We’ve been sick. As these things go the kids were sick for about two days then mostly back to full speed. Dan and felt it linger a little longer. But today feels like the first day where we aren’t dragging exhausted – we’re on the upswing!
While I was couch sitting with sickies I decided to cast on a simple, rewarding knit to keep me company. Another plain vest was the perfect project (notes here). Mira has been wearing the one I knit during the fall but it would seem I chose my wool improperly for that one. The malabrigo worsted was divine to knit with, but as soon as a busy toddler was wearing it the vest began to pill like crazy.This time I knit with Paton’s Classic. (I have this colourway in great abundance after buying a clearance 5-pack at Michael’s for $10 – you have seen this currant colour here before and you most certainly will again.) Nothing as pretty as the malabrigo but a great utilitarian wool which can withstand the rigours of daily wear – and for $2 and about 5 hours I’m very pleased.
After finishing the vest, I moved on to the ring toy I’ve had kicking around unfinished (like this one). Although I love a nice dull stockinette knit, these seem to try to try my patience. I’m sure I spend more time switching the needles back and forth than I do on knitting! That being said, they are great for using up leftover ends of pure wool and make a sweet little baby toy. I’m hoping to get a few ready to go at once and then I’ll get them felted and put away for gifts.
Finding myself with extra resting time I finally got into Kate Morton‘s newest book, The Secret Keeper. I’ve enjoyed her other books and this one promises to fall into that catagory. So far none of the characters have found their way into my affections but the story has my attention. I’ll have to see how it progresses.
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Are you finding crafty distractions this week? Or perhaps you’re lost in a great book? Please share!
joining Ginny for yarn along
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I have the same feelings about the malabrigo… what a shame! I love that plain vest and hope to knit one up for phoebe soon!!
so glad you’re starting to feel better in your household! the flu bug seems to like to stick around! boo urns. that is a very cute vest! xoxo
Sorry about the flu, but glad you on the other side of it now. The vest looks lovely!
Glad that you, Dan and the littles are feeling much better.
I had the pilling problem happen with a sweater I knit for myself that I truly adore. It ticks me off that it started to pill the FIRST time I wore it! Ugh.
The yarn is Araucania Nature Wool Solids so you know what to avoid as well.
Oh! Sorry you haven’t been well! I haven’t had that problem with malabrigo, but the things I’ve knitted with it were accessories for me, so they didn’t get the wear that a toddler vest would. Get plenty of rest!
i love pickle’s patterns! i did another plain vest (boy version) for two of my boys for christmas, LOVE IT! what a fun knit, those ring toys. 🙂
So glad the germ is clearing out of your home. Very true words about Malabrigo. Love it, but its use has to be selective. I saw someone making a blanket out of it and I thought that would be an ugly piling mess in my household! What a deal on the yarn – fantastic color too.
I made one sweater out of malabrigo and it does pill like crazy. Now I reserve malabrigo worsted to accessories only. But that’s my preference. I hope your family feels better soon!!
Glad you are feeling better! The vest looks great. I made one in the doll size a while back and loved it. Kate Morton intrigues me, but I haven’t made time to finish one by her yet. Enjoy!