Thursday, March 29, 2007

Pining for Habu




Oh knitting goddess I bow before thee, needles and stitch markers in hand to show thanks for your bounty. I cast aside my fear of dropped stitches as I walk beside thee. You give me the strength to conquer bobbles and picots with grace.

Okay fiberistas, go to www.habutextiles.com. I'll give you a moment of silence to take that in. I had heard of Habu before and seen some of their tamer yarns used in patterns. I knew they were a Japanese company that had some exotic fiber stuff. But who knew that this little walk off the beaten yarn path could change my fiber life forever? I had no idea that I would find yarns made of 100% pine fiber, various papers, copper, stainless steel, as well as luscious tussah silk, handspuns, and alpacaahhhhhhh. This was almost too much for me to withstand. Mind you, when I first opened the page I was also working on a pint of Ben & Jerry's and became almost delusional with sensory overload.
As if the amazing textiles and fibers here are not enough I checked out the kits. They may not be everyone's cup of couture tea, but they are edgy and vibrant. They are organic and reminded me of the first few times I decided I would just dive in and knit a sweater. I didn't know what I was doing or what would really happen so I just kind of fitted things against myself as I went along. I didn't end up with a Missoni masterpiece but I got some really freeform expressive things out of that. And it was liberating even though I didn't know it at the time as I basically was just avoiding reading all the "learning to knit" directions. Anyway, these beautiful garments are a bit like that but obviously more refined and done in awe inspiring fibers.
I have a little cash socked away (damn it I have to finish those socks) so now I just have to figure out what little delight to start with. Oh, and dear spinning friends, they have roving too. I don’t know what guanaco is but they have it. And stuff for weaving. So I have a feeling that this is just the beginning of a love affair with Habu Textiles that could potentially alter my existence. How could I possibly resist making myself a stainless steel cardigan for those breezy nights this summer? I only hope I don’t rust over during monsoon season.

1 comment:

jeannie said...

Guanacos are camelids and related to llamas and alpacas. They seem to be shorter haired than either of the afore mentioned but their down is very warm,, rare and pricey- as you may have noticed.
Habu, mmmmmmm. Hard to tear myself away. I have to remember -Fiber Arts Fiesta and Aldon Amos workshop, and a Robin wheel. And need silk roving to mix with the alpaca I got last week -giftie - not bought.
I love the the kitty hats and yoUr picture of Maggie's "squatting" in pig digs.