Linen and Silk

After I purchased this habu kit back in february, I was hoping to have it finished within a few weeks. Like many, I'm pretty bad at staying focus with just one project. To be honest, I kind of lost count how many wips I have. So couple days ago, I've made a pact with myself to undergo some fundamental change. With that said, I'm only allowing myself to acquire new yarn if I manage to check off one item from the wip list. I'm not sure about you, I'm one of those that pretty good at talking myself into buying stuff I don't even need. "Oh! I'm so upset today..there's a sale on webs, felted tweed for 5.99 a ball...It's so cheap! I should stock up a few balls for the tangled yoke cardi..." Well, I'm going to put those thought somewhere else and that beautiful sweater will have to wait.

See! I get sidetracked so easily. I was suppose to talk about my finished linen jacket. Yes it's done after many months. I absolutely love how it came out. It's was really a perfect combination of a great pattern and some really great yarn. There are no special techniques required. The knitting part was plain as plain, just eternal stockinette sticthes, couple with a few decreases here and there.



Pattern : Kit-19 linen paper and silk short sleeve jacket from Habu
Yarn : 1 strand of A-60 viscose linen paper & 1 strand of A-1 tsumugi silk knitted together
Needle : US 7 and 8
Cost for this project: $110 for kit and $9 for buttons

For some of you that are probably curious about this jacket, I have some answer for you...
Was the pattern hard to follow?
Well, It's partly yes and no. Yes, because my gauge was off. So I have redo some math and figure out how many stitches I need to cast on and so forth. If you have never read or knit a japanese pattern, the numbering system might sound very intimidating. There are like numbers and arrows pointing everywhere. Somewhat confusing. However, if you take some time to digest the diagram before you get started, It's as easy as any pattern written in english.

How do you like knitting with the yarn?
Hmmm.. I think I don't have to say much about this. With all the habu posting. I'm sure you know how much I love their stuff. Although I must say, I was a little skeptical about knitting with paper. However, don't be fooled by the word paper . This is not a flimsy yarn that can never be washed. It's made out of 100% linen, feels really crisp. And according to the lady at habu, it will get soften with use. Nice to handle and it's a pleasure to knit for sure.

Did you make any adjustment to the pattern?
Yes, plenty. My gauge was way off, so I had to recalculate my own gauge but still follow the dimension and sizing. I added a few extra stitches to the armhole and also shortened the jacket about an inch.

How do you feel wearing the jacket? Is it soft?
Very nice! After a light wash and blocking. To my surprise, the garment came out even softer than I thought. (Well, it's not as soft as cashmere or wool per say,) but it feels really airy and light. The shape of the jacket holds up nicely with the combination of silk and paper.



My afterthoughts...
I know it's often difficult for us knitter to anticipate exactly how some yarn or knitted garment turn out if you have never touch or knit the same yarn twice. Like some says, knitting is an adventure. There's unlimited possibility and always something new to try. We should be brave to experiment new things and knit what pleases us. As for myself, I felt deeply in love with the texture, it's simplicity and the construction of this jacket. I don't think I can ever get enough of this habu stuff.