The Looped Loop by Kirsten Johnstone is a simple, sculptural variation on the cowl. It’s knit in a ribbed stitch pattern and grafted together at the end with a full twist to the fabric.  So it’s technically not a Möbius but a loop upon loop when worn. The pattern is available as a free download on Ravelry (membership required). I used Rowan RYC Cashsoft so it is very soft indeed.

[Ravelled]

My fig tree has borne fruit! This hemp plum was crocheted from Pickles’ Fruity Branch Weights pattern using Hemp for Knitting Cashmere Canapa. Don’t fear – I’m all done decorating trees (at least until Christmas)!

This is an unbelievably tiny sweater. So tiny I’m having trouble picturing a person small enough to fit in it. A six-12 month old Albertan will be wearing it soon enough though! The pattern is from Debbie Bliss‘ The Baby Knits Book. A straight-forward cardigan knit in moss and stockinette stitches with cabling throughout and inset pockets.

I really love these vintage mother of pearl buttons (courtesy of Etsy). And furthering my crusade to dress babies everywhere in luxurious materials, cashmerino aran was perfect for this little sweater! 55% merino wool, 33% microfibre and 12% cashmere. Yummy!

I’m back home after a wonderful week in the Netherlands and Belgium. I met up with my knitting partner for life in Amsterdam and we spent some quality coffee-drinking-wine-drinking-knit-time. We stumbled upon de Afstap yarn shop on our way to the hotel before the sun came up on Saturday morning. It’s the only yarn shop I’ve seen in central Amsterdam and I was overjoyed.

We made it back later that same afternoon looking for some local yarn. It turns out they carry almost entirely Rowan yarn and some needlework supplies. So no Dutch yarn but still a lovely little shop! I must admit that I did make a second trip to pick up a few balls of Cashsoft 4 Ply in navy . . .

de Afstap is conveniently located next door to a chip shop, as well as a whole string of boutiques stretching west to the Jordaan. But after travelling by train to and from Belgium and seeing many, many sheep along the way – where is all the Dutch yarn???

This bear is for little Jindra. It, or he, or she was a labour of love. I’m hoping that Jindra won’t want to take off and put on the lamb suit. I’m hoping he’ll just leave it on. Hiding the weird neck work I did.

Ugh. I just found this very helpful assembly post. Why didn’t I look for this before I butchered the neck. I ended up making a second gusset and attaching it to the neck opening.

I really like this book though – Debbie Bliss’ The Baby Knits Book. Really sweet and cozy things. And knitting with her cashmerino aran is really lovely.