Wednesday, September 24, 2014

The long and winding yarn...

Starting with a vision to make a warm, cosy garment suitable for multiple seasons, easily topping one or several layers, I used repurposed yarn to make myself a cape, which subsequently attracted a Lot of attention. 
Beginning a journey that I had not previously considered.
Easily my most worn item of clothing this year. 
I honestly had no intention of knitting more than one for me (I really am that selfish) but with much encouragement (and a little pleading) the idea grew into something about more than me! An opportunity to share my love or yarn, knitting, cables and making things generally.

Lots of time spent day dreaming and carrying yarn and needles ensued, opinions were sought, ideas discussed and progress made.

A fellow yarn enthusiast allowed me to use some of her yarn to make a second improved model, that was simpler to execute but similar enough to the original to be perceived as the same.

Kym chose not to have a hood so a collar was made with the remaining yarn.
The hood design was completely redone from the original to make something that provided a good fit, including the ability to stay put in the wind and was easy to knit. Nothing like a challenge to keep the needles clicking.
The finished cape, modeled by me on a sunny day in September.
The simple cable braid is knit as part of the main body and continues along the lower edge knit and attached directly to the lower body piece.
I could look at this picture of the back all day, all those cables twisting and turning on there way to their destination in a perfect setting in the sunshine.

Approximately 930 rows and 60 hours of loveliness.
The long and winding yarn is worth every minute I devoted to this project in the past seven months, I have learnt a lot and met even more generous creative types who are willing to share their skills and knowledge. 
The pattern has been successfully test knit, meaning there are other's just like these already being enjoyed daily.
The pattern is now available for purchase, Kallan Cape, if you are inclined to make your own cape for throwing on when you walk out the door. 

Wishing you all a successful week in your corner.

I understand if you've been coming here for any length of time there are no new pictures here but they are part of my success story. 

12 comments:

Jodie said...

It is a such a great feeling when it all comes together !, Your cape is beautiful , I hope loads of knitterly types join in .

mamasmercantile said...

Very impressive, it is stunning.

Jantine said...

Love how those cables run back and front, beautiful1

Shay said...

Congratulations on turning this into a saleable pattern. It is seriously gorgeous. LOVE that its so unique and I hope you sell a ton of your patterns.

The best part about this post? FINALLY - after 4 years - seeing a picture of you . Now I know what you look like!!!!

Christine M said...

Congratulations on publishing your cape pattern, Tracey. How exciting for you. It is such a lovely cape.

nicole said...

you did it! congratulations!!!
it's amazing!
xo

marina said...

your capes are both wonderful.
I love the cables intertwining on the bck too.
so much work in them.
well done

kymann said...

What a beautiful story! I am seriously tempted to make one , even though I have the gorgeous one you knitted me already!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Congratulations! It really is lovely. I wish knitting was my thing but it just didn't make any sense to me at all so I'll stick with crochet. :) Have a wonderful weekend. Tammy

Katherine said...

Love it! You have been knitting some lovely things too.

Jindi's Cottage said...

Well done...all three versions are great...and you've outed yourself, no hiding in the crowd now, Shay knows what you look like! *LOL*

Wendy said...

Congrats on publishing a pattern. The finished shawl looks so cosy, lovely cables!