Jul 19 2010
Knits from Up North
Juneau’s climate is tailor-made for handknits. The temperature is pretty consistent, and while we were there, it didn’t rise above 60 degrees. You need warm and dry feet – make socks. You need to cover your neck and chest – make a scarf. You need to keep your head warm an dry – make a hat. Easy enough. You do have to factor in the whole wetness factor – because it rains approximately 150 inches a year (it’s a rainforest) but you just choose your fiber accordingly.
I did just that – and came away with two winning accessories that served me well during my time there.
Yvaine Shawl
Pattern: Yvaine – free pattern from Femiknisty
Yarn: The March Hare fingering weight, colorway “Driftwood”
Needles: Size US 8 circulars
Ravelry Notebook Page
I did start it here, but I finished it there – so I am counting it as an Alaskan knit
The pattern was simple and very fun. I really enjoyed the triangular shawl knit process and watching it grow. Yvaine had some textural elements too, so it varied a bit. The yarn really made it sparkle, in my opinion. Loved this variegation the first minute I saw it at MDSW last year.
While in Alaska, I also whipped up a quickie hat. I needed some warmth, and I also wanted a little variety from the one other hat that I had brought with me. So… the Misty Juneau hat was born! I brought this Spirit Trail Minerva along with me (a purchase from MDSW a few years back) and I made this beanie hat in two days. And surprise! the day I finished it – was a misty Juneau day!
I improvised the pattern – very simple beanie design with a wide ribbed brim. Then, I did reverse stockinette the whole way because I liked the way it looked. Here’s the Ravelry Notebook Page. The yarn has a more violet tint than the photos show, with these small streaks of gray in it. I doubled the yarn, and used a 16-inch size 8 circular needle. Tried it on as I went along and bound off when it was long enough.
On the plane ride back to Maryland, I made a lot of progress on an improvised “design” using the basic triangular shawl shape. It should be finished soon, and I will be sharing the pattern.
We had an amazing time in Alaska, and it was hard to leave! I do hope to have another chance to make it back to Alaska to see more of the state – it’s a very special place! I am still uploading photos on Flickr and will be in the upcoming days, so if you would like to see my Alaska set of photos (well, what I have so far!) you can see them here!



























