Double Play: Cobblestone Pullover

I've been in a rather indecisive state of mind of late. I don't like the notion of committing myself to anything and this is having some rather unexpected benefits for my knitting. Since choosing a new project seems to daunting, I've taken to pulling UFOs (Dad, UFO= unfinished object in knitter speak) out of the pile to forge ahead on them. What better way to avoid a new commitment than to simply reignite an old one? Case in point - meet a completed Cobblestone Pullover. It's my second finished object this month.

Specs are as follows:

Cobblestone Pullover by Jared Flood

Yarn: O Wool Balance in grey (50/50 organic wool and cotton)

Size: Smallest

Adaptations: Used a 4mm needle on the hem and cuffs. Made the sleeves slightly smaller.

Made for: Mr. Veritas

This is the first sweater I've ever made for my husband after 30 years of being together. I'm not worried about the sweater curse (don't believe in it) it's simply that he likes grey and black stockinette and I like challenge and colour. We both liked this design and the tweedy flecks of the O-Balance yarn made it more interesting. The fit is PERFECT. Unlike Roam for which size was a problem (due to my yarn choice) - this one is bang on. This is a delightful pattern to make - deceptively simple in style yet artful in design. I'm so impressed with Mr. Flood's pattern that I may just commit to casting on for Stillwell. I have the yarn all set to go from Julie at the Needle Emporium.

Here he is with Phoebe who has grown into quite a nice young lady at one year of age.

In the meantime, I'll be resurrecting Rhinegold to see if I can shepherd that one to the finish line.

It amazes me that my indecision has increased my productivity. Though I will cast on something new on New Year's Eve...What will it be????

A Flaming Red Head

I love the evening of boxing day. It generally marks the point in the holiday season where I can shake off the social obligations and break free. The last big meal has been served, the last office party attended, gifting done and the men folk can coast on the leftovers for the rest of the week. I can now turn my thoughts to the upcoming year.

I'm looking forward to 2010 - it's the start of a new decade and won't we all be glad to put a fork in this one? In spite of myself, I'm getting excited about the Vancouver Olympics. The torch passed through our region this past week. Our fearless leader was invited to be a toch-bearer. The torch was brought into the office the next day and we all lined up in the lobby to have our pictures taken with it. It's a heavy thing!

I guess I may just join in on the Knitting Olympics this year. I'm not sure if my Knit Night group is planning a team but hopefully I can find one to join. I'm thinking of making the Ysolda Teague Vine Yoke Cardigan. I have some Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted in the new colourway Cookie's Deep Dark Secret. It's a deep blueberry shade.

A whole cardigan within 3 weeks - I've never done it yet. Could be cool...or crazy.

Roam wasn't knit in a day

It's done. Finally, totally, blessedly done.

Roam is one of those sweaters that I wanted to wear more than I wanted to knit it. All of that seed stitch can make you mad. I did learn how to produce this stitch continental which was a god-send. However, with this sweater, I made a tragic, rookie mistake.

I used an alpaca and silk blend.

I made a size larger (made size 40") than I normally would.

Those two decisions have produced a garment that's bigger than I'd wanted. Note to self...alpaca = size "DOWN" not up. Instead of the sleek, sexy zippered hoodie described in the pattern, I have a longer, roomier sweater. It still fits fine - it's just different than I'd planned. These shots on the dress Judy show the stitch and the yarn fairly accurately. I used Lisa Souza's Baby Alpaca Silk in the shade mahogany. It was delicious to work with but I will use it for shawls in the future or I will knit a size smaller than I want the finished garment to be.

Thrown over a skirt, tights and boots with a turtle neck - a leather low-slung belt kind of makes it look ok. It's very toasty and I must admit, I've worn it a lot already.

Next up is hopefully a finished Cobblestone pullover for my husband for Christmas. I'm in good shape so far and that will make TWO FOs in one month. Outrageous!!

With all of this finishing, pretty soon I'll have to decide what new project to cast on for. The possibilities are mind-boggling.

Connections


When I started this blog, I had this notion that it could celebrate wine and yarn. There's been a lot more yarn than wine and it's been a while since I've done a yarn and wine pairing. I'll admit it, sometimes I feel it seems contrived to recommend a wine with a certain project but then something happened today that just seemed blog-worthy.



This is one of our top selling wines. It's called XOXO. It's about the passionate embrace of two perfect grapes. In this case it's a pinot grigio with a chardonnay. Our winemaker (a young woman who is so very talented) has got the balance down perfectly and the chard tempers the pinot grigio every so slightly. It's an unusual combination but it totally works.


So how does this relate to yarn you might ask? Well Vogue Knitting has been releasing some previews of some designs from their upcoming winter issue and lo and behold - this is featured...

Just the right colour and those x's and o's up the front band are awesome!

I think I'm in love. I would cast on this minute if I could.