by M in JaM
Our summer days can get hot and humid. But in tropical highlands, cool mornings make me want to throw a little something over my shoulders. I wanted to knit something lightweight, a single layer, something that would stay on and that wouldn't hang down into my oatmeal. I wanted to use my latest handspun yarn: a soft merino/soy blend, hand-dyed by Ewe Give Me The Knits.
Because I have limited experience as a knitter, I also wanted a pattern. An online capelet pattern (free) posted some years ago by Fuzzy Galore gave me the courage to procede. I made a swatch with my merino/soy handspun and adjusted the simple pattern for my gauge and needles. I cast onto circular needles (for the first time ever!) and began knitting. I followed the pattern directions except I made my "capelet" shorter. It extends to the edges of my shoulders. It measures 6" instead of 12" from top to bottom. Wondering what to call it, since it wasn't really a capelet, I searched online and found the "wesekh", or broad collar, of ancient Egypt (usually made with beads). I had knitted a wesekh. I like it.
photo by J in JaM
3 comments:
It is beautiful. What a wonderful way to use precious handspun. Love it!
Thanks, ColorJoy! The wesekh only weighs 46 gms (about 1.6 oz), that's less yarn than a pair of knitted socks and won't need darning (hopefully). I haven't knitted lots of items, but this is my favourite, so far.
I just re-discovered this. It is just as beautiful and striking as it was the first time I saw it. I've got some handspun, one ply fuschia silk/merino and one pewter alpaca. Maybe this would be a good use for it. I spun that years ago and then did not know what to do with it.
Intrigued, just as we head into 6 days of me not teaching. Hmmm.
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