Wool Free and Lovin' Knit

Wool Free and Wonderful - A Silk Christening Gown fit for a Princess

 

I happened upon this gorgeous christening gown by Crystal of Colourknit Designs and I fell in love.  The pattern is designed by Crystal Guistinello and is available for purchase here.    It's rumored she's going to sell the dress itself on etsy in the not too distant future if you need one in a hurry and have no time to knit it yourself. 

The yarn used here is Gemstone Silk 2/5 from Halcyon Yarns.  

Crystal told me that it took her about 35 hours to knit it and she is considered a slow knitter by her friends so that gives you a good idea of what would be involved it you decided to knit it yourself.

A short version of the dress is included in the pattern as well -- too cute! It is also wool-free, knit up in Naturally Caron Spa yarn.

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This is  one of those patterns I want to keep in mind for that day when my afghan recipients (a.k.a. nieces) present me with a great niece or nephew.  

Another great example of a wool-free and truly wonderful knit!

Wool Free and Wonderful - Snowy Hempathy

When it comes to wool-free alternatives for sweaters I'm constantly drawn back to Elspeth Lavold's Hempathy.  I've favored her dark blue yarn, but when I saw  Snowy Hempathy by Ravelry member gardengate, well, I fell in love with Hempathy all over again. 

The pattern is Gathered Pullover  by Hana Jason and I think gardengate did a fabulous job taking this sweater pattern to a whole other level with her wool free yarn choice. 

A truly great example of a Wool Free and Wonderful knit and thanks so much to gardengate for letting me share it!  She has several other wool free knits that are just as lovely on her project page so be sure to click over there and check them out. 

Wool Free and Wonderful - Chrysanthemum

This vision of wool-free loveliness is knit by KellyM and I just happened upon it while doing a Ravelry pattern search. 

The yarn is Elsebeth Lavold Hempathy and Habu Textiles A-20/21 1/20 silk stainless steel. 

The pattern is Chrysanthemum by Tanya Alpert, Haiku Knits.

But  KellyM  has made it truly special with her modification of the sleeve.

It took my breath away. The phrase "gossamer wings" came to mind. This is truly one of the most amazing wool-free knits I've seen in a long time.  Simply stunning!

Thanks KellyM for letting me share this wonderful wool-free knit!

Wool Free and Wonderful Introduces "Primrose Rabbit"

 
Meet "Primrose Rabbit".

I found her over at MaryJane's Tearoom and I think she is about the sweetest little knit rabbit I ever did see.   She is created by designer Susan Hickson and is just one of about a half-dozen of her darling bunny and bear patterns . You'll want to knit them all. I know I do. 

Rowan Alpaca DK  was used for her body and Rowan Purelife Organic Cotton 4-ply for the clothes.   If you also have allergies to Alpaca, then I think a Rowan Cotton DK would be a fine substitute for the body as well.

 Just another fine example of a  wool-free and wonderful knit!

Wool Free and Wonderful

As a wool free knitter, I love to find inspiration in the wool free knits of others and I thought that maybe you would all appreciate a little of that inspiration too.  So, once a month I plan to feature some gorgeous examples of wool free knitting.  Going forward, you'll easily find these in the category "Wool Free and Wonderful". 

To start with I've been oggling knits in Rowan's Denim Cotton.  This was the yarn I used for my Picnic Blanket Afghan and I have several more projects I'd like to knit with it in the future.  

What I love about this yarn (for the wool free knitter) is that it has no "woolly" counterpart.  The yarn's unique properties for shrinking and fading "just like real denim" belong to this wool free  yarn alone and I love that!  

 The first wonderful sample I want to share with you knit in this yarn is a little dress I found knit by blogger KKSTYLE.  

I have her permission (at least I think I do -- google translator doesn't speak the best Japanese) to share this photo with you.

It is a true example of a "Wool Free and Wonderful Knit".

The pattern is from Simple Knits for Little Cherubs, by Erika Knight.

Collins & Brown

 

 

Wool Free and Wonderful

My BKF brought me a very special present.  A pair of hand knit socks.

I have yet to try knitting socks myself and I'm not sure if I'll ever be quite as passionate about knitting them as she is, but I'm certainly very passionate about receiving them from her.

They fit perfectly, I LOVE the color and the yarn is wool-free (she included the tag as proof) and the design is really pretty.

  For all you sock lovers, this is Blue Moon Fiber Arts Sock Candy 96% cotton 4% elite in Denim,  knit in the Fruitloops pattern.

 

Don't they sound and look yummy?! 

Unfortunately,  it's a very HOT week here in Boston, so I shall have to save really wearing them for a cooler day.

Still, I just had to show them off. Thanks, Dee, you are the BKF ever!!