Loft and warmth, that is how I would describe my latest knitting project. At last, I found the time to join in on a Fringe Hatalong. A friend nudged me to knit the Hermaness by Gudrun Johnston-I would knit it in my Gotland worsted weight, and she would knit it in her Bluefaced Leicester. So I cast on, excited to join knitters around the globe on a shared project. The intent was to knit this “simple” lace hat within a month’s time.
About half way through my knitting, and unknitting, I emailed my friend to say that I was totally exacerbated. This “simple” lace pattern was requiring more focus than I could give to it. Regardless of how easy a lace pattern is, the bottom line is that you still have to count, and pay attention. My life was just not at a point where I could sit and knit with that much concentration. So, following my friend’s kind and gentle encouragement, I put the hat aside until a more quiet time.
Summer, being our busy season, has kept my mind preoccupied with farmstay guests, harvesting the garden, and launching arrows from my quiver. My youngest child leaves for the university soon, middle daughter enters her senior year at college, and my oldest daughter continues to study abroad. This fall, my husband and I are planning a trip to Germany to visit my daughter. From there, we will go on to Gotland Island, Sweden to visit with some sheep and shepherds. So my mind has a zillion thoughts racing through it and my spare time is spent reading about Sweden.
I found that moment this past week, and finished knitting my Hermaness hat. Most known for its lovely drape and luster, Gotland yarn knits up into gorgeous shawls, wraps, scarves, and flowing vests. So I was anxious to see how well it would knit into a hat. When knit, the yarn took on a soft halo, as though the yarn bloomed as it came off my knitting needles. In the end, my hat feels amazingly warm and lofty, yet not squishy and springy, as if knit with a wool that has a fine crimp. Some of the stitch definition melted into the wool fibers, leaving behind distinct stitch patterning, and taking on the general form of the lace pattern instead.
I like my hat, and my yarn, and my friend.
You can purchase some of my Gotland wool yarn over at the Gotland Wool Company. All proceeds from yarn sales go to the care and feeding of our little flock of Swedish sheep!
A warm welcome to those joining me from Nicole’s “Keep Calm Craft On” and Ginny’s “Yarn Along”. Please leave a comment so I know you were here.
Angie
There is something about all the shades of grey that get me.. I love them.. and the wool here and of course your gorgeous Hermaness hat!
Kim Goodling
Thank you Angie! I too love the natural colors and always gravitate towards them. And now, my little flock of Gotland sheep can provide me with a wide range of natural greys.
Carlin
Beautiful hat! and i love that color!
Kim Goodling
Thank you Carlin!
suzy mae
I love Gotland Wool. It’s got a beautiful texture and feel to it. The hat is simply perfect!
Mary Piontek
Love that yarn — it is so soft and buttery. I have to come up with some fun projects for my stash — LOVE the hat!
steph
GREY!!! I love grey…and your hat turned out lovely! (worth the wait!) I did my Hermaness from some mystery yarn in my stash….it was blue, so it will be a gift to someone since that’s not a color I wear. Maybe I need some new grey??? I’ve never knit with Gotland wool.
Kim Goodling
Steph,
Yes, you definitely need some new grey! and it is time to give Gotland a try! 🙂
Desiree
Your yarn is beautiful! They grays are so stunning and natural! Plus your hat is super cute!! Just adorable! Thanks for sharing.
Great Grammy
I, too, love the colors ! The hat is stunning ! luv, u
Terrie
It’s always lovely to see the sheep who provides lovely wool for yarns. Enjoy your trips to visit daughter and the sheep.