Sunday 28 October 2007

Heeeeeeee's Back!

Kaffe Knits Again arrived this week.

Like many other knitters who were inspired by Kaffe in the 80's I feared we had lost him FOREVER to those quilting types. But no. He's back.

Wahey!!

There are a some new patterns in this book, and many of his earlier designs re-worked in shapes more suited to today than the one size fits all oversized stuff of the 80's.

Obviously I'm a fan. (You don't spend 18 years working on something you don't love.) (Even if you don't know what the heck you're going to do with it.) But I recognise there are others who aren't so inspired by the bursts of colours. (My favourite description of Kaffe's work by the 'not so inspired camp' was from Dogged Knits who described Kaffe as a "purveyor of technicolor intarsia barf")(Still makes me laugh.)(But she loves his quilt designs -- so all is not lost.) If you fall into that camp this book won't change your mind.

But if you're a fan - go get this book. Perfect for brightening up a dull wintry day.


Two follow ups on my last post. First, Fleegle and LittleBerry wanted a close up of Muir. And being ever keen to please here it is.

Although eager to please I'm not a great photographer and the photo has somehow erased the lovely fuzzzzzz of the KSH and the little specks of silver. But they are there. Trust me.

I'm halfway through the 11th repeat and really pleased with the result. This is still perfect knitting for me as I sit in my cold house after a long day in the office!

On the boiler front -- November 8th is still the installation date (!). Thanks to everyone for their warm thoughts.

The unknown light switch looking thing in the closet was indeed an immersion heater so I have hot water. And yesterday I invested in two small heating fans, which are surprisingly efficient. I've got hot water and some heat - so all in all, I'm can't complain too much.

But I really want to.

14 comments:

florencemary said...

My personal feeling about KF is that he's absolutely fine in small bursts. Ickle bits here and there are totally okleydokley.

I really love the look of Muir, and I'm about to start it once I've got my Chrimbo knits finished. Just can't quite decide on the yarn....

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad your heating problems are a little bit sorted out. That said, you're still allowed to complain if you like *winks* I'll at least listen if no one else wants to. LOL

cpurl17 said...

Muir is on my list too!

I think I'll put the Kaffe book on my Christmas wish list!

Fiona Reynolds said...

I like Kaffe's stuff - but the price for all of those gorgeous colours is a little off putting. Roll on 8th November for you!

Batty said...

Technicolor intarsia barf really is inspired!

When it comes to KF, I love the colors but tend to not be crazy about the shapes.

Linda said...

I am not a great KF fan, so far (I do change my mind a lot on most things!), but I like the pattern book he had out and would make them for cushion covers. Your coat is amazing though! I always admire the way you continued with that.

Viknits said...

I'm also not a big KF fan to be honest! Your muir looks wonderful! I'm doing my FC in exactly the same yarn (is yours the hazy, smoky bluey colour?), and it's really lovely to work with, once you get used to is sticking to itself.
Sending warm thoughts your way!

Anonymous said...

oh the close up looks so lovely!!

LittleBerry said...

thanks for the close up of Muir... I like very much....

glad you've got some heat and water and hope you do get a cancelation so your oiler gets installed sooner than 8th November...

fleegle said...

Oh my, that looks so soft and elegant! I can see the fuzz a bit on the photo.

Not a KF fan at all, but your coat is breathtaking. Glad you knitted it so I can admire from afar. Do you ever actually wear it?

Happy to hear you have hot water!

Anonymous said...

Soo -- Your knitting is beautiful! I discovered your site via the Rainey Sisters wonderful site. I met Susan when we were both teaching for Yarn Over, the Minnesota Knitting Guild event. I love your shawl choices and look forward to making one of them. Keep up the prolific knitting.

Ann McCauley,author of The Pleasures of Knitting: Timeless Feminine Sweaters and come Sept. 08, Together Separates: Knitting the New Twin Sets.

Lacefreak said...

Your Muir looks great! Very delicate. As for KF, it's great that he's published another book. I loved looking at his work though I never got into color knitting. I know you will have lots of fun knitting his new patterns.

Anonymous said...

Your muir is looking fantastic!

gilraen said...

I'm awestruck!!! It's fabulous!!!