Cast-On Report: Umaro

This is the first in an ongoing series of project notes. As I move away from using Ravelry as a project archive, I will be posting a cast-on report, mid-project update(s) as warranted, and a finished object report for each new project. These will all be linked on my project archive page, accessible from the sidebar.

Please let me know if there is any information or notes you would like to see included for future projects, and feel free to ask questions in the comments!

Pattern: Umaro by Jared Flood

Category: Blanket

Yarn: Cloudborn Fibers Superwash Wool Worsted (discontinued)

Colorway: Marine Heather

Yarn Weight: Worsted/Aran

Needles: US 9 (5.5mm) Knit Picks Rainbow Interchangeable Needles

Cast-On Date: January 24, 2022

Starting on my goal to cast on my entire project queue this year, I've cast on for the Umaro blanket. This is going to be an extremely late wedding gift (aiming for a third anniversary gift at this point) for my cousin and his husband. I consulted with them both for the yarn color, but have not shown them the pattern. 

Guys, if you're reading this — SPOILERS!

It took me several days to make a final decision on the yarn for this blanket, and I couldn't be happier. I purchased it from WEBS with minimal reviews and photos to go off of, and I'm over the moon with how soft it is. I expect it will pill a bit, even being superwash, due to the loose spin and two-ply construction, but blankets are meant to be loved and worn out over time. It's machine washable if needed, and should be dried flat. 

Of course — because every yarn I fall in love with is — it's discontinued.

The Cloudborn Fibers line was introduced by Craftsy in 2016, and subsequently sold by Bluprint when Craftsy was purchased in 2018. Bluprint was purchased again in 2020 and the new owner relaunched it under the old Craftsy name. In the process, however, it seems that the Cloudborn Fibers line was discontinued and the remaining stock was sold to WEBS and LoveCrafts. This means the entire Cloudborn brand is on sale for a good price in both places, but you won't be able to get more of it once it's gone!

Trust me, I'm tempted.

As of Wednesday morning, I've made it through the seed stitch border, and I'm getting ready to start the main pattern. 

Updates to come as needed!