Show and tell

This is going to be one incredible blanket. There is no rhyme or reason as to how the squares are layed out for blocking. All of the squares are here (although all are not pictured). The remainder will be pinned out today.

Donations are still being accepted!

Sonoma Hat

There's not so much to say about the hat itself. I made the pattern up as I went along. I was a little off on my gauge (despite swatching...I'm a reluctant but faithful swatcher) so it's on the large side.

I'm only posting here to share the photos of my beautiful Sonoma. This was from my first BRF purchase ever. I'd been unsure what to do with it. One skein. Not enough for a sweater. Very brown at heart -- too masculine?

Judge for yourself. I think it makes a beautiful fall woman's hat (as modeled by my son!).

Autumn Glory

Tired of spinning my needles on Sedona (yes, I know, I AM making progress, albeit slow)I cast on for Autumn Glory yesterday.

I had three hanks of Autumn-y goodness
(otherwise known as Briar Rose Sonoma)




and the view I had driving back from Michigan last week with the trees, now delineated by the emerging fall color, stacking up in staggered rows, just like a lace pattern.


(Not my picture folks. Truth in advertising.)



Lace, when rendered in a chunky yarn and a large repeat, takes on a whole new perspective.

Vitals: chunky boat neck pullover, skims body, hip length, 3/4 sleeve. Rib repeats at raglan neckline and top of sleeves.



See the trunks in the ribbing design?





(Sorry for the slight blur. I design. I don't shoot well.)


And the little trees?






It'll look better once it's blocked.

Hi Everyone--

All of your posts and beautiful photos made me want to chime in.

I met Chris and Briar Rose Fibers at the Great Lakes Fiber Show in 2005. Her imaginative and inviting exhibit blew me away! On impulse, and without any project in mind, I took home 3 blending hanks of Sonoma. I petted it for a week or so, asked it what it wanted to be.... It never said, so I finally decided on a simple top-down cardigan. I threw in a dash of 7 purl stitches whenever I got bored with stockinette. Seed stitch bands at wrist, neck and waist play up some of the darker shades of purple and chocolate.

This yarn is soft and warm and I've worn this sweater everywhere. It's held up well with just a little pilling. This photo was taken yesterday, after nearly 2 years of wear. In my mind's eye the striping is more subtle-- I've described it as greens and purples. But the camera doesn't lie and the blue and gold play well with the others. Many of Briar Rose's "paintings" blend well with each other. If you get a chance to see them together at a show, rather than on a PC monitor, you can decide which pairings work for you.

I went back to the 2006 Great Lakes Fiber Show to score some more of this addictive substance. But that's a story for another day....

Look what I got!

If you mix the colors in my picture with the colors in Knitterella's post then you have a true idea of how gorgeous this yarn is! Thank you so much Chris for such a great prize! I think I know what I'm going to make, just have to find a pattern.

And the winner is......

Congratulations to Buttercup!

I've used my Sonoma as a back drop, but here is a picture of her actual yarn.

I tried and tried to take good photos last night of the name being pulled out of the hat, but they turned out terrible. The cold 'Michigan Room' offered better accommodations today.

So, Buttercup, what are you going to make?

Don't worry, I'll bet there will be another chance at a giveaway for the rest of our knitters!