Better late than never...

Matilda Jane is finished! In my last post I said I was very nearly finished and after that I was determined that my next post would have the finished article in it. I’m a stubborn so-and-so and this has meant that I haven’t been able to post for 12 days. I just hadn’t factored in the fact that I needed buttons and ribbon and that it would take ages to dry out when I was blocking it.

But finally here it is!



Pattern: Matilda Jane by Ysolda
Yarn: Rowan Wool Cotton in Inky and Gypsy
Needles: Denise interchangeable (this pattern really uses the interchangeable to their best, lots of different length circulars required.

I really enjoyed knitting this, the pattern is very well written and although it is mostly stocking stitch there is hardly a row without any shaping to keep you interested. If I knitted it again I would knit it on slightly smaller needles, as I think I would prefer the fabric to be a little bit stiffer.

Anyway that is that.

Next knit! I’m starting some new lace and I’m going to use the Posh Yarns wool I got in the first Lace club delivery. It is a beautiful deep purple shade called orchid and it is just so soft and beautiful that when I first got it in the post I just kept picking it up and staring at it. Since I last posted I have bought two books on knitting lace, Traditional Knitted Lace Shawls by Martha Waterman and Gossamer Webs by Galina Khmeleva and Carol Noble. I thoroughly recommend both of these books, they both follow a similar format: a history of the particular type of lace and then details of the techniques used and advice on how to design your own shawls. They both even have a short section on how to wear a shawl! So I have come up with a design that I am hoping to make for my Gran for Christmas if it turns out ok. I think the most difficult part will be estimating how long I can make the shawl with the amount of wool I have, especially if I add an edging to it.

I’m trying to think if I have any other news… but all I think I have left to tell you is that we have bought a carpet! Well it is exciting for us anyway. It is a not very practical shade of cream called buttermilk!

By the way thank you for all the advice after my last post. It really cheered me up, I had a horrible feeling that my annoyance at the fridges and motorbikes in the back garden was just me overreacting so it was good to see that even rational people like yourselves would be annoyed!

17 comments:

Alice said...

How can I say how much I like your Matilda Jane? I JUST LOVE IT. The colours are just gorgeous...and the ribbon - divine! I MUST HAVE ONE (one that fits me - a tall order). I do like a nice, stiff fabric so I can empathise with you.

Right then, get started on this designer shawl for Gran, so we can all go ooooh and aaaah because it's sure to be lovely! Does she read you blog?

PS I've been checking for news on MJ every day. You sure kept us waiting....

Anonymous said...

very very lovely. it appears so lush. and yes, i second that to seeing you wearing it in real life.

nat said...

It turned out very beautiful! I was excited to see it when you said you were nearly finished.

I can't wait to see your new lace!

Anonymous said...

That is truly gorgeous!

Artis-Anne said...

Oh its is so beautiful and I love the colours you have chosen and the ribbon matches perfectly

Badger said...

MJ looks fantastic!

Good luck with the posh yarns shawl :)

Unknown said...

That is so gorgeous! I still am thinking about making it...especially since it is so fitted...Hmmmmm You did such a good job on it, too the color of the ribbon is really nice complement to the greay of the sweater!

José said...

It looks de-lish! I hope you get craking on some of those Russian Shawls, i can't wait to see what intrecut detail they'll have.

dreamcatcher said...

Matilda Jane is gorgeous! I really love the colours you picked. I fall in love with the beribboned back each time I see it. Definitely on my projects list now.

Lara said...

Wow, I love Matilda Jane! That turned out so cute and the colors are great. I just may have to put that on my ever growing list!

Brahdelt said...

I love your Matilda Jane! The ribbon at the back is a wonderful addition. It was worth waiting for! ^^

acrylik said...

Wow, Matilda Jane is just perfect, I absolutely love it.

Mary-Lou said...

How lovely! - I love the ribbonned back!

T said...

Oh, I love it too. That is now a MUST KNIT! I bet you look gorgeous in it, from what I've seen of you it is just your style. Enjoy sitting on your buttermilk carpet knitting with your posh lace :)

Frankie said...

It looks great - beautifully tailored. Never heard of those needles before but will investigate. Love the buttons too.

Anonymous said...

That looks as if it came from a famous fashion design house -- the details are amazing and you did such a great job knitting it and placing the ribbon, etc. Can't wait to see your next project (I'm interested in those lace books too; they're on my Amazon list so it was nice to see you recommend them).

Kath said...

Matilda Jane looks so opulent and rich - so lovely! Great colours too!