Capelette

Learning to use natural products in the dyeing of wool is an amazing experience. To accept that colour is freely available in nature all around us is opening up a whole new dimension for those looking at bringing some colour into their homespuns.

The above batches were done using, Dahlia, flax flowers, black walnut husks, onion, Tanekaha (spelling??) bark, lychen to name a few.

The amount of wool I had dyed in different colours meant that only together they would make a arment as each colour batch was too small on its own. Now, I am not a fan of stripes but couldn't come up with any other idea of how to use these colours together.

I used the following pattern;

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ripicca

And the result you can see here.

I am not too pleased with the result on me. I did not have more wool to make it longer otherwise I would have done that. But it shows of the colours nicely together and I love the pattern I used. A warning for those who may try it;

It is not hard to knit but the rows are awfully long!!!

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ripicca

Farmers Birthday Present

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/ribbed-watchmans-hat

Okay, his birthday is in our NZ summer so winter woolies look funny with shorts and all.

But it is my experience that you need to knit the warm stuff in summer as otherwise you risk not having it when you need it.

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/textured-vest-5

So a beanie, fingerless gloves and a vest in very very dark gotland cross wool were his surprise present.

It is a shame that dark woolen garments are so difficult to portray in a photo. A bit like a black dog or cat, you never seem to get those details and features stand out like you wish.

So you have to trust me that the result is quite lovely and he liked them and uses them heaps.

That's all that counts.