Canada's Next Top Model - in my dreams I'm 6" taller, 30 pounds lighter, and 20 years younger. But the knitting looks pretty good.
The Northern Lights cardigan isn't a total success though. It grew more than expected in blocking so the sleeves are full length, not bracelet, and the length is longer than cropped. That's fine with me. But the yoke is also longer now so the armholes are a bit too low and not so comfortable. The neckline ribbing is a continuation of the body instead of picked up stitches, making it very stretchy, and the weight of the sweater pulls it down, exacerbating the armhole problem. I thought of reknitting the neckband on smaller needles, but that would necessitate ripping out both front bands too. I can't face that right now. So first I think I'll try weaving or crocheting some yarn on the inside to tighten up the ribbing and stablilize the neckline. A pretty sweater, but a disappointing fit.
Bless shawls! There's never a fit problem. Having knit a lot of single skein shawlettes, I love having a full size shawl now - Draper.
It took two and a half 100 gram skeins of Estelle Cadenza, fingering weight wool and silk. The pattern also suggests a smaller version stopping after the double lace band. The lace pattern is easy enough to be a first lace shawl for a novice. No reservations recommending this one.
I'm also really happy with the Rosebud hat. No surprise that the pattern's great - it's by Jared Flood, Brooklyn Tweed.
It has the biggest, smooshiest cable I've ever knit. The rest is garter stitch, easy peasy. I knit the longer, slouchier version; there's a shorter cap style too for those who would prefer it. This is a pattern that I'll probably knit again to replenish the gift bin.
I'm getting a lot of knitting time, staying home more, trying to avoid shopping as a pastime. All the New Year's resolutions are going well - I'm even back on the treadmill. And by the way, Happy Valentine's Day!
At least on my monitor, all those colours seem to be from the same family and look fabulous on you. Well done. You always use such luscious yarns. Is there a good yarn store in Timmins?
Posted by: Brenda | February 16, 2012 at 09:51 AM