Over two years ago I was in Sea Ranch, CA, and found yarn made from sheep that graze their hills. I started something with the yarn at least four times and ripped it just as often. I couldn't find the correct pattern for this yarn.
Recently, while browsing the Winter 2007/2008 issue of Vogue Knitting, I spotted the perfect pattern for the Sea Ranch Wool -- a cabled scarf and hat. It's not like that's so unique -- but it was just right for this yarn.
It was a little bit of a challenge because the pattern was written in chart format. I've avoided charts in the past because they looked too scary, but it turned out to be less scary after I color-coded the right and wrong rows.
This wool, because it's made locally vs. at some big yarn manufacturer, had a very gamy smell and was kind of dirty. I couldn't wait to wash it to see what effect it would have on the yarn.
It turned out great. The color took on a less gray color, and felt smooth and soft. (Using some Bumble and Bumble conditioner in the final rinse might have helped!)
I put the drenched scarf in a lingerie bag on the spin cycle for a few minutes. Then I blocked it with pins on this gigantic blocking board that's been sitting in my closet gathering dust since I bought it last year.
Here it is, blocked and dried. I'm really happy with the outcome. The cables are highlighted nicely and the gamy stink is gone.
I'll start the hat shortly, I have to adjust the pattern slightly to fit my big fat head. I look forward to bringing them both with me on my next trip to Sea Ranch.
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