Selbu Knitting Style

In between my zillions of other WIPs I suddenly decided to cast on for something new.  I had the yarn in my stash (Satakieli from Schoolhouse) since early this year just waiting for the moment to start these mittens.  I love learning new things, I've knitted stranded mittens before but never in the selbu style.  The pattern is NHM#7 from Terri's Selbuvotter Knitting Book.  I'm using these as a warm up before I tackle other colorwork projects this winter, I know I wanted to tackle a set of gloves and perhaps my first garment.

Ever wonder what a difference needle size can make even if it's very small?  I know I do - whenever a pattern calls for 2.25mm I always debate how much different it would turn out if I used a 2.5 instead.  Seems pretty close right???  Only .25 of a difference? 

I use the cuff on mittens as my swatch to measure gauge.  On the left is a 2.25 needle (called for in the pattern) and on the right is a 2.5 needle.  The difference is pretty significant yet subtle - about 1/2 inch.  I went with the 2.5, the smaller size made the cuff a bit too tight.  I think it would have turned out child-size instead, kinda like Tiennie's recent problem. =)

And I couldn't wait to share this with you - I am so very proud of this spinning I just finished!  The batts were a gift from Erica when I was visiting in Germany, to Rachel and I.  Rachel spun hers up months ago but I was waiting to get a little better before I tackled such a yummy present.  And I have to tell you - I am a TOTAL batt convert!  These were so yummy and well prepped they were a dream to spin.  I am now seriously contemplating the need for my own drum carder so I can make some myself - they are THAT yummy!  Erica has an etsy shop if you're interested - I have another set of batts from her waiting in my fiber drawer that she custom dyed for me.  Yum - O!

This turned out about a fingering -- dk weight and is next to the skin soft so I'm contemplating a cowl that I might design myself.  I have about 305 yds to play with.  What do you think?  Cables or lace for the cowl?   I can't decide.

And I had a lovely surprise waiting for me in my mailbox the other day! I had won a blogiversary contest from Kim-Chi and she sent me such yummy pressies!  Koigu and the cutest little Koala notions container and a pretty little zippered pouch.  I feel so lucky - it was a truly awesome package, thanks so much! =)