Saturday, October 30, 2010

Gimme Shelter

Habitat in Shelter 'Sap'
One of the big buzz yarns that all the knitter types were chattering about at Rhinebeck was Jared Flood's Shelter. I'll admit that I hadn't heard tell of it before then, but being the lemming that I am, once I heard 'unbelievable colors' and 'tweed that isn't as scratchy as it could be', I knew that Shelter and I had a date with destiny. So I ordered one lonely skein on a trial basis and I can say that I will definitely be back for more in the future. Once acquired, I trolled around Ravelry for the perfect one skein project, and came up with a pattern that I not only already owned but had specially colored coded with my handy colored pencils: Habitat!
Habitat in Shelter 'Sap'
The Specs
Pattern: Habitat by Brooklyn Tweed
Yarn: Shelter in 'Sap', one skein exactly
Needles: sizes 6 & 7
Size: S/M
Mods: None at all, although I did have a misstep. I knit the first 15 rows without realizing that I had neglected to do chart A. As my kids would say 'durrrr'...so yeah, instead of trying to wing it, I did the adult thing by frogging and starting over.
Habitat in Shelter 'Sap'
Right away I had the sense that I wouldn't have enough yarn for a size L so I decided to ding it down to S/M. Phew! So glad I did as I had less than 5 yards left. The result is a perfect snug little hat.
Habitat in Shelter 'Sap'
My first foray with this pattern was done with Shelter's polar opposite, Malabrigo. It made for a hat that was poofty and lofty whereas this iteration is quite the opposite. I have to say that both versions have their charms, but I am slightly partial to this one as the color is a mind-blower. Do you remember the most fabulously beloved but now discontinued color of Felted Tweed 'Pickle'? (what--you don't have all the Felted Tweed colors available in your mind for immediate recall?) It's reminiscent of that luscious green but with flecks of orange as well. Simply put, it's perfection.
Habitat in Shelter 'Sap'
Habitat in Shelter 'Sap'
I am so happy to have refound my knitting inspiration. I am back to that happy place where I think about knitting like it's my job and text back and forth with Babs about what out next (knitting) move is. Because of this increased activity and enthusiasm, I have more small accessories in the pipeline, so stay tuned because I am cranking. them. OUT!




18 comments:

nicole said...

Durrrr, of course I remember pickle!

This yarn definitely makes the hat. A stunner!

The WoodLand School said...

Wonderful hat! Thanks for the shelter review -- I can't wait to get my hands on a skein!

Barb said...

If you recall, I once had a sweater's quantity of Pickle, which I foolishly returned to WEBS!! I love the hat!!!

Amy said...

WOW, that's *gorgeous*. Gotta get me some!

(And welcome back!)

Knitting Kris said...

Love it! Perfect pairing of pattern and yarn. Good to hear good reviews about the yarn. I've been meaning to give it a go.....

regina said...

Gorgeous! BTW, I'm so glad I got to run into you at Rhinebeck, even for a little while. It was really nice to see you.

Rose said...

I bought two skeins of Shelter at Purl on my Rhinebeck trip but am still in the petting and admiring stage. I may have to order the hat pattern now, cause yours is GORGEOUS!

Kathy said...

I do remember pickle well. I used part of it for a sweater for my kid. The hat looks great and every time I read your blog, I want to buy more yarn. You should get kickbacks from yarn companies.

peaknits said...

I love this hat - I have several lonely skeins of Shelter - I have to make me a Habitat - I had gotten as far as locating the pattern and getting my "Sap" ready but after seeing yours - omg, can't cast on quick enough!

Joan said...

Glad you've got your mojo back-- that's great news for US!

margaux said...

I love that hat!! And I've heard buzz about Shelter too - will have to pick myself up a skein or two :-)

FriendlyFossil said...

Great to see you knitting madly again. The hat is wonderful!

ali@skeinsherway said...

Oh, yes, that really does looks scrumptious, and so does your beautiful young model!

earthchick said...

Gorgeous!!

I think my Hallett's Ledge is similar in color to the lovely Felted Tweed "Pickle." But then, I'm not as well-versed in the nuances of the Felted Tweed colors as you are, so who knows.

This is a great hat! It is so slammin' in that yarn.

Kim said...

Sweet hat! And yes, I immediately was able to picture "Pickle."

Anonymous said...

Lovely hat and model!
margieinmaryland

Courtney said...

I love the hat! I have to say, I saw Shelter in person at Hill Country Weavers in Austin a couple of weeks ago and I wasn't blown away. It seemed scratchy to me, so I didn't even buy one skein, but this makes me reconsider.

WonderMike said...

I'm so glad you mentioned almost running out of yarn. I'm about to start this one and I'm glad I got two skeins of my preferred color.

Your execution is envy inspiring. :)