My Knitting Life

Holding Pattern

I know I'm not the only one who gets a little off center during this transition from Winter to Spring. Many bloggers seem to be much farther along with the new season than those of us here in the North, where I have yet to see a forsythia bloom. It feels like two steps forward, one step back. We never know what jacket to put on in the morning. I feel the need to do some Spring cleaning, but just can't dive in. One minute I'm all gung-ho, the next, I'm staring out the window, reflecting on who knows what.

Such is true with my knitting. I plan some Spring project, get de-railed for some reason, quietly go back to my winter knits - it's like the time isn't right just yet. Sassy is drying and awaiting buttons. Last night I cast on for the Knitting Pure & Simple Jacket, in Peace Fleece Tundra. I am so happy with this project - it is just like Margene says, very soothing to knit.

I did pick up some of this (for the KP&S Henley) at my LYS yesterday:

I'm playing it cool with that one, though. I've been burnt before.

First Bath

Sassy gets her first bath - look how dirty:

Rinsing:

Rinsing:

All clean!:

Sassy is napping right now. Maybe you can see her tomorrow.

Sheddy

I knew something didn't feel right. About my last post, that is. I paired the Knitting Pure & Simple Henley with Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora. There was one word in the comments that tipped me off. Leigh asked if the Cotton Angora is "sheddy". Of course. Sheddy=Angora. Sheddy Angora does not go with a Henley.

So this connection triggered a memory. Merino T-Shirt. Interweave Knits. Winter 2003. A simple, elegant sweater "equally at home topping a pair of jeans or a taffeta skirt". Hmmm. Now that's a match with sheddy. Plus, I have enough. Plus the gauge is right on. Need more? It's top-down. And with the Cotton Angora, perfect for Spring and Summer. I think I can put this one to bed:

Now I need a yarn for my Henley. I want something like Debbie Bliss Cotton Denim Aran, but I need 1100 yards! CHA-CHING! I want something natural and cotton-y. Maybe with some texture or flecks of color. Something thing I could wear all summer. Suggestions gratefully accepted!

Spring Offering

Annie asked me about the Knitting Pure & Simple Henley which is on my wish list. I'm not much of a Spring clothing knitter. Usually I make baby gifts or socks in the Spring and Summer. I love Elizabeth Zimmerman's suggestion in Knitter's Almanac to make mittens in May! Last Spring, I made my Dad an afghan for his upcoming birthday in August. I just don't wear a lot of tanks or sweaters in the summer. But I have been so inspired by the Spring knitting out there that I have decided to try something for me. I don't have quite enough of this Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora, but it is right on for gauge. I'll be swatching as soon as I finish my Sassy! Pattern information on the Henley can be found here.

Sassy Progress

I'm having fun with Sassy! Here is a shoulder seam using three needle bind off. I love three needle bind off - for me, the more needles the better (maybe that's why I can't crochet)!

Then there is the short row shaping for the neck - love all that wrapping and turning and hiding the wraps.

Voila! Fronts and backs attached, stitches picked up for the neckband.

Other little joys - the selvage stitches make counting rows a breeze. The Peace Fleece makes nice ladders between stitches. I count the ladders for my button holes and it has been so easy to space them. Yarn's a little rough, but I am convincing myself that the lanolin from the wool is moisturizing my hands. Is that crazy? Well, I'm off to start some sleeves.

It's a Cardi-Party

My parents came for a visit this weekend, and my Mom brought the cardigan I made for her birthday October 2003. This gave me a chance to photograph it and add it to my album. It's a Yankee Knitters Pattern, Child's Aran Cardigan in size 12 (yes, she wears a child's size 12). The yarn was Patons Rustic Wool in Blue Heather. It was fun to see the sweater after finishing it 6 months ago. She really wears it, which gives her admittance to the small club of people I will knit for these days!

I'm working away on my Sassy Cardigan, which caused me a little grief which I discuss over at the Everyday Caridigan Blog hosted by the lovely Kim. I'm just going to keep on truckin' - not re-do. I hear some worries welling up out there about yarn quantities - I'm concerned too. I have 6 skeins, have used 2 3/4 on the back and one front, I think. Plus, I'm doing Sassy which I think would use less yarn than Everyday. I don't think the Everyday Masters, Leigh and Mary, seemed to run out - am I right?

A Marriage Made In Heaven

Imagine, a food you can eat while knitting! And blogging, too!

All the food groups are covered. Fruits - there's strawberry daquiri. Veggies - popcorn! Dairy - why, cafe latte or strawberry CHEESEcake, of course. No preparation required. No sticky fingers or crumbs! See the variety:

Notice the ragged edge at the top of the bag - that's where I ripped it with my teeth to get it open in the car on the way home from Costco.

Happy Weekend

Bliss

A huge thanks to all who were so kind to comment on my Must Have. I have been wearing it off and on all week, and I am pleased with the fit - I'd give it high marks for comfort and warmth!

I just got back from dropping my kids off for a rare overnight with Grandma and Grandpa, and when I got home, this was waiting for me, I kid you not....

Can you believe not only the thoughtfulness but the timing of My Secret Pal?? She's the best!

I actually have a whole night to myself to try everything out. And this is something I would NEVER do for myself. Thank you Secret Pal!

As for knitting, I finished the back of Sassy in Peace Fleece Volgasippi Blue. The pattern has some short row shaping for the shoulders which intrigued me - it was easy and fun to do. Can't really tell at this point how much shape it is going to give, but I'll keep you posted.

Here's a close-up of the fabric:

Progress on Sassy, treats from my Pal, some time alone - what more could I ask for?

Must Have Closure

Patons Must Have Cardigan
Street Smart Booklet
Patons Classic Wool in Natural, US 6 and 7 Needles
Completed March 15, 2004

Many thanks to Leigh for helping me with the button band, and to Kate and everyone in the Must Have Group. I think I must have made this twice with all my ripping and re-doing.

Afghans for Afghans

Here is what I worked up for the Mason-Dixon Community Project : Afghans for Afghans. These squares are made with scraps of Reynold's Lopi, 28 stitches on size 10 1/2 needles. I made a 4 stitch/4 row garter stitch border, and then I just made them up as I went along.