Mohair Bias Loop

It’s been a while, but I finally knitted something for myself (instead of knitting for friends’ babies). I found this really great company called Jimmy Beans Wool: they sell all sorts of yarn, along with needles and patterns. I’ve had two really great experiences with them; customer service is wonderful, and delivery is very prompt. I wholeheartedly recommend them!



Anyway, I came across this Churchmouse Classics pattern for a bias loop, which can be worn as a wrap or as a scarf. It’s made for use with Rowan Kidsilk Haze yarn (or another fingering weight yarn). I really loved the Kidsilk Haze; it was super light and soft, and is made of 75% super kid mohair and 25% silk. Contrary to what the pattern says, you do not need circular needles to make this – which is a relief, as I’ve always had trouble working with them.




The pattern itself was relatively easy, though it called for two skills I wasn’t used to: starting with a crochet loop chain, and ending by grafting. I couldn’t understand the instructions for grafting, so I ended up using this illustrated explanation that was a real lifesaver. Making a crochet loop chain is quite easy (look here under “ch”), but I may have picked up the stitches the wrong way. You see, the shawl/scarf is made to look seamless, like an infinity loop, but mine does have a “scar” where it was grafted. I still really like it, though, and I think I’ll make it again in pink. Since it’s knit on the bias, the edges don’t roll over, so it looks really great.




I also got some Rowan Lima yarn, which is made of baby alpaca with a little merino wool and nylon mixed in. The thread is actually made up of smaller braided threads; it’s somewhat heavy, but very soft. I just loved making my friend a scarf with it, and I have more for another project.