Thursday, May 10, 2007

Gansey

This is my own design, done using the Brother Garter Carriage. The yarn is 50% Merino, 25% Cashmere and 25% Silk, 2/15's used twofold. 375 m per 100gm the way I used it, 750m per 100gm as bought. I used tension 9*. The sweater was soaked in washing soda solution, hot water, the liquid spun out then soaked again in washing soda. Then rinsed in machine. Then it was machine washed and tumble dried on hot. Yes, it shrinks but not a lot. It is now machine washable with no further shrinking. Of course the shrinking was taken into account BEFORE knitting. The swatch received the same treatment before gauge was taken. This yarn, like most, would not shrink if just washed on a 30c delicate cycle. However, by treating it this way the handle is vastly improved, making a nice sweater feel wonderful. It really brings out the softness of the yarn. Oh and the reason for the wahsing soda-this yarn is spun in oil.



16 comments:

Jinx said...

Beautifully done (the gansey, of course), and the puppies are very cute!

Anonymous said...

Every time you post pics of a new sweater I think, "this is my favorite". Wonderful job!!!

Anonymous said...

that is just amazing! you have so much skill and a wonderful eye for design.

gotta love those puppies too

hope you are feeling better
Lisa

Anonymous said...

Colin, your sweater is absolutely beautiful as are
your puppies.

I do hope you are feeling better and that you did well
at the dog show.

Sonja from WNY

Anonymous said...

HI Colin: Wow. Beautiful. BOTH! (Please send sweater and puppy.)

Ang said...

This is amazing, beautiful colour.

Anonymous said...

The sweater is lovely. I love the designs on it. Puppies are looking great.
Sure are growing fast.

Anonymous said...

Colin -

You did a great job on that sweater --- that looks beautiful... oh,
and thanks for explaining how you
treated it to turn it into a machine washable garment.

The pups are darlin'!

Unknown said...

Colin,
The sweater is so very elegant/distinguished. Wonderful workmanship as usual.

I think you seem to pick the pups that show a bit of feisty attitude as your favorites - I agree with your choices.

I hope you are feeling well enough to attend the show. It's such a bummer to have those types of problems!

Anonymous said...

Colin..
That sweater Shines. REALLY.
Don't you doubt it for a second.
:D

Jenn said...

Beautiful sweater! Love seeing your new designs. :)

Anonymous said...

Another fantastic design, Colin.

Amazing!

Thanks for sharing.

Regards, Bonnie in Brisbane

Anonymous said...

Hi Colin, glad you are feeling better. Love the sweater, and interesting how you made it machine washable, something I have never really thought about before, how to do that. The puppies are gorgeous, you must be very busy with those little ones around your feet.

Anonymous said...

OMG, your sweater is GORGEOUS! Wow... If I can ask a stupid question (btw, most of mine are thusly categorized), you knit it on a machine?! Can I ask which machine. I would so love a machine but have NO CLUE what to get.

Anonymous said...

Hi Colin,

I'm glad you are feeling better. Sounds like you had a rough time.

The sweater is absolutely gorgeous! I am awed by your talent and artistry.

The puppies are equally gorgeous.

Take care,

arachne

P.S. Don't let the anonymous nasties get to you. Some people are never content unless they can upset someone else. This is their problem, not yours.

Sheri said...

Fabulous work. I come here often to read your prose and admire your talented designing. You are really over the top with this one.