The Beginning of the Habu Scarf
I've started a new project, but don't have a whole lot to show for it yet. This is the Habu Textiles scarf kit that I bought in early August. I was planning to take it on vacation with me, and then I realized that it requires 4 different sized needles. That's a lot of extra gear to take (lose, break...) on vacation, so I decided just to start it to get a feel for what it would be like to knit with a yarn containing stainless steel. As it turns out, you don't really notice much difference in the yarn. Perhaps that is because it is paired with the merino right now and my fingers only register the wool. The fabric does have an interesting stiffness however and I think it's going to be a trip to see what happens after it gets felted. It's hard to imagine that this tiny thread of merino is going to felt, so that is part of the adventure.
As an aside, you might notice that I am using straight needles here. This has to do with knitting with fine yarn (I mean fine as in very small diameter). I find that it's easier for me when the stitches all stay on the same needle and don't slide of onto a cable. The stitches that move onto the cable often seem to get smaller and tighter making it less easy to manipulate them. Combine that with the fact that I really love these short Brittany needles and you now know why my normal circs are stashed for this project.
That scarf already looks cool before all the fancy felting and stuff! Such mindblowing yarn they have at Habu.
It'll be really interesting to see how this looks when felted. I have to admit to a high degree of curiosity here. I'll definitely be keeping an eye on your blog and watching your progress with this. Steel in yarn. Who'da thunk it?
You'd think that the stainless steel would cut through the merino some how. If the fabric has stiffness, does the yarn have any?
It looks pretty....
Ooh, that's really cool. It gets felted? That seems unbelievable! Can't wait to see how it turns out...I've been thinking about getting my hands on some of the Habu yarns but haven't been ready for the plunge!
Ooh, that's really cool. It gets felted? That seems unbelievable! Can't wait to see how it turns out...I've been thinking about getting my hands on some of the Habu yarns but haven't been ready for the plunge!
Wow! Wool with metal is not something I've come across before. It will be really interesting to see what develops later into the scarf.
That stuff is sooo cool! I have been trying to think of a project that I could weave to justify buying some of it. I did get a skein of their linen paper tape while I was in NYC for the Spin Out.
Cool! I have some different Habu waiting in the wings.
I can't wait to see how it looks all done and to hear your critique of the whole project. What a concept!
intriguing, felting it. may i ask, *where* did you find a kit?!? i live in a smallish rural area, and we certainly don't get anything like that here. i haven't even seen any habu online outside their website. any ideas? thanks. beautiful site (i've lurked for years).
That combo of stainless steel and wool sounds really interesting. Can't wait to hear what you've got to say about it!
Theresa,
I've been looking all over your site many times and you really are a wonderful knitter and artist. It's very inspirational. I love the Stainless steel variation. Hopefully it won't be as difficult to clean as my kitchen appliances!