Handspun Aestlight

Really?


Had it been since the 2008 Tour de Fleece since this wonderful merino had been spun?

It had been patiently waiting until the perfect pattern was located - Aestlight!
This knit up in a week and is a super sweet design. I tire quickly when garter stitch comes into play. Years ago I vowed to never enter into garter stitch world again simply because I struggle to keep enough interest to finish in a reasonable amount of time. The intriguing lace edge finale was enough to spur me on and a marvelous shawl waits for the few days of cooler weather that may come later.

As for now, the weather has been hot and steamy. No complaints here as my old haunts are 'boasting' lows in the 60's on some days.

Birds which are unfamiliar to me were calling the other night and it felt like I was in a tropical jungle.

Rounding the craft bend

Contemplation has been the word of the month. My elbow has continued to nag at me and thoughts of knitting being worth the trouble have loomed in my mind.

The elbow is not in pain, merely discomfort, but it is persistent. Just sharp enough to let me know it is still with me and that escape is probably not possible. I've tried out exercises, sitting positions, and different seating. All to no avail.

So, as I was finishing up the Mod Pod felted tote that was nabbed at Stitches West, I began to wonder if a 'next project' was in my near future. Dread was setting in due to the necessary felting of that long tote strap and it might be a great time for a more permanent break.

What would become of all the lovely fibers in my stash?

A pattern has been sitting on my table for nearly a month. The Aestlight Shawl was a birthday gift from my Ravelry friend Linda. What a lovely surprise it was to receive the pattern and it has been on my list since receipt. The perfect fiber was being elusive so, as the tote dried, I searched my stash. After rejecting much yarn, the perfect choice came to mind. My Aestlight will be made from very beautiful Briar Rose BFL handspun. Using handspun was great for another reason, too - Linda had just dipped her toe into spinning!

The uncertainty and elbow pain washed away and, as that buttery fiber slid through my fingers, I knew that knitting was still my thing.