What's Going on with the Knitting

The last time any knitting was shown on this blog was a month ago!  The last post was about my breakup with Rosamund. Ah, Rosamund, we hardly knew ye.  While I blogged about it on a Monday, the decision she had to go was made that weekend. What took her place was a sweater out of the beautiful blue/purple/brown/gray Noro Silk Garden (color 201) I had in my stash.  The sweater is the basic pullover from Jane Ellison's book, Knitting Noro.

That weekend I made good progress and while home over Labor Day weekend I made more progress.  Since the yarn is worsted weight the sweater grew quickly. By the time I returned to the hospital for surgery I had the back finished and the front about half done.

The colors are some of my favorites and the idea was to have a big cozy sweater, something like sweater shirt, to wear this winter.  I'll need it more than ever now!  The problem is it is just too heavy, in gauge, yarn and needle size, (healing chest muscles can't handle the weight) and I had to set it aside. When I am able to knit it again the finish line should come quickly.  I'm still planning on finishing my 12 sweaters this year. 

Another project I didn't have time to tell you about was Daybreak by Stephen West. Two skeins of Malabrigo Sock were purchased and designated for another shawl, but Daybreak won the day.  The colors are, Boticelli Red and Stonechat.  I love the way the mix and blend.  I finished it the day before surgery, but have yet to block it.  It will be sometime before I can crawl around on the floor and pin it down. It's a nice shoulder shawl/neck wrap and it will be well worn this winter.

Since the sweater was too heavy and Daybreak was already finished, I had to find something new to knit, something lightweight, and lace seemed to fit the bill.  On top of the stash was an already wound skein of Blue Moon Geisha (color Korppi). The base color is black, but the lavender, blue and green that shimmer through give the fabric an iridescent look.  It's rich in color depth like abalone or a black opal. The original plan for it was Juno Regina and I stayed with that plan. I cast on a day or so after coming home and have knit no other project since.  She grows quickly, she is gentle and tender and I have enjoyed every stitch.

She has, however, been set aside (but will still have some attention) for a project I'm very excited to share.  I'll be back in a couple of days to tell you more. 

Comments

[Renee]

Happy knitting!

[Hillary]

It's so good to see you knitting again. I can't wait to see the project that has you all excited.

[Rachel]

Your daybreak looks amazing and the Juno Regina - fantastic. I like the Noro simple sweater too. As usual, lovely, lovely knits all around :)

[stephie]

I love the lace project and the sweater is gorgeous and those muscles will feel better soon!

[Manise]

Glad to see you back into the knitting swing of things! Love your Daybreak. Can one of your SNB pals block it for you? That way you'd be able to wear it sooner.

The sweater can wait- love the colors. It'll look awesome on you when finished.

[Cheryl S.]

I'd be happy to come over and crawl on the floor for you.
Oh, and block Daybreak, too.

[Kristin]

Hurray for the return of knitting! I'll be looking forward to seeing that shawl blocked out at some point, and I can't wait to see the new lace!

[Trista]

Wow, the knitting is all great but your Daybreak takes my breath away- the colors are so beautiful together. I have this pattern in my que.

[Chris]

Oh, that Noro sweater is going to be very yummy!

[AmyP]

Tease! I love the Daybreak shawl - they really are the perfect colours for the name of the pattern!

[Yarndude]

Ooh, a cliffhanger! You sure know how to keep us coming back. I'm glad you're feeling well enough to blog, and I love the projects you've posted. The noro colors are wonderful.

[dana]

i'd be happy to block daybreak for you if you are willing to put her in the mail. i'm pretty good at blocking....

[Madame Purl]

The lace looks gorgeous. Wishing you a very speedy recovery.

[Tressa in NC]

Beautiful! It's so good to know you're well enough to think about knitting and actually get a project going. Happy healing.

[Cookie]

I'm sure one of the grrls would block it for you. They're all so lovely and kind.

I love that Noro sweater and I am so not a Noro person. And that shawl is wonderful!

(Are you thinking about patterns for next year yet?)

xo

[Birdsong]

Wonderful projects! Each will come together in its time, and each one's beauty is contributing to your healing.

[Debbie]

Hi Margene!

Wow, those are some awesome projects!! I've been thinking about Daybreak for a week now and hoping to finish my WIP so I can start ~ I can hardly wait!! There are some great combos on Ravelry!! I'll be tuning in to see what your so excited to share with us...

You sound well and your knitting seems to be very helpful in a good recovery ;-)

[Maureen]

I absolutely LOVE red...especially the Boticelli Red for Daybreak...what a winning combination! I'm also knitting a Noro sweater (the basic chunky cardigan)for my daughter from the same book...lots of purples and pinks in the yarn. It's on the blocking board as "we speak" and I hope to get it seamed and "buttoned" this weekend!

It sounds as if you're the "poster child" for the cardiac unit of your medical center, Margene! I couldn't be more pleased to hear about your wonderful progress and return to knitting! Keep your chin up...you're on your way!

[Knitnana]

Lovely knitting...but I know what you mean about healing chest incisions and the weight of clothing - it will indeed get better...
I can't wait to see what's new, but you know? I'm in love with Juno and your choice of yarn!
(((hugs)))