After more than two years I am finally done with this project. It was a muther. You can find the pattern on Knitty, its free too. However, I suggest reading all the comments before delving into this challenge.
Hi, I've been looking at this pattern for two years now and promising myself I would knit it. I have a question for you: do you think the Habu steel yarn is necessary to the project? I have a cousin who used the Habu and also thought it was a bit of a pain to knit with, and said if you snag it, the snag is pretty permanent. Now that you've finished it, and worn it, do you think it would be okay to use linen, because that's what I'm planning to knit it in. Thanks for any feedback!! Terry
Hi Terry, Well, I have a real love/hate with Habu, I would agree 100% with your cousin. I really liked the unusualness of the fiber, but it was not easy to knit with. It's a little hard to describe, about the closest comparison is hair, it's like knitting with hair. On the other hand I like the funky use of the steel/silk combination, It makes for a great conversation piece. When I do wear it I get tons of questions about it. As for snagging, I would say that it's more forgiving than maybe your cousin found it to be. As for the Sea Tangles pattern, I think you could almost use anything. It's a real "free" construction. I personally LOVE linen and think it might be perfect for that pattern. Although, Habu does make a linen wrapped steel! Have you looked under "yarn ideas" on Ravelry to see if anyone else used linen? That might be helpful as well. I guess I'm glad I used the Habu fiber to make the Sea Tangles, It's definitely a funky, unusual piece. And I have recently thought about doing another project with Habu, but I just can't quite pull the trigger. The Sea Tangles top took me 3 years to complete, it wasn't something I could do or wanted to do for large chunks of time. It really tested my patience…. If your heart is set on using linen I would stick with that. If you really want a challenge, use Habu. I hope that was helpful. If you have any other questions you can certainly contact me via Ravelry! Good luck and keep me posted! Kieran
The sweater looks amazing, im so lucky to have such a talented and lovey friend like you!
ReplyDeleteHi, I've been looking at this pattern for two years now and promising myself I would knit it. I have a question for you: do you think the Habu steel yarn is necessary to the project? I have a cousin who used the Habu and also thought it was a bit of a pain to knit with, and said if you snag it, the snag is pretty permanent. Now that you've finished it, and worn it, do you think it would be okay to use linen, because that's what I'm planning to knit it in. Thanks for any feedback!! Terry
ReplyDeleteHi Terry, Well, I have a real love/hate with Habu, I would agree 100% with your cousin. I really liked the unusualness of the fiber, but it was not easy to knit with. It's a little hard to describe, about the closest comparison is hair, it's like knitting with hair. On the other hand I like the funky use of the steel/silk combination, It makes for a great conversation piece. When I do wear it I get tons of questions about it. As for snagging, I would say that it's more forgiving than maybe your cousin found it to be. As for the Sea Tangles pattern, I think you could almost use anything. It's a real "free" construction. I personally LOVE linen and think it might be perfect for that pattern. Although, Habu does make a linen wrapped steel! Have you looked under "yarn ideas" on Ravelry to see if anyone else used linen? That might be helpful as well. I guess I'm glad I used the Habu fiber to make the Sea Tangles, It's definitely a funky, unusual piece. And I have recently thought about doing another project with Habu, but I just can't quite pull the trigger. The Sea Tangles top took me 3 years to complete, it wasn't something I could do or wanted to do for large chunks of time. It really tested my patience….
DeleteIf your heart is set on using linen I would stick with that. If you really want a challenge, use Habu. I hope that was helpful. If you have any other questions you can certainly contact me via Ravelry! Good luck and keep me posted!
Kieran