Saturday, March 14, 2009

A Finished Chamomile


My third sweater is complete but it won't be worn until it gets a bit warmer out. I'm having a hard time wrapping my mind around the idea that I've made three sweaters and I love them all. They all fit, feel comfortable and are sweaters I will love to wear. With careful planning, I'm hoping my good luck will continue.

I ended up making my Chamomile a bit longer in the body and I started the front opening a few rows later than the pattern suggested. I do want to be able to wear this to work. I am really happy with the way this third sweater knit up.

Just to clarify yesterday's post, I too am all for making more knitted shawls and all other sorts of knitted items. My problem is that I know I could fall into the trap of casting on for way too many projects and that would not be a good thing for me. What is that saying? Jack of all trades and master of none. Well, I would be the starter of many projects and the finisher of none :)! One reason that NaKniSweMoDo is working for me is that I have been trying to make a conscious effort to knit on only 2 sweaters at a time. Then when I finish one, I can cast on for another. That is not to say that I haven't been spending a lot of time thinking and planning about what to make. Right now, I could easily cast on for at least 5 or 6 sweaters, 4 or 5 shawls and numerous hats, socks, mittens and scarves. But then I don't think I would be making any progress on anything and I'm not sure it would be fun - more stressful than not. So, that was my point and something I have definitely learned about my personality.

Knit on and have fun!!

Friday, March 13, 2009

The Responsible Thing to Do

I try to live responsibly. I bought those great Sigg water bottles for myself and my daughter so that we wouldn't be buying and using all of those plastic water bottles. I recycle whenever I can and I do try to help others. So, when faced with the idea of bringing another shawl into this world right at this moment,
I thought to myself, what is the responsible thing to do. Is it right to start another shawl when I have a half finished one sitting unloved in my closet? For me, the answer is a definite NO. So, I am resurrecting Seraphim
and working on that in between my sweaters before I start Desdemona.
But I will admit that it can be hard to be good. After all of my good intentions, anne has just released the Maplewing pattern and I already have the yarn from Kim sitting in my stash. What's a girl to do??? Isn't that shawl one of the most beautiful things you have ever seen??!! Of course I ran to her site to purchase the pattern as soon as I found out it was published. I have not wound up my yarn yet, but it is probably only a matter of time. Once again I will admit it - I'm weak!!

Sunday, March 08, 2009

Between the Sweaters

When you have a plan to knit 12 sweaters in one year, it gets difficult when you think about knitting something else. It's easy to fit in some small things - a pair of fingerless mitts knit with Lobster Pot cashmere in the Toasty pattern.


But how do you fit in something bigger? Much bigger!!



Last year I joined the Shakespeare in Lace club from Wooly Wonka Fibers and our first kit has been sent out. It's the Desdemona Shawl by Miriam Felton and it is absolutely gorgeous. But I don't know how to find the time to cast on for this when I have already have a commitment to my sweaters (or maybe I should BE committed :)!)

Speaking of sweaters - numero tres is being sewn up and needs the neck knit up (Chamomile in Rowan Summer Tweed).


And number four is being worked - Fleece Artist Garter Stitch Jacket kit purchased from Colorsong Yarn.

Sunday, March 01, 2009

I'm Feelin' the Love



Some of you may have already seen this finished sweater in my Ravelry projects and some of you may have seen it on me since I have been wearing it almost everyday since the pieces were put together. Since I have been wearing it so much, I will admit that the buttons still are not sewn on, but that has not stopped me from wearing this awesome sweater. Who needs buttons??!!

At some point, I should probably steam the bands of ribbing.

Now I realize the love that everyone has for this sweater. This is definitely one that I can just throw on whenever and one that will become a staple in my wardrobe. It is so cozy and the Peace Fleece is so warm. I can even see myself making another so we know that this is one special sweater. I may just change the cables as in this variation here. Wouldn't that be fun!!