Zeneedle...needleart as life

Big and Cozy

What's soft, cozy, warm, colorful and a little too big? My big comfy sweatshirt of a Noro sweater, that's what. The yarn is soft and comfortable against the skin and, while it is a bit too big, it is warm and warm is needed as winter returns.  It's snowing!

The Noro Silk Garden yarn has been hiding out in my stash for a couple of years and I'm very happy I bought it when I did, as it's one of my favorite Noro colorways. The colors were left to flow as they might from ball to ball, which creates confusion of how the colors should flow as only one of the seven balls used had no knot. The color sequence changed radically quiet often, but it matter not one whit to me. Every piece has its own character and color flow and the sweater is meant to be fun and comfy. Warm and comfy is key during the cold winter months and this sweater fits the bill.

When my weight begins to return (the docs say it will take a couple more months) it will fit a little better, but it is the big, cozy sweatshirt I imagined. Knitting with Silk Garden was more enjoyable than I thought it would be and it becomes even softer after a bath. (Make sure you wash your swatch when you knit with this yarn.)

The sweater took longer than expected.  I started August 30 but didn't get very far as I was in hospital the next day. As soon as I could I started knitting again, which wasn't until September 27th, it went fairly quickly.  I still didn't finished until October 22.

Pattern: Basic Pullover by Jane Ellison in Knitting Noro
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden - color 201 - 7 balls
Needle: Addi #8
Raveled Here
Sweater #10 for MoDo

Finally Tempest2

Near the finish line of Tempest2 several concerns came to the fore. They were niggling concerns, but they halted the process and forward progress. Unsure I could face the truth of another unwearable sweater it was decided that ignorance was bliss. Shelley suggested that trying a sweater on in its unfinished state right before bedtime may not have been the best idea, but the concerns were (or so it seemed) legitimate.

As the blocked pieces were unpinned, the first concern to present was the limp, almost slippery and lifeless fabric. Maybe Koigu wasn't the best yarn for this sweater.  The yarn used for Tempest1 had been very different as its finished fabric had body and shape. Worry over this new Tempest flooded my mind.

The second concern presented as I tried T2 on for the first time. There was no way to hold the front pieces together without buttons, so I tried to pull the sweater into place and use my imagination. The body seemed too long and unflattering.  Even more unflattering was the short sleeves…what had I been thinking by having them hit just above the elbow?

The final concern was the color. Was too light, too washed out and not as beautifully blue as I'd hoped? The white wasn't white and the blue wasn't strong. Bleh…this was not going to be a sweater to love, to wear, to live in…or so it seemed.

Nearly a month later, this past Sunday morning, I realized it was time to face the music.  This was the day to fit in a photo shoot, confess my mess and move on. I sewed each button (all 14) into place and then slipped Tempest2 over my head. What a pleasant surprise met my eyes! She looked fine, maybe not great, but fine, and wearable. I tried her with blue jeans and that was great. Then I pulled on a pair of white jeans and that was great, too. What a relief to have Tempest2 wearable, lovely and finished!

Pattern: Tempest from Knitty
Yarn: Koigu KPPPM - 6 skeins, P418
Needle: Size 6 & size 3
Time to Knit: July 19 – July 31, 2009 (Stalled adding buttons until Aug. 23)
Modifications: No stripes, body 2" added before waist decreases, double start cast on and 5 rows of garter instead of hem - sleeves shorten to above elbow
Sweater #9 for MoDo
Raveled Here

The Quiet Knit

Looking back, I realize this sweater has been on my needles and I haven't mentioned it once on the blog. It was only a swatch the last (and first) time you saw or heard about this project.  The problem is I update on Ravelry as I go along and forget to share the pictures and problems here. Friday I had intended to share my complaints on this sweater, not realizing it could actually be finished this weekend. Gisela was one of the most unique and interesting projects I've ever knit and it was 100% because of the Habu yarn.

Knitting a wiry, hard to handle string was not exactly enjoyable and patience was required with every stitch. Errors were easy to make if I wasn't carefully and each stitch had to be deliberately formed, which made the project drag.  Knitting with this yarn wasn't an fun process and every little anomaly in my knitting shows in the fabric.  Blocking helps but only to a degree.

To keep the project simple, and finishing to a minimum, I opted to knit the body in one piece, with no shaping. Once the body was completed the rest of the knitting went quite quickly and the yarn became easier to handle as my experience with it grew. Sewing together was a challenge as the fabric (and yarn) has no give. It was difficult to manipulate the sleeve into the armscye, but the rest of the finishing went smoothly.

In the end, I am more relieved this knit is finished than I am happy with the end product. I am decidedly a wool grrl and I plan on sticking to wooly yarns from now on. Gisela does, however look good with almost anything. I've worn her with jeans as well as slacks and my work mates thought she was uniquely interesting. They made more comments than usual and noticed Gisela as something new without my prompting.

 

Pattern: Gisela
Yarn: Habu Gima A-174 
Needle: Addi Lace Size 8
Time to Knit: June 20 to July 18, 2009
Sweater Number Eight for NaKniSweMoDo

Calming the Tempest

In all honesty, I really couldn't be more pleased with Tempest.  After all the problems and angst, her troubled spirit has calmed and she is lovely and enjoyable to wear.  No complaints here. It really doesn't matter if anyone else thinks the sleeves are too short...the fit is flattering and fine.  There is joy and relief in Zeneedleland.

The yarn was wonderful to knit, should wear well (even at the loose gauge) and the sweater is comfortable. With nothing underneath it will be wearable in the warmer months and with the addition of a t-shirt it should be comfortable in cooler months, too.

 

Not only is Tempest one of my favorite knits, there are plans for a second.  Now that I know the pitfalls, I expect the relationship will be smooth sailing.

Pattern: Tempest by Ann Weaver in Knitty Spring 08
Yarn: Araucania Ranco Solid 120 (Black) 107 (Gray) 
Needle: Size 6 and 3 Addi Turbo
Time to Knit: May 23 to June 20, 2009
Modifications: Started with garter hem of 5 rows. Sleeves are shorter (an error). For more details see the two blog posts that outline the process here and here. 
Sweater #7 for MoDo
Raveled Here

She's So Haute

Every knit has its own personality, its own attitude. Some knits are easy to understand, easy to get along with and a joy to be around. Other knits have a sense of entitlement, can be difficult from the get go, and have an attitude of being better than others. Their arrogance can be hard to handle, but sometimes they get their comeuppance. (One can hope.)

Harmony was arrogant from the beginning and she felt she was too good to be seen at the park sitting on a mere picnic table. She deserved to be seen in the conservatory, deserved to be waited on hand and foot while sipping tea and nibbling crumpets. The event of an elegant High Tea was much more her style (or so she thought.)

Once she understood that what she deserved and wanted would not be in her future she tried to get cute, coquettish and sexy.  This attitude really didn't suit her looks or style.

After all was said and done she settled into her own and came down to earth, enjoyed her day in the park and time with the boyz.  She's learned to be herself, a comfortable, happy grrl with frills and pearls, a grrl who fits in anywhere.

Pattern: Harmony from the Nectar Collection by Kim Hargreaves size 38
Yarn: Summer Tweed – Blossom 541, 9 skeins
Needle: Addi Turbo Size 8
Time to Knit: April 20 to May 23 2009
Sweater #6 for NaKniSweMoDo
Raveled Here

The Liesl Dilemma

It's a little difficult to blog about something you've made but don't like very much.  The difficulty isn't the pattern, it's the knitter and the choices made.  With Liesl, what you see is what you get.  The neck determines the size and fit...what you have in the end is determined at the starting point.  If you want a larger sweater, one that buttons in the front, you must make a wide neck. If you make a smaller neck you'll end up with an open front.  That's what the pattern pictures show and that's what you get. 

Liesl is cute, I'll give her that, but I'm not cute, not into cute and because of the way she fits, I'm constantly pulling, adjusting and just feel funny wearing her.
You can see in the back view how the sleeves are small, tight and pull uncomfortably across my back when I move or lift my arms.  This style isn't suited to someone with square shoulders and it was a poor choice of pattern for me on many levels, even if it is cute.

This is the classic case of "knitter, know thy pattern, thy limits and thy style".  Liesl was quickly knit, fun to knit and certainly has charm.  Its charm is suited to someone younger with a different body type.  I do like the way LIesl looks from the back if I'm not moving around. 

 

A knitter has several choices to consider with Liesl when determining fit and style. Make your choices based on use and body type, think through what you want from this sweater, and you'll be much happier with the end result.

Pattern: Liesl by Ysolda

Yarn: Debbie Bliss Eco Cotton – 7 balls 613 Red

Size: 37 Low Neckline

Time to Knit: April 10-16, 2009
Sweater #5 for NaKniSweMoDo

Lily in the Valley

What is that big bright orb in the sky?  Why 'tis the sun and it's shining on the first Lily of the season.

Lily and I came to an understanding and now have a mutual admiration society. Lily's lovely looks can't help but make others look better, and for that reason, I'm rather fond of wearing her. Lily the comfortable, the beautiful, the elegant…nothing more can be expected of a sweater. She's the third sweater I've knit from the Twist Collective and every one of them were favorites to knit, and are now favorites to wear.

  

The yarn, Cascade Venezia Worsted, is elegant, soft and durable and shows off the detail in the pattern to perfection. Together, Lily and the yarn, exceed expectations with their sheen, smooth appearance and lovely hand. You can read the other specs in this post.

 

This is sweater number 4 of 2009 and she's a perfect sweater for this time of year. This attachment and unZen like attitude of obsessive sweater knitting may be getting to me.  There could be worse obsessions, however. 

I love Lily. (Raveled here)

Periwinkle Golden

Color me tickled pink over yet another wonderful sweater.  Golden Vintage is one of the most versatile and wearable sweaters in my collection. She's the perfect dress up/dress down, go anywhere sweater and she's comfortable, too.  If all of the sweaters knit for MoDo are nice to wear as the first three I am going to be ecstatically happy come the end of 2009. 

The simple details of the baby cable cuffs, hem and front bands gives this cardigan an elegant look.  Simplicity reigns, and adds to the classic, long wearing design with exquisite detail.

A knitter could use any favorite yarn of any fiber content for a successful outcome.  The unique quality of Spinderella's Spun Thrums give this sweater a one of a kind appeal.  Lynn's thrums are blends of unknown wools and this particular yarn is likely a soft wool, alpaca (the tan flecks) and silk (the bright periwinkle bits). The blend is soft against the skin, comfortable and warm.

 

Rather than sew I-cord around the neck as the pattern suggests (I didn't think my sewing skills would produce a good edge), I first tired an applied I-cord. It might have worked out, but it was going to take considerable work, trial and error, forward and backward knitting to end up with a good outcome.  When the idea of the rolled edge popped into my head I ran it by Susan and she immediately approved.  It didn't take any time at all to pick up stitches around the neck and knit 6 rows of stockinette.  This produced a rolled edge of reverse stockinette and a very neat neckline.  Color me please as punch (pink punch!).

The yarn and pattern together made knitting this sweater a joy from beginning to end.  GVC was a twelve day project and it's a good thing as I've dithered away the last 10 days trying to decide which sweater to knit next.  If all projects were as smooth and easy as this one has been I'd be finished with MoDo by July. 

Pattern: Golden Vintage Cardigan by Thea Colman
Yarn: Spinderella's Thrums 3 skeins (390 yds/skein)
Needle: size 7
Time to Knit: Feb 12 – March 2, 2009
Modifications: Lengthened sleeves from elbow to 3/4 length and instead of I-cord around the neck I picked up stitches and knit 6 rows of stockinette to create a rolled edge.

Spring in Mid-Winter

If only I could do a cartwheel instead of just stand with a silly grin on my face (and squinting eyes because the sun came out for 5 minutes).  A cartwheel would have been the perfect celebration for Wisteria. She is spring time in the middle of winter's blahs.

Because the first sleeve had taken what seemed like an inordinate amount of time, I did anticipate Wisteria blooming in time for a weekend photo shoot.  The second sleeve flew off the needles in one quarter the time and Sunday morning the last end (and there were few ends) was woven in.   Once she was on my body I couldn't take her off!  (Good thing I was properly showered and ready to start my day!)  The Shibui Merino Worsted is soft, luxurious and delightful against the skin, which is a good thing, as Wisteria fits perfectly.

Kate as once again designed a sweater with beautiful detail, exquisite styling, and exceptional fit. For the photo shoot we headed to Wheeler Farm, a dry, dormant, dreary park in much need of a good winter snow or the advent of spring. 

Wisteria was the bright spot, a bit of spring in the brown landscape, her color a reminder that spring will come and flowers will bloom again. 

Pattern: Wisteria by Kate Gilbert from the Twist Collective
Yarn: Shibui Merino Worsted – 6 skeins Mulberry
Time to Knit: January 12, 2009-February 8, 2009
Modifications: None
Sweater #2 for NaKniSweMoDo

In the Pink

Heading up one of our many beautiful canyons is the very best thing you can do when the inversion comes to camp out and uglifies the air.  The day in the mountain sun is even better if share with friends.  Cheryl and I, in our hand knits, were dressed appropriately for the sun and warmth.  We also happened to be the best dress people at Snowbird. She's wearing her darling hat from our SnB swap and I'm wearing the Just Enough Ruffles Scarf that Susan made for the exchange. Yes, it's green, but don't you think it goes beautifully with my pink Acer and the Leafy Mitts?  I do and I love them all together.

Acer is one of my favorite sweaters because she is soft, warm, nicely designed and knit from one of the best worsted yarns around. (Cheryl's sweater is also knit with Beaverslide!)

Part of what makes this sweater fit well and look fabulous is the design detail of the yoke and the darts that create the waist shaping. Acer was a very quick knit because of the pattern was well written and easy to knit (large needles, size 9 also help). Acer is my first 10 day sweater...10 days from start to finish.  Of course four days off for the New Year holiday came at the right time. 

Some people have finished their second sweater for MoDo (and are going full steam on their third).  I'm knitting as fast as I can to keep up!

P.S. Our day of service was wonderful and we (25 of us) moved 67 TONS of canned goods! The food bank was so appreciative and said we were the most productive group that had ever volunteered.  We walked out of the facility a with our chins high and feeling like a million bucks (even if we did have aching backs).   Today I am a very grateful and happy to be an American and very excited for this moment in history.  Yes we can!