Thanks for all your nice comments about the Calmer Aran. I am working on writing up a pattern (in fours sizes) so stay tuned.
Jeanie B. asked in the comments:
Did you graph out the cables first? Was your gauge swatch just the center cabling or stockinette?
I did graph out all the cables first. And I . . . um . . . didn’t knit a gauge swatch.
I know — nuts, isn’t it? In my defense, I have a lot of experience knitting with Rowan Calmer and a lot of experience knitting cables, so I had a pretty good idea of how it would look before I started knitting.
Not being one to let any grass grow under my feet, I immediately started another sweater.
This is also knit from Rowan Calmer in a discontinued shade — shade# 489 “Delight.” A while back I scored a whole boatload of Calmer in discontinued shades off eBay for an insanely low price. This is part of that haul.
I didn’t swatch for this design either. 
I charted out the very twisty design and just started knitting. This one will be much more time consuming than the last one because of the many many cable twists and the fact that all the knit stitches are knit through the back loops to twist them further (and they are purled through the back loops on the wrong side).
But I do love twisty stitches very much, so it is a fun knit.
Other Fun Stuff
I bought a new toy:
No it’s not some sort of fiber arts device. It’s a hair fork. This one to be exact. I wanted a wood that matched my hair color fairly closely so I choose cocobolo rosewood. Can you find the hair fork in the photo below?
It’s in there!
In other news, Lucy is too busy to come to the blog today.
This is too funny. It looks like your ear is taking the picture! Sadly, I cannot see the hair fork, but do believe you that it is in there. The new sweater is terrific already.
Beautiful work, as always. I love the hair fork, gonna have to get one of those.
Stacy Little´s last [type] ..First FO for 2011
Twisted stitches are one of my favorites too, so I love your new effort!
Seanna Lea´s last [type] ..10 Tuesday being organized
Nope, can’t see the hair fork. Did it come with instructions??? Love the new sweater already… Looking forward to the ‘old’ sweater pattern… smooches to Lucy… She such a treat.
That fork is truly a match to your hair, but I can see it. No kidding! lol. Your hair is so healthy and I love the color! Gizmo sez “Hey” to Lucy!
Cocobolo is one of my favorite exotic woods — I have several spindles made from that. It makes a beautiful hair fork, too!
Mary´s last [type] ..Rest in peace- Mom
I just love your hair! May I ask – are you still using henna & indigo on it, and does it thicken your hair like the chemical colorants do? My hair is baby fine, and several people have recommended that I color it just to thicken it up so it doesn’t break quite as easily. I’m not a fan of the chemical colors, but henna could be worth a shot.
Love the new start!
Absolutely adore that twisty cable. And need to look into the hair fork.
re: “…the knit stitches are knit through the back loops to twist them further ”
WOOF! you ARE a glutton for punishment! My Agatha Cardi has primarily those front/back loops, and I love the effect it produces. You got your work cut out for you
The Hair Fork: Very lovely, makes me want to grow my hairs back out, can’t wait to get new hair toys again!
Those Baerreis hair forks are HUGELY popular in the Long Hair Community forums; the company stands behind their products, from what I’ve heard. You did good
Miss Lucy looks exhausted ~
♥♥♥
Sandra´s last [type] ..Freaky Saturday and the Creepy Modem
I know about hair forks but I can`t see it in your hair I can see where it is under your hair, which is so thick and beautiful. I love that color of yarn for your new sweater I just know its going to be amazing, just like all of your sweaters. Kisses to Lucy
Lucy is patiently waiting her fur matching fork.
You must have a closet full of sweaters! I am envious. I am fairly new to your blog (about a month) and I think this is the fourth sweater you have been knitting. I am amazed at how fast you complete them. I live in the desert, sweaters are only worn about two week out of the year here.
Twisted stitches are fun to do (for a while), and they look great!
I think Lucy is hibernating until the storm is over.
MicheleinMaine´s last [type] ..Custom Listing for kamcole
Nice work and insanely fast. I was so pleased I finished a baby hat for a shower gift in the time you did the front or back of the sweater. You are an inspiration.
Now, may I be the first to guess,that there is an aran or textured pattern book in the works?
I’m curious what length the hair fork is? I’ve been struggling with hair sticks and looking for something better, this looks great! Is it slightly curved to fit the shape of the head (better than straight sticks, I would guess). My hair is straight and slippery and about 3 feet long or more, so it’s a challenge to keep it out of trouble.
Claire´s last [type] ..Le Roi est mort
Ooooooooh I want to pre order the new sweater pattern!
I might need to look into getting a hair fork and/or hair stick, because I’m currently using a DPN. And while a DPN does work quite well for holding up my hair, it also means that I can’t depend on it for knitting.
I love the new sweater! It does look insanely complicated, but I love the design.
I love your new hair toy!
Off to check out that site since I am in need of new hairtoys.
The sweater is lovely but your hair is gorgeous!
LoriAngela´s last [type] ..Keeping House
I love the sweater and I’m waiting anxiously for the pattern. I miss Lucy when it’s too cold for her to stick her nose out. She is such a beautiful cat. My cat, with the original name of Kat……loves to read about Lucy’s antics.
Love the sweater so glad you are working on a pattern.
By the way do you think the hair fork would work on really thick hair?
I just love Lucy!
) Bess
Love, love, love the hair fork!! What length did you get? I’m thinking 3.5″? Pls tell!
Love that hair fork! I’m down to one bone hairstick, and I really need a second hair toy before this one gets lost. Thanks for the link
How do you manage to get the fork to stay ON?
I have tried many and they all slide right off.
I bought my hair sticks from http://www.morganreed.net/ and LOVE THEM. I have 3 :3