as a place to write longer posts, with more details. Time running short, I am not sure I can do it that way on a regular basis.
So what do you think ? Would you like shorter content about my projects and thoughts even though I’ll be publishing on these other platforms ? I am not closing my other accounts and wont visit them as often. Some communities I’m in are not migrating, so I will at least have a regular look for messages over there.
Please tell me what you are doing and how do you feel about all of these unexpected and scary changes out world is undergoing.
YouTube Video : Link to come on Feb 07, 2025 when the video is up.
Another longer hiatus, I am very sorry, life, work and health have kept me away from my writing pleasure. Not writing was a pressure I chose to set aside for a little bit, I hope my writing happiness will be back. I have been knitting, I am not missing material or ideas, just time and energy. With the univ teaching being a bit less heavy, I should have a bit more of both ☀️
This little cowl it is not leaving my neck, even if the style does not perfectly match my sweater or outfit. A light and warm hug in this Variegated Cyan Lace Silk Mohair by Wagtail Yarn. The pattern and the yarn were a present by my dear friend Rosemary who lives in Australia.
Why did it take me so long ? The pattern is not difficult by itself. It was very difficult to read my knitting in the variegated colour and fuzzy mohair. I had to count each and every stitch, the stitch motif is a bit long with very little repeat. And lace mohair knit on bigger needles has always been difficult to me, I need to pay extra attention where I insert my needle. I am so happy it is finally finished.
Right on time for the ever changing Normandy weather, from almost Spring to back to Winter. Not too warm, not too light, just perfect !
2024 will be my third year into my project, and so far it has helped me and taught me a lot. Considering the comments on my YouTube videos, it appears this project also helps quite a few of you 🙂
To make it short, I went overboard buying yarn at the end of 2021, was feeling really bad and uncomfortable about it, set up the project in 2022, using a set of self-drafter regulations, went overboard buying digital patterns during 2022, adjusted in 2023, went overboard again right at the end of 2023 with books and magazines, and am adjusting again !
2022
For the first year, 2022, I was allowing myself to buy yarn in person, a simple “rule” that I could fulfil. No buying yarn online, unless it is to finish a project or for a present and I do not have the proper yarn in stash. This went well as far as yarn was concerned. I relapsed on digital patterns, with the best reasons in the world : I want to support the creators, the patterns may disappear from the face of the internet, whatever other reason. And I relapsed hard. I bought so many patterns, most of them are still sitting on my computer and in my Ravelry library, using space and energy for not much other than my comfort, I know you are here little patterns .. Why ?
2023
For the second year, 2023, I adjusted my own regulations to buying digital patterns only when I was ready to cast them on, and made a special bundle on Ravelry to place all the ones I wanted to knit. I spent my year toying with this bundle, adding and removing patterns, and I only bought one (the Kallara Shawl by Ambah O’Brian), without feeling too much restriction. Perfect. I was doing really good, up to the very end of the year. And I bought a whole bunch of Pompom magazines and books after they announced they sadly were closing down, in addition to a Laine book that was in my wish-list, just because. I had been buying so much already, what was an additional 40€, right ?
No, not right, it was a relapse, may be because I was feeling my project was successful and what the heck. Or may be because it was not normal I almost did not spend anything on patterns and books this year. I’m not sure. What I know is all got loose and I spent a lot. I am happy with my purchases though, I love books and there is no such thing as too many books. I read them all, I browse through them, I love their smell, I love to have them by my side. Still, I bought all these ones for no real or practical reason. I was not ready to cast on.
Yes, Pompom prints won’t be available for long, I agree with that, but my so many other ones ? I have to reflect and ponder on this. Some of you have commented on my videos, and gave me input, your own guidelines and ideas. I am making some of these my own, thank you much for helping me out !
I also think that I had bought my “reward” in advance, when I had the opportunity to get a Chicagoo set at a discounted price. I won’t do that again and will wait to the very end of the year to, may be, get myself a “reward”. For now, I have no idea (first year I got a nice wooden swift and ball winder).
What Next : Updated Guidelines
Yarn :
I will continue allow myself to buy yarn in person only, and will limit to three sweater quantities during 2024 (if not practical, I may revise with an upper limit to five)
I’ll buy yarn for presents if I do not have what I need in my stash
I may also buy yarn to knit a project with stashed yarn
I’ll also allow myself to buy replacement items, notions, needles etc. if any break or if I am in need of a special item for a special project
Patterns, I will continue to buy digital patterns only when I am ready to cast-on
Books and magazines, ie paper prints. I just said I love books and prints, the smell, the feel, and the reading process, over and over. So I’ll allow myself to buy five books or magasines this year. I’ll have to carefully reflect on these expenses
I have no idea of a reward if everything goes well. I’ll see at the end of the year, may be some yarn I wanted to buy and did not ? A book ? Shortie needles ? DPNs ? I am not wanting anything for now
I dearly hope I’ll be able to address all the why’s during 2024 🙂
I will talk about yarn gifted to me by several people, and thus from different categories and types. They all have in common the fact they were presents for my 2022 birthday, from two of my sons and two beautiful YouTube subscribers. Only one gift from one of my sons was expected, as he had called me being in a yarn store in Cardiff (he was there for a science conference for his PhD). All the other ones were surprises, so pleasant and unexpected !
Marriner DK
Magic Dots by Hinterm Stein
Magic Dots by Hinterm Stein
So my second son was in Cardiff and went into a yarn store, he brought me back some Marriner yarn (now discontinued, looks like they closed down..) and I really pondered what to cast on with it. I wanted a special project. He had selected five skeins of the DK weight, two of a heathered grey, and one of each blue, yellow and red. My first project was my Birthday cast-on, the Magic Dots by Hinterm Stein, with almost the two grey balls and a bit of the blue. I wanted to use the red at first, as in the original sample, and finally settled on the blue. A quick and satisfying knit, easy to wear, that goes with about every piece of my wardrobe. A smaller shawl, light and warm, perfect for the intermediate seasons.
Miura Cowl by Olga Buralia-Kefelian
I then made the Miura Cowl by Olga Buralia-Kefelian with the red ball, using about all of it. A funny cowl, for the colour and the stitch pattern that is multidimensional in an origami style. You can ball it down the bottom of your bag, it won’t be wrinkled when you take it out !
Annette Mittens by Lauriane et Charlie
My last project were the Annette Mittens by Lauriane et Charlie with the yellow ball, a free pattern on Ravelry. I wear them all the time, they start to wear out..
All in all, the yarn was pleasant to knit with, provided I switched to my wooden needles. The yarn was a bit splitty and I had to use less sharp needles in order not to catch part of the strands each time. The mittens are showing some wear, some strands have broken and create some pilling. Nothing major, quite expected for a fabric that gets rubbed a lot. The shawl shows less pilling.
I’ll say it here and it is true of all my knits, I love to have memories of people in my projects, it brings me so much joy and happiness.
DMC Woolly
My youngest son and his girlfriend went to Lil Weasel and choose four balls of DMC Woolly, a super wash DK, in a sunflower yellow and a small lilac lavender. I realised I had not posted about it and made a small digression into my latest blog post about the little beanie I just finished.
Gingham Neck Warmer in Double Knit by Gabriella Papale
No Pompom Nb 2 by Hinterm Stein
The Gingham Neck Warmer in Double Knit by Gabriella Papale was quite an experience, a new technique, double knitting, with colour work. A bit of a challenge for a very warm cowl that I enjoy much. It took me a long time to finished it, then it was warm. I just used up the remaining of the lavender in the No Pompom Nb 2 by Hinterm Stein. I love the set and have now to decide what to make with the remaining yellow ball. Even though I already have a pair of mittens in that colour, I am thinking to pair it with the remaining of the green Biches et Bûches Lambswool for some kind of colour work. We’ll see !
The yarn is very pleasant to work with, soft, plump, giving an easy flow to the knitting and the stitches, not split at all (I could use y metal needles) and vey pleasant to wear. A quality yarn that kinda reconciles me with super wash !
Biches et Bûches
Borough Hood by Tori Yu
Borough Hood by Tori Yu
Talking about Le Petit Lambswool by Biches et Bûches, it also was a present by a lovely YouTube subscriber, along with Le Petit Silk Mohar, both in dark blue turquoise. I made the Borough Hood by Tori Yu, that I am wearing as I write. The combination of the two softens the lambswool that is dry to the touch. I like rusting and dryer yarns, you already know that. The mohair being a bit darker than the wool, it deepens the colour, giving dimension and softness. A light hood that fits under my coats and goes very well with several of my sweaters. I need to make additional ones.
When I start to buy yarn online again, after I have knit all of my sweaters quantities and I am out of my no-buy project (in several years from now it now seems..), Biches et Bûches will for sure be on my list. I love and prefer rustic yarn.
Tarndie, Louie And Lola & Wagtail yarns
All of the following were presents by Rosemary and yarns from Australia where she lives. She really spoiled me too.
Tarndie
She sent two skeins of this discontinued Tarndie white Polwarth and Silk, an exceptional yarn I would never had the opportunity to work with otherwise. I decided to team with her and knit the Dotted Rays by Stephen West. She had knit this pattern with the mohair and yarn from Normandy I had sent her.
Dotted Rays by Stephen West
Dotted Rays by Stephen West
Due to the silk content, the yarn is very shiny, giving an aerial feel to the shawl. I think it fits that pattern very well. I used every little drop and even had to cast off the last ten stitches or so using a same coloured yarn with a different yarn weight. If you look closely, you can tell. If not, it is invisible, as the little mistakes I made. The drape of the shawl is fabulous and fits the crescent shape. I am more and more preferring this shape over triangles or asymmetric triangles ones.
Louie And Lola
A tasmanian yarn, designed to pair with a Tasmanian pattern, in a deep purple with green speckles, what is not to dream for ? The Rainforest Canopy Shawl by Helen Stewart was not an easy knit even though each lace section was not difficult. The large number of stitches and repeats were the challenges. I made it through, with a few invisible (yet again) mistakes.
Rainforest Canopy Shawl by Helen Stewart
Rainforest Canopy Shawl by Helen Stewart
Another drapy and dressy shawl I can wear in formal as well as more casual occasions. The yarn is unique, and was perfect to knit with when I had injured my finger. No fluff flying around and sticking to my bandage. Another win.
Wagtail Mohair
Powder Puff Cowl by Branka Medlock
Sorrel by Wool & Pine
So Rosemary wanted me to try Australian Mohair and sent me four colours of Wagtail Fine Kid Mohair and Silk lace weight to try it out : 100g of Variegated Cyan, 50g of both Cyan and Leaf Green and 25g of White. So far, two of them are in two WIP. The Variegated Cyan is in my languishing Powder Puff Cowl by Branka Medlock (I am so ashamed I have not finished it yet) and the Leaf Green in my recent cast on, my second Sorrel by Wool and Pine.
The lace mohair and silk is equivalent to other yarn I have tried, from la Ferme de l’Accroche Cœur for example. Knit alone at a bigger gauge, it is like a shiny cloud, knit with rustic normandy yarn (Romney from Atelier Pure Laine), it changes the natural creamy white colour to give it a little green hue. I really enjoy knitting with this mohair, that I would never have tried otherwise. The internets can be a big and scary place, they can also be source of friendship and positive experiences.
Final Thoughts
Thank you all, I deeply love when there are people spirits in my knits, when I use yarn you choose for me, when it leads me to unexpected projects, positive thoughts while I knit, when I wear the pieces and when I chose them among other pieces. I do hope you are able to experiment these feelings sometimes.
Gingham Neck Warmer in Double Knit by Gabriella Papale
It all began with a birthday present my youngest son and his girlfriend gave me last year (2022). They went to Lil Weasel (she studies in Paris and they spend a lot of time there together) and got me two balls of DMC Woolly, a super wash DK merino, in both a sunflower yellow and a lilac lavender.
I spent some time looking around for a pattern and decided I was going to try double knitting for the first time. I had such a project in the back of my mind for almost a year. As a new knitting technique was not enough, I experimented it with colour work, this gingham pattern looked like a good and interesting idea. It was, and it really took me a long time to finish a very engaging project to say the least.
I am quite happy it is finished and enjoy wearing it. Now what to do with the remaining 2 balls, one of each colour, as the cowl only took one ball of the yellow and one ball of the lavender ? It was warm again when I finished the cowl and this question slept under the rug.
Now that the colder days are here and that my birthday month is here, I started to hear the calling of the two balls in their bag. It was time to find another pattern.
No Pompom 2 by Hinterm Stein
No Pompom 2 by Hinterm Stein
The pattern came to me quite unexpectedly. Hinterm Stein sent me a code for my birthday, enough for small accessory or the equivalent discount on a full garment pattern. After looking around her pattern store, I decided on the No Pompom Number 2, a cute beanie where you choose to knit a pompom and stuff it (which I did) or not.
A perfect little piece that took one ball of the lavender. I am so happy with it ! Now to know what to do with the remaining yellow one. Question for another time ☀️
It took me two months of constant work to complete this one. And wearing it as I write brings me much joy.
The sweater has a lot of one of the beautiful you in it, because you offered me the book “Back To Tversed” by Marianne Isager and gave me inspiration. Only after I had decided to cast in the project did I find you had knit it too ! So double inspiration.
I used this Laine À L’Ouest sport weight undyed yarn from my Normandy I live so much. The darker brown is obtained mixing black, grey and creamy white fleeces, the light one is made with the lighter fleeces. There you have it.
The construction of the sweater reminds me of my teens. You start with the back, then cast on stitches on either side for the sleeves, then work decreases in mirror, and finish with the front.
The sides and underarms are then sewed. I did the collar twice. First time around it was too wide and I do not like that, being always cold in my neck. I ripped out, picked up the right amount of stitches and decreased about a third in the first row, working the ribbing as instructed.
Same for the wrists, I picked up the recommended amount of stitches and worked straight for a bit less than the pattern called for.
And voilà, a warm sweater for these cold, stormy, windy and damp days. I have to say the yarn keeps moisture away. I do not think it would work under heavy rain though, but it is working surprisingly well under a coat of light sprinkling !
A project with a lot of you in it, as I like them, as I gather joy and happiness from ☀️💛
So I finished the Fleur Shawl on October 9th, after two months in the making. This knit was quite an adventure all by itself.
At the beginning, Carolin started it all, sending me some Nutiden from her stash, one of my yarn kryptonite. What a good idea, it initiated a nice and easy relationship. I sent her some mohair from my dear Pyrénées, I do appreciate when internet allows to meet such interesting people and leads to fruitful exchanges, literally.
What I can add here is my experience knitting with it. And it was so unique, I had never ever knit anything similar.
My Fleur Shawl by Espace Tricot
The pattern
I choose the Fleur shawl by Espace Tricot as part of the #FleurALong Knitalong that Carmen and Jackie have started on their YouTube channel and also host on Instagram. An elongated shawl based on a triangle shape, but with increase rates higher at either sides than in the center, so it has long wingspans and a rather deep center.
The colour choices
I could choose between this greyed deeper pink or a subtle and light one. I went with the deep one and white contrasting rows and bubbles. Big cheeky bubbles as one of the lovely yous said. I’m not much into bubbles, so why not big and obvious ones ? I kinda questioned my bolder selection at first, then stayed with it and now I love it. It brightens my day.
The knitting experience
And that was one ! Nutiden single stranded with bobbles is quite an adventure.. I had to learn how to knit with it, did not break much yarn, a couple times only, and it was as easy to spit splice as it is said everywhere else. I had to change my entire knitting habits. Well worth it, and I was quite happy to go back to using “regular” spun yarn in between Nutiden sessions.
I discovered that I like to tension my yarn on my right finger (I knit English style, this is how I was taught by my grandmother when I was around 5 or 6, quite a long long time ago), adjusting the overall tension between the lower part of my hand and the stitches on my right needle. I am not a tight knitter, I am not a loose knitter. I should say I am rather average.
I had to omit wrapping the yarn around my pinkie all together and to remember not pressing it with my hand against the fabric on my right needle. This had me knitting at a much looser gauge than usual. It does not have much importance for a shawl, I will have to carefully swatch and calculate for a sweater or a vest.
My next project with Nutiden will be double stranded to see how it compares to single stranded. In addition, I have some Manchelopis by WoolDreamers in the unspun department (also sent by one of the lovely yous) that I want to try. A cooler grey and a white. Manchelopis comes double stranded, and seems a tad less soft than the Nutiden. We’ll see, I already have an idea for it.
What a long hiatus, my last contribution to my Wooly news series was in March 2023, so 7 months.. Not that I had nothing to say, just that my life has been creeping in my head and I focused on the other series. Wooly News means I loosely keep an eye on the knitting and fibre communities and pick up things that are worth reporting about. This needs some mental space. The video and blog post also take a long time to edit and write, this needs more time than my regular Knitting Adventures for example.
This is not an excuse 🙂
Anyway, I’ve been missing this segment for a while now and hope I have enough content to make you happy, informed or entertained.
Patterns
® Stephen West MKAL 2023 – Geogradient
Let’s begin with the elephant in the room, this is Steven West MKAL season. As I write, clue two has just been released. This year’s theme is Geogradient – if you think about geometric shapes and colours, it can lead to questionable symbols or representations. Which happened 10 days ago when clue one was released.
Not sure how the whole team let this slip through, and Steven promptly changed clue one to one of the alternate options he had published, removing the original clue one that evoked a WW2 hate symbol to many users. Think about it. 5761 projects as I write, this event aisre very popular, followed by people from all over the world, from many different backgrounds and cultures. Better double and triple check everything before going live.
You may not have seen the representation in the original clue one. When I first saw it, I thought this is strange he flirts with this, he did not give me thins impression. Turns out that he promptly replied, changing clue 1, being very apologetic (the pattern is 8.30€ on Ravelry, you can make the calculations of what is involved..) and very stressed out.
I hope everyone is able to move along and enjoys the MKAL I did not participate because 1- I have 2 main WIPs on my plate, 2- I would not have been able to keep up with the pace (which is not a real problem) and 3- I do not like all of his patterns. The only one I have already made long after it was released is Slipstravaganza
I have a few of his MKAL patterns in his books, not sure there is one other that really appeals to me. I’ll wait for the finished shawl to decide whether I’ll make it or not, for now I do not think so. If I cast on any of his shawls, it will be Vertices Unite.
So be kind to everyone, and very careful with geometric shapes..
Free Patterns Highlights
Freeze Warning by YaYa Lovestoknit
As I see so many paid for patterns for simple knits such as little scarves (wink wink at my own free one), cowls, shrugs and such, I prefer to highlight free ones that perfectly fit the bill, that can be customised to your yarn, colour choices (mono block or with a colour pattern), size etc.
The Freeze Warning by YaYa Lovestoknit is a perfect example. An easy stitch pattern, suitable for coloured stripes, bulky yarn instructions that can easily be adapted, ribbed collar that will fit your neck etc. What is not to like ? It is in my “Want To Make” list, and I will make it at some point. Our friends from the Southern Hemisphere going to Spring and Summer can use colder and finer yarns for colder nights 🙂
Books, Magazines, Articles And Creators
The latest YouTube episode I watch from Roxane Richardson was about tech editors in the knitting community and how and why they are essential to people publishing patterns. I have always been interested in all the behind the scenes people that concur to a successful pattern, tech editors and test knitters. This is why I appreciate so much La Bien Aimée videos about her books where she invites creators and their test knitters.
The Knitting Pattern Writing Handbook by by Kristina McGrath & Sarah Walworth
In this episode, Roxane interviews Sarah Walworth and Kristina McGrath, authors of The Knitting Pattern Writing Handbook, and hosts of Tech Tip Talk.
What an interesting episode, what an interesting book, I preordered it and will report on it once I have it in my hands. Very knowledgeable people and eye opening on so many levels !
The book will be published on October 31, 2023, here are the references you can look for in your favorite bookstore : ISBN-10 : 1635866243 ; ISBN-13 : 978-1635866247
Two of knitting events having world wide impact are taking place this week-end in New-York State. Many knitfluencers will be there and have already posted a lot of blog posts, Instagram posts, YouTube videos about their preparations, set ups, packing, projects, planned future acquisitions, tips for the events etc. You can follow them on all these social networks and there are most probably more that I do not even know about 🙂
First, Wool & Folks will take place on October 19th (for a warm-up) and 20th 2023, and then NY Sheep and Wool in Rhinebeck on October 19th to 23rd, 2023. There was a bit of confusion as the W&F location and parking situation was changed last minute. Many people go to both as they are located not too far away from each other, first W&F on the Friday, then Rhinebeck for the week-end. A whole set of Rhibebeck sweaters to look at, and now people even team up to knit the same sweater in different colours !
All in all, one of these events most knitters of the world know about, whether they want it or not 😺
There is another event the week-end after Rhinebeck in France. Do you know about it ? It gathered over 20,000 people last year, from France and all over Europe : the Journées Nationales de la Laine à Felletin, on October 27th to 29th 2023. It has been going on for over 20 years now, and Frédérique from Atelier Pure Laine is going. Too bad I have to work ! There will be over 140 vendors, lots of exhibits, local yarn mills to visit (Filature Fonty and Filature Terrade) and tons of yarn from indy dyers to be drooling over. One day I’ll attend, on day.
Who Am I Knitting With ?
Most of the time, I report on shows, series or movies and such, that I watch while knitting during the evening. There is no series or shows really worth talking about for today, nothing that really captivated my attention and gave me happiness while watching. So there will be only a music report as music is a constant element of my life, from morning to night, except when I teach or am in meetings of course.
Metallic Spheres by The Orb Featuring David Gilmour
Vieux Farka Touré and Khruangbin have published a collaboration, Ali. A total pleasure to my ears, please let me know if you also enjoy this kind of world music mixed with electronica. Their collaboration is a real fusion between their own two distinct worlds, they successfully bring their own things to make a new unique vibe and album. was so pleased to discovered it (it first aired in 2022).
On the other hand, I was impatiently wanting for Metallic Spheres, the new the album from The Orb And David Gilmour. Two of my favorite artists collaborating on an album, what a treat ! It was a huge deception. They play side by side, they do not talk to each other, it is “just” Gilmour’s guitar riffs on top of The Orb music and creation. No fusion, no dialog, they do not seem to bring anything to each other. They walk side by side, and I’ll pass. I won’t buy the CD. was a bit sad at first, then turned to Ali for some hapyness.
May your little stitches bring you joy and happiness, see ou next time !
I love to explore the history of the sheep breeds I knit wool from. Know the sheep I knit from in a way. Some of you are waiting for a post about Atelier Pure Laine, it is coming next I promise. This one was under the making since this summer, so ..
During the summer 2022, I visited Laines à L’Ouest, a farm involved in Normandy rare sheep conservation process. According to my own set of guidelines for my Yarn No-Buy Year Project, I can get yarn from places I visit in person. Do not get me wrong, I went to Lessay on purpose (that is about 2h drive), to spend the day there and visit this lovely area in Cotentin, and of course go to their shop. I got two 1kg cones for myself, and a few other skeins they nicely caked for me, that I sent to a good friend who lives in Australia. She is one of the persons who spoiled me with marvellous yarn from her country (and I still have to write about this yarn too !).
Laines à l’Ouest
Laines à l’Ouest
The little shop is magical, full of ancient and modern vibes. They also host a few creations by local artists and I got spinning tops made of ancient watches wheels and parts, my sons loved them (that was a little Christmas gift I added for them). Poteries were not much of my taste even though I love poteries. Too many flower prints I guess.
Their project is to revive and maintain local sheep breeds that almost got extinct at some point. They are using three main breeds, one of them being endangered and part of a local and national conservation process, the Roussin de la Hague, Avranchin and Cotentin. The sheep live outside year round and their fields are by the sea. The only moments they move to the barns are during the high tides because their fields are under water, and strong storms.
The shop and flock owners use natural processes and dyes, which fits my bills. I bought two undyed 1kg cones in their sport weight base, a creamy white and a greyish brown obtained mixing black, grey, brown and white fleeces.
Yarn And Projects
The yarn is very rustic, sturdy, quite dry to the touch and a delight to knit (I like to have tension on my finger). It relaxes, blooms and softens upon blocking. My experience after multiple wears is that it does not pill and will be quite durable.
So I did, and then two months later I casted on the Emsworth by Isabell Kraemer. These are two of my favorite knits. I like yarn that has structure, even though I do understand the use and need for a fabric with drape, knit with super wash yarn for example. It is my personal preference and you do you. Some shawls or tee-shirts benefit from a nice drape, I like when the yarn and fabric hold onto themselves, when the stitches are sticky and not going anywhere. The Laines À L’Ouest yarn perfectly fits that bill.
I then casted on the Barbara sweater by Marianne Isager with both for the colour work. I love knitting it, I am sure I will love the finished sweater. It will be light and warm, with a good humidity protection I guess, like my two other knits.
I forgot to weight out the cones before casting on, so it will be a bit difficult to tell how much I used out of each, at the end. We’ll see and I will have to make educated guesses !
All in all, Laines À L’Ouest is in my life to stay, and a 2h drive, quite easy. That said, I did not go back there last summer, so may be next year. Going there for a day, have lunch by the sea in the sun, bring back some beautiful yarn, I know why I did not do it last summer even though it sounds like a perfect trip. I am looking forward to doing it again. I’ll make sure I’ll bring you with me 🙂
Knit Now 