Saturday, April 19, 2008

Slipped Stitch
Hello there. It's been a while. You see, I've been having a wee crisis of (knitting) faith. Not that I don't think I still love knitting - I definitely do. I just don't know what to knit. Perhaps it's the change of seasons. I find within any given week I'm wearing both my Ugg boots and sandals and every coat in my closet from wooliest to lightest gets a test drive. One day is crisp another sunny and warm. What's a girl to do?

In the absence of anything profound to report as far as finished objects or acquisitions - I thought I'd do a random progress report on my WIPs with a few thoughts on Spring projects that may see the needles soon.

First up is an update on the Tulip Cardigan:



This is my niece. Let's call her "Ginger". My SIL e mailed me to say that she's worn the cardigan every day and that it fits perfectly. My SIL gives the cardigan two thumbs up. I think Ginger has a different opinion on this. Judging from the look on her face here I think she's saying "Can you say Baby GAP?" Yes - we finally got our red head!




I love this baby blanket from Nashua and have the yarn stashed to make it so perhaps this will please our young princess.




Cobblestone:

Yes, I gave Cobblestone a second chance. A 3.5mm needle on the ribbing helped to cinch it in a wee bit and avoid the dreaded "tutu flaring". The yarn is O-Wool balance (Is Oprah making yarn now?) which is 50% merino and 50% cotton - both organic. Cobblestone has been getting lots of love because it's a mindless project that runs pretty much on autopilot until you reach the yoke.



Roam:
The back of Roam is done and I've begun the first of two front panels. This is another straightforward but highly wearable knit. I feel as though I'm running out of time here with the weather warming up but I'm sure I've got about another month or so before it gets too warm to tolerate the Alpaca and silk. Lisa Souza rocks - this is the Mahogany colourway. My buddy Steph. has finished her Roam and it looks great. I'm hoping to see it in person at the Toronto Guild Spring Frolic next Saturday.




Evie:
I've begun a nice easy sleeve because the first front panel I began I fear is incorrect. The simplicity of the purl stitches, shaping and the amazing yarn make this my "comfort knitting". After a crazy day at the office (and it's been really busy lately) this is like a glass of Merlot.




I'm pleased to see that Kim Hargreaves is launching a Spring book to follow up her Heartfelt collection from the Fall. I heart Kim.





Maritime:

Is last year's WIP with only one sleeve done and the back just begun. This design is from Rowan 41 and is made out of Rowan cotton 4 ply. It's lovely to work with and I think this will be highly wearable. This one on Ravelry is so pretty that I just had to dig it out to get going again.





Feather and Fan Cardigan:

Have the book. Did the swatch...saw the sample garment. Julie has this on display in her store and YOWZA - it is delicious. I can't wait to make this.





Rock Star Cardigan:


This crochet cardigan by Anny Blatt has been in process for years. I'm making it in the original yarn but in blue and I think it'll be cute. Crochet may just provide the diversion I need to kick start my mojo again.




I suppose the downside of being a "process knitter" lies in the lack of finished projects. I love starting new things and having different projects to work on. When the seasons change however, there's always a bit of grieving for those that didn't make it in time for last call. It's not a big deal because I can pick them up again when their season comes around but I know not all of them will make the cut again. I have a funny feeling all of this wistful thinking will come to a screeching halt at the Knitter's Frolic in Toronto next week.

Veni, Vedi, Visa.

3 comments:

Pixiepurls said...

check for an errata on the nashua. The first book/pattern i bought and tried to knit had horrible error and I had to frog something I was half done with. I won't buy from them again.

vanessa said...

you will be gorgeous in evie!

Susie Hewer said...

I love that crochet jacket. Bet there's no chance of finding the pattern now though!

Cute baby and cardi too.