Spring Knitting Projects, Spinning Adventures, and Favorite Reads!
Hello, friends! It’s been a while since I’ve shared a good old-fashioned knitting podcast-style update, so today, we’re diving into all the fiber-y goodness happening in my world right now. From finished projects to exciting new casts-ons, test knits, spinning adventures, and even a little book chat—there’s plenty to catch up on!
Spring is (Almost) Here!
March has arrived, and with it, the unmistakable signs of spring—except for the wild, windy weather! Here in Arkansas, we’ve already entered tornado season, which seems to be arriving earlier each year. While we’ve managed to avoid major storms so far, the straight-line winds have been strong enough to cause power outages. Just a couple of weeks ago, the farm was covered in snow, and now we’re bracing for tornadoes. Welcome to the unpredictable beauty of seasonal change in the South!
Recently Finished: The Roseland Top
One of my biggest knitting victories lately is finishing my Rosenlund Top, a gorgeous pattern by Sari Nordlund.
With spring around the corner, I’ve been making an effort to revisit my queue of warm-weather knits and get those projects finished. Blocking really brought this one to life, and I’ve already worn it multiple times. It’s always satisfying to see a project go from a WIP to something I can actually wear and enjoy.
The Lavender Tank
As a reward for finishing the Rosenlund Top, I cast on the Lavender Tank, a fun summer knit inspired by Taylor Swift’s Lavender Haze video.
Designed by Along avec Anna, this tank features a retro chevron pattern that instantly caught my eye.
For this project, I’m using Knitting for Olive Merino held double to achieve the DK weight gauge. I considered using their cotton merino, but I tend to get more of a worsted gauge when holding it double. The merino is a light fingering weight, so holding it together works out perfectly.
I chose four colors that closely match the original pattern’s aesthetic (because sometimes, you just can’t improve upon perfection). The knitting itself is simple, with an easy-to-memorize two-row repeat, but the colorwork keeps it engaging. So far, I’ve finished the back panel and am ready to pick up stitches for the front. I love projects that make me say, “Just one more stripe!”—they’re always the most fun to knit.
Wrapping Up Test Knits
I’ve also been busy finishing a test knit using Mountain Meadow Wool, a dreamy two-ply merino and Rambouillet blend. This yarn is both soft and woolly, making it an absolute pleasure to work with. The fabric has incredible texture, and I can’t wait to share the finished piece with you soon.
Another test knit on my needles is made with North Bay Fiber Heritage Sport, a woolen-spun Targhee yarn. Heritage Sport in Holly
I previously worked with the DK weight version and loved it, but this sport weight is something special. The color I chose—Holly—is the most perfect shade of red. It reminds me a bit of Brooklyn Tweed’s Shelter and Loft, but even softer!
For this project, I’m knitting the sleeves two-at-a-time—but not in the usual way. Instead of using magic loop, I have one sleeve on a 9-inch circular and the other on a 12-inch circular. I alternate between them, working up to an increase on one, then switching to the other to maintain identical shaping. It helps keep things even while making the process feel less daunting.
The Stornoway Sweater: A Knit-Along Adventure
Another project I need to wrap up is my Stornoway Sweater, which I’m knitting as part of a KAL with Rachel and Jessica from Those Twins Who Knit.
They’ve already finished theirs, but the knit-along runs through March 15th, so I still have time!
This design is an absolute joy to knit because of its texture. I’m using Sewrella Worsted, a superwash merino base that takes dye beautifully while remaining soft and easy to care for.
The stitch definition is crisp, and I can already tell this is going to be a go-to sweater for me. Now I just need to find time to finish it!
Spinning: A Handspun Contrast Color
Lately, I’ve also been spending time at my spinning wheel, working on yarn for my Pressed Flowers Cardigan. For the main color, I’m using Red Stag Fiber’s Yorkshire Sport in a gorgeous dusty blue shade called French Waistcoat.
For the contrast color, I decided to do a combo spin, blending multiple fibers for a unique variegated look. My fiber selection included:
- A rich gold-toned merino from Nest Fiber.
- A luxury blend (silk, camel, alpaca, and merino) from Akara yarns, featuring browns, purples, golds, and ivory.
- A deep red wool-silk blend to add warmth.
I divided the fibers into two equal piles and made small “nestlets” of mixed strips, randomly spinning them together to create a beautifully blended yarn. I’m spinning on my Daedalus Starling, a fantastic electric spinner that offers incredible control and consistency. https://www.daedalusspinningwheels.com It’s been a game-changer, especially when spinning blends that require minor adjustments on the fly.
I also have a Schacht Matchless, which I love for the tactile experience of treadling, but the Starling makes achieving consistent singles so much easier. Plus, it’s portable—I can set it up while homeschooling my kids and still get some fiber time in!
Exciting Things for Tour de Fleece
I’m thrilled to share that Ahna from BrookWillow and I have some special plans in the works for Tour de Fleece this summer! We’re teaming up with Trisha from Yarn Jam for some exciting spinning-related events, so if you’ve ever been curious about spinning, now is the perfect time to jump in. Stay tuned for more details soon!
What I’m Reading & Listening To
Between knitting and spinning, I’ve also been enjoying a few books lately:
- Life Hacks for Little Aliens – A novel told from the perspective of a young girl with autism. It’s insightful, emotional, and beautifully written. (link to amazon affiliate link which I earn a small commission on)
- How the Light Gets In (Inspector Gamache #9) by Louise Penny – I love mysteries, and this series has grown on me. While the first book was predictable, later installments have become much more complex and engaging.
- Trails & Valleys by Lindsay Fowler – A newly released knitting pattern book filled with gorgeous, nature-inspired designs. I love how wearable and cozy these knits are—perfect for everyday life and adventures alike.
Excitingly, Laine sent me an extra copy of this book to give away! If you’d like to win, simply leave a comment on my YouTube video. https://youtu.be/spVK5MfuK50 If you’re in the U.S., shipping is guaranteed. If you’re international, I’ll check feasibility—otherwise, I’ll offer a digital pattern of your choice instead.
Video
Wrapping Up
That’s all for today’s chat! I’d love to hear what you’re working on—whether it’s knitting, spinning, or a great book recommendation. Let me know in the comments! Until next time, happy knitting, and stay cozy.
And don’t forget—if you’re thinking about trying out a Daedalus, tell them Kaci sent you! https://www.daedalusspinningwheels.com
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