It’s hard to resist a new novelty yarn. I know I can’t, I wouldn’t even waste an splurt of energy on trying. I’d had an order for some men’s slouchies in various shades of grey (not a colour I generally keep at home), so I popped in to Roger at Orion to stock up on the weekend. And there was a new delivery of yarn, not even unpacked yet… yum…
It’s called Elle Baltic and it comes from Saprotex in East London (E L on the South African coast in the Eastern Cape, that is). Roger had two colours so I grabbed the one with pinks and blues mixed up, called Potpourri. R40 for a 100g ball. As you can see, the yarn consists of two separate strands that are bridged at regular intervals. Makes for a very chunky look.
I used a 10mm hook and made a simple cowl. Trebles seemed to work best, anything shorter and I think the stitch would have been too squished. I have no idea how many stitches I started with, nor how long it took, and I also know that it’s got a built-in twist because I really wasn’t paying attention (episode 7 of True Detective – who would take their eyes off Mr McConaughey, right?) – but I’m very happy with it.
Back soon x
Nice piece of work 
That’s some really interesting looking yarn!
I’d be surprised if South Africa got a new idea like this before you guys in the States!!!
Very pretty.
Thanks :-)
Beautiful colours on a beautiful lady.
Thanks Gail :-)
Love it!! That is so exotic :-)
Exotic? I like !!!
I’ve seen yarn like that in the shops quite often but didn’t know what to do with it. Now I do! It looks great, might have to get some ;)
Yip, go grab some. Like you spurred me on find harissa…. :-)
I have to say that I tend to steer clear of these fancy ‘fashion’ yarns as they seem to be called here in the UK because I somehow don’t ‘get’ them. However, seeing your cowl I may be converted! Great work as usual, love the colours and the squashy texture. There’s some on sale in the local garden centre- I may be tempted to go and get some now! What happened about the grey for the men’s slouchies?!!!
Jill, you would have been proud of me – I made the slouchies BEFORE starting with the novelty!!! How’s that for self discipline?
Ah ha! Saw them on FB just now- super impressed with your self control. Gold star to you! ****** If I knew how to make a star symbol! Will a penguin work? <(")
yes. Love penguins. Thanks
It looks difficult to work with, but if you turned that cowl out so quickly while you were watching Mr McC, it can’t be that bad… Nice colours, and an interesting finished texture.
it was really the colours that attracted me the most! I guess anything you make with such a fat hook is bound to be speedy.
I never heard of that show so I googled it! I totally understand! :-) Now back to the cowl. It is fabulous. A very interesting and pretty yarn.
Gonna watch?
maybe…..:-)
Although I usually steer clear of the novelty yarns, I do adore the colors and the fluffiness of them. And I always love seeing what other people make with them. Thanks so much for sharing. Love and Hugs, Tamara
I guess they aren’t very sustainable in the long run, but fun for a bit :-)
xx
Gorgeous yarn & cowl!!!
I like to try anything once. That looks good though.xx
I have the same problem (not being able to walk past interesting looking yarn!), the cowl is gorgeous on you!
Thanks :-)
Oooooh lovely! Must get my greedy hands on some…..gorgeous cowl!
I’m jealous. You buy novelty yarn and end up with an adorable project. When I buy novelty yarn I cuss up a blue streak because I pick the kind that’s near impossible to work with, and on top of that I end up with a FO that isn’t fit to use as a dishcloth. Just this weekend, I told Frank ‘DO NOT allow me to buy novelty yarn EVER again!’ So my hat is off to you dear ~ well done cos that is beautiful!
I just got lucky this time. I once made a neck thing with that heavy silky stuff that’s like using rancid cooked spaghetti. I’ve never even worn the bugger.