Last October, a very good friend of mine was visiting Athens for a business trip. She is Serbian, so even though we live in the same geographical region (the Balkans), we don’t get the chance to meet more than once a year – and that’s often the best case scenario. So naturally, we scheduled to meet for a weekend. In search for accommodation I found another friend, that studies in Patras, but lives in Athens, that would provide hosting for two nights. And here comes the story for today’s project.
The last week before the trip and while we were discussing the details, the friend-host asked me if I could make a hooded cowl for him. He had found the Failynn Fox pattern on Etsy, and since he can’t knit, he asked me instead. I found it a bit of an unusual request, but I know that he likes quirky things, and supports them, so I found the whole process quite enjoyable.
Because we ordered the yarn online, we didn’t have the materials before I arrived in Athens. Coupled with the fact that the first two days we where out the whole time, it was pretty difficult for me to knit (or carry several skeins of bulky yarn and needles with me xD). But we had agreed upon finishing it before I left for Patras, that’s why I ended up staying one day more – just knitting the whole day.
It was a good trade off of free hosting with knitting work – because if you know anything about Greek hospitality, it’s never just about having a bed or couch to sleep on!
The project was rather simple and enjoyable in itself. The yarn, DROPS Andes, was superb and the colors just lovely. I made a few mods, adding more rows to the cowl part, using the kitchener stitch to graft the top of the hood seamlessly and Helene Magnusson’s genius invisible jogless join. We didn’t add any buttons simply because there was no use for them, and folded the edge of the hood only partially. The result was pretty cool, but maybe not as bulky looking as the original. I am guessing that’s the work of the yarn. DROPS Andres is bulky, but not heavy. Also, it’s a completely different size, so that plays a part too.
What matters the most, is that the recipient was thrilled with it! He even enjoyed a short live ‘tutorial’ on how to care for it! xD You see the pictures are from his apartment, just as the cowl was drying. 😀
And here’s the twist: in the same week the project was completed, Sarah(onestitchshort) from Ravelry was looking at projects with ears for that week’s Community Eye Candy post, when she stumbled upon ours and featured it! You feel very honored and happy when one of your projects gets picked from the Ravelry staff. Thank you guys!
All in all, it was a special and very enjoyable weekend, from meeting a good friend to making something nice. If only every weekend was like that! xD
