Just for ME
Sunday, January 11th, 2009For the first time in ages, both the projects I have on the needles are for ME!
The bigger project is a cardigan: Vanda from Knitters’ Magazine Summer ‘08 and the yarn is Mountain Color’s Merino Ribbon in the Alpine colorway. The gauge is not the same, but that seldom stops me; I just fire up my calculator and have at it. My version is longer with a more swing-jacket outline which I achieved by knitting the bottom pattern two needle sizes larger - then 3″ on the next size - then to the final size. It’s really turning out great. With the longer silhouette I decided on 3 buttons instead of just one. The yarn is beautiful and provides a fabric that reminds me a little bit of chenille. Sort of hard to describe, but really cool!
The smaller project is a pair of socks out of Sock Donegal (HPKY) in Turandot. Pretty wild, huh? The pattern I’m using is Herringbone Rib Socks from Interweave Knits Winter ‘08. It was excerpted from the book Knitting Socks with Handpainted Yarn. It took a few rounds to get the hang of the pattern stitch and then it was off to the races. I’m really enjoying this sock, and the design does wonders for blending the colors. I think that’s what I find the most fascinating about knitting this pair. If you plan to knit this, be aware that the stitch pattern has a taut gauge and your socks will require more stitches than you usually use (8 more for me). The large size in the pattern will fit my “healthy” ankles just fine. I turned the heel on the first sock last night, and I can’t wait to wear them.
Time to go knit. Now which project shall I pick up first?