kristi gave me 2 skeins of this absolutely delicious hand spun yarn from hobbledehoy handspun for christmas and oh my goodness, words cannot describe how amazingly yummy this yarn is. photos come close.

it’s merino wool and sooo wonderfully soft. and don’t even get me started on the colors-they’re so freaking awesome! bright lime green with deep purples, turquoise blues with smokey greys…even as i sat there knitting i kept marveling at how cool the color combos were. and since it was self-striping i felt like i was getting a little treat every time it switched.

so, despite a rather embarrassingly long gap in knitting projects, as soon as i opened it i knew my little hiatus was officially over.

i’ve been meaning to whip up a simple cowl since this fall, and so i did.

mmm, colors.

it was super simple and quick (just the way i like ‘em)-just a ridge pattern on size 5 circs. i made it extra big, too, because i wanted to wrap it snugly around my neck. because i’m basically a cold blooded person who hates turtlenecks but wishes her neck could constantly be wrapped in warm fabric or yarn. confusing, i know. just imagine how i feel.

anyhoo, it came out just the was i hoped:

and you know what the best part is? not only is it a totally kickass cowl (that’s right, i said it), but i have a whole skein left for another project! o yeah, baby…now to figure out what to use that delicious, delicious yarn for…

thanks again, kristi!!