I've cast off Muir. And it is easily the softest, fluffiest thing I've ever knit. Even now looking at the finished knitting sitting on the table waiting to be blocked I can't help but think how warm and welcoming it looks.
It's already quite big - 24 inches by 58 inches - BEFORE blocking.
It's already quite big - 24 inches by 58 inches - BEFORE blocking. I'll block it later this week when I figure out where the heck it will fit.....
Undeterred by your lukewarm (at best) reaction to the new Kaffe book today I did a bit of Kaffe surfing and discovered that he's speaking at the V&A at the end of November. Wahey! I've booked a ticket already. (I don't think I'll be able to coerce anyone into coming with me -- none of my friends knit and I think attempts to 'big up' the idea of attending a lecture by a 'famous knitter' would just open me up to ridicule!)
It's a Friday evening I think, so my current plan is to leave work early so I can do a section or two of the V&A before the lecture. If you've never been to the V&A and get the chance then I heartily recommend it. It has an amazing collection of fashion and design over the centuries. In fact it was at the V&A that I first saw a knitted Kaffe Fassett Chinese Rose Coat (it was part of a temporary exhibit of his work) that inspired the 18 year project.
Fleegle asked if I wear the coat - and the simple answer is no. In fact, even when I started it 18 years ago I never really thought I'd wear it. I just fell in love with it as an object. It was always about the beauty of the colours and the rose pattern -- never really about a coat. When I was too far into the project to do anything about it - it did occur to me that I should have adapted the pattern to a throw or blanket which might actually be used. But by that time there was no way I was ripping it back.
Undeterred by your lukewarm (at best) reaction to the new Kaffe book today I did a bit of Kaffe surfing and discovered that he's speaking at the V&A at the end of November. Wahey! I've booked a ticket already. (I don't think I'll be able to coerce anyone into coming with me -- none of my friends knit and I think attempts to 'big up' the idea of attending a lecture by a 'famous knitter' would just open me up to ridicule!)
It's a Friday evening I think, so my current plan is to leave work early so I can do a section or two of the V&A before the lecture. If you've never been to the V&A and get the chance then I heartily recommend it. It has an amazing collection of fashion and design over the centuries. In fact it was at the V&A that I first saw a knitted Kaffe Fassett Chinese Rose Coat (it was part of a temporary exhibit of his work) that inspired the 18 year project.
Fleegle asked if I wear the coat - and the simple answer is no. In fact, even when I started it 18 years ago I never really thought I'd wear it. I just fell in love with it as an object. It was always about the beauty of the colours and the rose pattern -- never really about a coat. When I was too far into the project to do anything about it - it did occur to me that I should have adapted the pattern to a throw or blanket which might actually be used. But by that time there was no way I was ripping it back.
23 comments:
Soo, Soo, Soo -- love your Muir! How many skeins? And why do you not wear the coat? I do understand knitting something purely for the knitting -- I've done it many times. Just wondering.
love muir and I love that colour too.... and I always admire the photo of your coat every time I read your blog
Muir really looks stunning, Soo! The mohair lace weight looks just right for the pattern, so I might have to rethink my yarn plans...
I really hope you wear your KF coat to his lecture - just think of the reaction! I'd come with you if I didn't live 200 miles to the north... and I'd wear it, if you wouldn't!
Muir looks great.
And I'm curious to see it after blocking.
Cheers
Andrea
Muir looks great! It's not one I'd thought of making, but after seeing your photos, I might change my mind! You're right, it does look very warm and welcoming. Can't wait to see it after blocking.
Your Muir is dainty and elegant, and looks soft too!
Oh, go ahead and wear the coat, just once.
Oh Soo it looks absolutely gorgeous - so snuggly. The colour is beautiful too. Enjoy the lecture.
I am coming out of lurkdom to let you know I am a KF fan, color me green that you are going to see him in person. I love his use of color, his design and I don't care how expensive it is.
Barbara
Hey just cause we don't enthuse about KF it shouldn't put you off! Well it's clearly not but you know what I mean :D
You Muir looks so beautiful and cosy. The KSN is surprsingly (To me anyway) soft once knitted up. Must get my backside in gear!
I think that I need to make Muir after seeing that gorgeous one of yours!
Can't wait to see Muir blocked. It looks so warm and fuzzy.
Your Muir is stunning! You are such a speedy knitter. I would love to cuddle up in it! I hope that the Kaffe talk is wonderful. You have to take the coat to show him!
Mmm, Muir looks lovely, and I bet it'll feel so nice wrapped around your shoulders.
Your Muir looks beautiful!
Muir looks like it's going to be fantastic. Hurry up and block please so I can have these suspicions confirmed.
I too hadn't really considered this pattern till I saw yours.
Hehe Ironic isn't it, how I've got him trained to buy yarn, but I still can't get him trained to take his shoes off at the front door!!
The yarn buying kind of overrides that though.. ;)
Like Moggle ^^ I hadn't thought of doing Muir til I saw yours.. you evil temptress you! :p
I love your fluffy shawl!
thanks for commenting on my blog. as for Kaffe Fassett- I am so sorry that your friends can't see the genius of Kaffe and will not come with you, ( you just need new ones...) but DO wear the coat! He loves to see his work knit up by us "normal" folks. I did not buy his new book, although it is lovely, I bought the Pattern Library book instead. has more in it. and he was ever so charming, even as he was exhausted from the US tour.
Your Muir is beautiful!
I'm also working on it, but your colour is really great!
Oh my goodness, that's beautiful. Do you take commissions?
Kaffe Fasset is a firm family favourite around our way :-)
Muir is fab!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You go see Kaffe. I'm sure you'll have a fab time. And I agree with Clarabelle - wear the coat!!
It's soooooo pretty!!! I can't wait to see it blocked. :)
It's lovely! I even like it unblocked, with all those little dimples. And I still can't get over how fast a lace knitter you are. Apparently, speed and perfection are not antithetical.
your Muir is lovely and I quite like it unblocked too. It looks like it has a lovely texture.
I really feel for you with the cold house. I let the oil run out by accident once over Christmas, it was the coldest few days I have ever spent! The hot water is a life saver though isn't it :D
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