Both Sally and I are still laboring away on our respective Eala Bhans — and personally, I am loving it! I love the feel of the wooly yarn on my fingertips and I love watching the design slowly emerge. But progress is measured in tenths of inches. I have spent two evenings trying to get one inch done.
I also have another project going — simpler for group knitting and in front of certain TV programs (Mad Men, I’m talkin’ about YOU). I am using the gorgeous alpaca and silk yarn I bought while I was visiting Surly.
The pattern is called Ophicleide (huh?? WTF??) . I have no idea what it means, how to pronounce it, or what the heck it has to do with knitting! I do like the beautiful stitchwork in the yoke and the fact that after the fun knitting on the yoke, it is plain stockinette. There are two sleeve options, and I will be going for 3/4 length. Here is my progress thus far:
So, quite a way to go. It will be more of a spring sweater, so I am in no rush. The yarn is absolutely butter soft and much prettier in person than you can tell here. I only got through about half a row tonight at knitting group!!
Now that I am home, back to Eala Bhan!!!
PS: Kathy provides us with the definition of Ophicleide: a vintage brass horn:
I still have no idea what it has to do with knitting!
Ooh, that is lovely! I hope you are putting it up on Ravelry. I like your color better than the original and I want to favorite it!
Comment by Melanie — October 8, 2010 @ 3:11 pm
Hey there, love that knitting. I plugged the word in my computer dictionary and it says: ophicleide: obsolete bass brass instrument with keys, used in bands in the 19th century but superseded by the tuba. So, there you have it. The patterns on the sweater must have some sort of shape of the parts of the instrument or something. 🙂 In any case, it’s really beautiful!
Comment by Kathy — October 9, 2010 @ 12:14 am
I love the stitch pattern and am so glad you are giving it sleeves. The little unfinished cap sleeves leave so much to be desired and don’t do the pattern justice. The yoke is drop dead gorgeous – it deserves real sleeves!
Comment by twinsetellen — October 9, 2010 @ 12:24 am
Maybe the name is related to the stitch pattern?
Just a guess. That yarn is an absolutely gorgeous color. (The guy with the horn isn’t too shabby either)
Comment by Tiny Tyrant — October 12, 2010 @ 12:08 pm
Yes, who is that cute guy? 😉
Comment by Melanie — October 12, 2010 @ 6:07 pm