Sweet sheep dreams and Noro nightmares

One of my coworkers retired this week, and while I'm sad to see her go, I'm ecstatic to reap the benefits. She left me her learn-to-knit attempt. Christmas in July!

-150g of Italian DK weight merino - black

1 pair #6 12-in Addis

1 pair #6 12-in Crystal Palace bamboo straights

1 vintage learn to knit books with a variety of family vest patterns

A delightful assortment of stitch markers, needles, crochet hooks, and needle keepers.

And so, my first pair of Addis. I've got to say I've been doing just fine with my KP Harmony circulars, and I do prefer the bamboo, but damn, the Addis practically don't even have joins.

To test things out, I cast-on Alexis Winslow's "Op Top" hat with Noro Silk Garden (a super-soft green and pink self-stripe) as the contrast color. This is my second Alexis Winslow attempt -- more on that later, but I'm in love with this pattern. Super-easy and symmetric. Finally an excuse to use that Noro.

Looking through recommended Noro patterns, I'm second-guessing my purchase. It seems like Noro's primary customer is the crazy cat lady and her less-than-appreciative relatives. The following Regretsy-worthy images are not in my queue.

It starts off innocent enough, the youthful Noro Scarf:

Then Steven West adds a little hip-hip-hipster twist.

I don't know if you have cats, Steven West, but I can imagine hundreds of little kitten tears dripping down your scarf. Why pick on such a dapper man? Because you've open the door to this:

And this:

And even this:

Proof of the evolution of Noro, a sweater so ugly it ate itself.

Wish me luck on my Noro journey. I may need it.