Yarn Along 31

I'm joining in Ginny's Yarn Along this week.

Who knew that when my camera went on the blink, my blogging would fall apart?  I suppose that's my own personal reaction ... no photos, no posts ... but I'm taking the good advice of two very good friends (yes, that's you Gail and Wei Siew) who encouraged me to use the camera tool on my iPad.

I feel limited in what I can do but perhaps with more practice, I'll start to be more comfortable using this camera tool.  For now, it gets me back here chatting with you and that's all that matters!

So, let's get back to knitting.  A few weeks ago, as I was reading my favorite blogs, Noreen wrote about a mink hat that she had just finished.  Yes, you read that right -- a mink hat!  I was intrigued by the idea of knitting with mink: there's the unique factor but even more, minks are unharmed in the process of gathering their fur.  I promptly went online, ordered up a few skeins of this mink/cashmere blend, and sat by my mailbox (okay, I exaggerate about the mailbox part but you know what I mean).

Honeycomb Wrist Warmers

My yarn arrived within just a few days, and I am excited to share my thoughts with you about this new discovery.  Craig Turner is the genius behind Great Northern Yarns and according to the company's Web site, "works tirelessly to bring only the finest animal and environmentally friendly yarns to market."  I was more than happy to support a small business like Craig's (whose 10-year old daughter helps with the packaging, by the way).



I knew that fingerless mitts would be yummy in this yarn, and I'm not disappointed.  While winding the skein into a ball, the yarn didn't feel particularly cushy or soft but when knit up, the yarn takes on a completely different texture and body.  I knit the Honeycomb Wrist Warmers as part of the Show of Hands KAL over on Ravelry and the pattern fit the yarn perfectly.  Take a look at the detail photo (#2) -- I think it shows how lofty and soft the yarn knits up.  I highly recommend this luxurious product and plan to knit more accessories with it myself.

As for reading, I finished Gone Girl (great twists throughout the book) and just started Juliet, Naked by Nick Hornby. A while back, I read a great review of recently published novels that have musicians as main characters.  I love music and I love reading so the novels highlighted in this review are now must reads!