Knititude

Happy Halloween

I told you I was sick.

So many names...

Thank you all for some wonderful suggestions!  I saw so many new things in the lace motif after reading all of the comments:  umbrellas, cathedral windows, flying birds-- what fun!  The fact that I've decided to stick with the name "Carlotta" is more a reflection of how I've come to think of the pattern, and the memories I have of a day spent at Villa Carlotta, than a choice based on the merits of each suggested name.

So I've decided to give two free patterns away:  one to Jeanie, because I thought the name Azalee was especially beautiful, and one to Aimee, because after reading her comment, I could actually see the sandhill cranes in flight across the top of the beret (all on a collision course towards the center, but that's neither here nor there!).  I've finished the chart for the hat, but I'm thinking I will write out the directions as well-- I encourage the use of charts (and prefer them myself), but I realize that some knitters would rather follow written-out instructions.  So I would guess that the pattern will be finished within a week or two, and I will email it to the winners as soon as it's ready.

The nameless beret

I can't decide what to call this pattern.  I'm leaning toward "Poinsettia," because it reminds me of the star-like bracts of a poinsettia.  I can't call it "snowflake," because there are eight sections, not six (I'm picky that way)-- plus there are already lots of snowflake-related pattern names out there.  As well as flower petals, the lace motifs also remind me of cascading water, which is why I'm also considering "Carlotta," after Villa Carlotta in Tremezzo, Italy, which has an abundance of both fountains and flowers.

If anyone has any other ideas for names, let me know; if I decide to use yours, I'll email you the pattern pdf free of charge (when it's finished!)-- and if I really love the name, I'll also send you the yarn to make it (Rowan Purelife Organic Wool*).

*Rowan Purelife Cotton knits up at the same gauge, and could be substituted for non-wool wearers.

I took some photos today...

because it was a gorgeous day, because I'm still waiting for yarn for a project for the spring 2009 issue of Twist Collective, because it was more appealing than the idea of sitting down and writing out the patterns for this jumper and that hat (although I did a little of that, too). 

It's kinda tricky using the self-timer and getting the right things in focus and the light levels in the right ballpark; it would be a lot easier with a shutter release cable, or a wireless remote control.  Or a photographer.  Or a model.  *Sigh*.  Jack (or Jill) of all trades, as they say....

Sherwood, transformed

I finally finished my grown-up version of Sherwood-- and it did turn out to be a sleeveless jumper/tunic.  I guess I was thinking of this little black number all along (can't believe I posted that picture from Harper's Bazaar over two years ago!).  I guess I need to find a big ol' hat for the modeled photo shoot.

Anyway, Sherwood has morphed into something quite different from the original; I guess I'd better name this jumper something else.  Sherwood Forest, Robin Hood, merry men, Maid Marion...how about "Marion"!?  Or maybe I should be practical and stick with something like "Rib & Braid Cable Sleeveless Jumper/Tunic"-- it sure would make it easier to find on Ravelry.