Friday, April 06, 2007

Fiber Friday -
Something Wicked This Way Comes

Guess what I'm going to knit next. That's right - Wicked by Zephyer Style. And I'll be using Artyarns Supermerino in color number 114. Each hand painted skein is 100% superwash merino wool, weighs 50 grams, and is approximately 104 yards.

I tried to be good and pick something from my stash to use for this pattern and almost decided on some Noro Silver Thaw that I purchased quite a while ago.

But after hemming and hawing over it a couple days I decided that it might be a little too itchy next to my skin.

So I went looking at all the sales and ended up deciding to use the Supermerino that the pattern originally lists.

I've never used and Artyarns before, but it seemed that every reference I read about it was a positive if not glowing review. So I found a color combo that appealed to me and ordered enough online.

The yarn arrived yesterday and I was really pleased with the colors and texture of the yarn. It actually feels pretty soft and I'm expecting that it will get even softer after a couple of washings. I downloaded the pattern last night and am prepared to swatch today.

The pattern reads simply enough and seems like a good choice for my first sweater. I really like the fact that there is really no seaming involved and it is a simple design overall. Now I just have to decide about sleeve length and that front pocket.

I'm leaning towards long sleeves and no pocket. I bought enough yarn for the long sleeved version and if I actually wear this in the winter I can't imagine not having long sleeves, especially in our freezer they call an office. I'm just not feeling the pocket yet, but should have enough yarn if I decide to add it at the end.

Oh and the book? It really doesn't tie into the sweater, except for the title, but I did read it. I'm a big fan of the Wizard of Oz. I did like the story of the witch. I tried the other books by the author too, but this one was the best.

12 comments:

eusebius said...

Luscious yarn! The pattern seems like a great choice for a first sweater. Can't wait to see the WIP pics.

Trillian42 said...

Heh - I bought the pattern because I love that book (and the musical based on it). And I agree - Wicked is his best.

The color you got is awesome!

gilraen said...

Wow! It looks so good. I've heard wonderful things about this yarn and I am tempted to try it for socks. Would it be any good, do you think?

Nice choice for your first sweater. :D

Stacie said...

that is gonna be purdy! can't wait to see your progress. I thought the book was good too, but ended a little abruptly...

Knit Masala said...

Great color choice! And I really like that pattern. I vote for long sleeves, no pocket.

I liked the book Wicked but was very disappointed by the musical (I know, one of the few). I thought the music was very unremarkable, and I generally love musicals. I'm intrigued that the author wrote a sequel to Wicked which I might have to check out someday.

Monika said...

I've read this book some time ago. I loved it! I've used Artyarns supermerino before. It's nice to work with. My daughter made the Calorimetry with Artyarns supermerino, and it was too big for me. I tried shrinking it and it underwent several very hot cycles, it did NOT shrink at all. Just looked a little bit used, poor thing. What you knit is what you got with this yarn!

Zonda said...

That is gorgeous!! I love the colorway! Can't wait to see "Wicked!"

Anonymous said...

Love - Love - Love the color! Will it knit up as stripes or not?
Pattern looks good. If you like it after you're done maybe I'll try it too.

Christy said...

I love the composition and title. Good luck on the pattern; I've seen some great FOs.

Anonymous said...

That will make a great Wicked!! Great pics as always :) I really enjoyed that book, and I definitely agree that it's the best of the bunch. I haven't read Son of a Witch yet though - have you? I'm wondering if it's worthwhile.

The Kelly Green Rogue said...

Wicked was my first sweater and I loved it! I used the Artyarns supermerino too. It's drying now so I'll be wearing it later this week thanks to the unseasonably cold temperatures. Hope you like yours as much as I like mine!

Jessica said...

Heehee. I like how you posed the yarn with the book. I have yet to finish that book. Good luck on the sweater!