Welcome to the Jungle!

Dave has run away back to the cottage, (he says he went to retrieve the presents he left there, but really after all the holiday hoohaw, I think he just wanted the alone time) so I'm by myself for a couple of days. Since Mom was still off, we spent some girl time dying yarn.

My hands are a lovely shade of purple now and we've got loads of yarn for an update - including Slinky Cat, Big Cat, Stray Cat and more.

The update (which will most likely take place on Sunday) will also feature a brand new yarn addition to the Wandering Cat litter - Jungle Cat!

Jungle Cat is a super soft 80/20 Merino/Bamboo blend. I've been trying to get my hands on this base for months, but our supplier was sold out for a long time. We finally got it in and I couldn't wait to dye it up!

When it comes to plant-based fibres, I have to say bamboo is my favourite - it has the durability and wash-ability of cotton, but the softness, shimmer and drape of a silk. Every bamboo yarn I've used ( Berocco Bonsai, Patons Bamboo Baby, Rowan Bamboo Tape, Twisted Fibre Art Kabam, & Crystal Palace Panda Silk) have all been lovely - I think ours is going to be just as nice.

It's a fingering weight, with a lovely poofy twist... and you know I just had to bring a skein home for myself...Jungle Cat in "Nana's Brooch" - like alpaca, cashmere, and silk, the bamboo doesn't soak up the dye quite like straight wool, so the colours are a little more muted - but it does have a lovely sheen. I can't wait to crack this baby open.

But I'm trying to be good. I still have my 10th shawl to get off the needles before Saturday...

But these others I brought home aren't helping either.

a skein of Slinky Cat in "Steel Magnolias"
and TWO skeins of Slinky in "Powder Puff" (These skeins are "messy" because I twisted them up myself- mom is much better at making them "pretty")

The Jungle Cat will definitely be socks (any pattern suggestions?) and Powder Puff Slinky is destined for a shawl (but not for some time) but I don't have anything in mind for the Steel Magnolias - any thoughts?

Starting the new year, we will be doing special knit-a-longs in the Wandering Cat Group (with yummy yarn prizes), so if you follow along you'll most likely see these knit up.

Well I better get back to that shawl....