Double indulgence
I’m down with crud. And I don’t mean “down with” in the slang sense of being willing to do something or endorsing the idea of it. I mean “down with” as in “feebly prone on the sofa barely energetic enough to knit more often than not for the past nine days.” But I drafted what was supposed to be a quickie post two weeks ago, and you might as well have it until I can muster the vigor for something better! Stay healthy, everyone.
No, this isn’t a tiny espresso cup. It’s just a really big needle. The biggest I own, in fact. In my opinion, knitting with a #11 is a lot like eating a bowl of ice cream with a ladle. Yes, it goes quickly, but it’s terribly awkward and then it’s gone so soon. But I can’t get within a country mile of gauge for Idlewood on the recommended #10.
This yarn, though? Every bit as velvety delicious as the hot chocolate in my mug. Well worth the money even at Cascade’s new higher prices — at least that’s my opinion upon swatching it. I haven’t had a chance to test its durability yet, but the cabled construction of the buttery 70% merino – 30% baby alpaca blend ought to help it last. Eco Cloud only comes in undyed colors (this one is Otter), but there seems to be a new dyed version called Cloud available, too (not to be confused with Cascade’s Cloud 9… choosing such similar names seems a baffling decision from the Cascade marketing team, but then so is giving more prominent placement on one’s website to news of lawsuits against one’s rivals than to one’s own products, in my opinion).
Anyone care to lay odds on my not relinquishing this to Katrin at Christmas time?
Update: I felt like Goldilocks trying to find needles that would put me in the neighborhood of the right gauge, but it was accomplished at last and I’m off and running on that luscious big cowl. Still loving the yarn.
Posted: October 25th, 2011 at 11:52 am
I hope you feel better soon. It is just too demoralizing to be laid up on the couch when you want to be able to do something.
I also love your analogy regarding large needle sizes. I eat my ice cream with a tiny demi spoon, so that it lasts longer. My knitting is often the same way.
Posted: October 26th, 2011 at 5:55 am
Oh, that’ll be a nice cozy Idlewood.
Posted: October 26th, 2011 at 8:14 am
I hope that you feel better soon. I hate the crud. I have it too. At least you don’t have the flu. Vomiting and knitting are not conducive to each other.
Posted: October 26th, 2011 at 8:15 am
Ick. Feel better soon! May your yarn soothe you!
Posted: October 26th, 2011 at 11:11 am
Goodness! I hope you feel better soon. uhmmm… eco cloud=yum! (a little jealous… honestly) Hope to see you on Sunday for breakfast!
Posted: November 4th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
I hope you feel better soon! I have been struck down with a cold twice in two weeks. WAH! I have been really interested in the Eco Cloud (UNDYED! Be still my heart!), but I am on a serious yarn diet until May. I can’t wait to see your finished cowl!
Posted: November 6th, 2011 at 7:34 pm
Who is taking care of Ada? We had to hand our two-year-old over to a grandmotherly neighbor when a monster version of super-crud hit us both at exactly the same time.
I love Idlewood. Exactly the tunic I’ve been looking for — especially the pockets (but it most likely minus the hood). Get well!