Knititude

I'm rethinking the tweed...

Sto ripensando il tweed...

I'm trying to work up a design rather quickly-- it's for a sort of short poncho*, and I'd like to make the pattern available before the holidays, as it seems to be a good fall/winter project:  something that wil knit up quickly and simply; something to keep you (or some lucky giftee) warm in a chilly house, or to throw over your shoulders on one of those sunny winter days when you don't need that knee-length down coat that makes you look like a sausage, or to transition into spring, when it finally comes.... 

I was thinking I would use some of the 20-odd balls of Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Tweed that are languishing in my stash, but after swatching with it-- hmm, not feeling the love.  The first photo below is of my original swatch, done in some Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran left over from my Rib & Braid jumper, and shows the stitches really clearly.  The second is in the Jo Sharp, and the stitch pattern just doesn't stand out very well. 

So I thought maybe a cable pattern would stand out better-- the thicker areas of stockinette would perhaps be more visible against the purl background.  Somewhat successful, I thought (third photo) but still not the clear stitch definition I was looking for.

But I did like the diagonal cable, so I decided to pursue variations on that; the way the decreases on the Diagonal Relief swatch (the first two) muddy up the purl fabric near the top was problematic for me, while the decreases on the diagonal cable swatch are more successfully hidden.

Possibilities for yarns:  I have recently been loving the many semisolid yarns that are now available (my design in the upcoming Twist Collective uses one), so I decided to try one of those.  In the last photo (clockwise from left):  Cascade Jewel Hand-Dyed, 4 different shades of Classic Elite Waterlily, and Dream in Color Classy in Grey Tabby.  So hard to choose!!

As for all of that tweedy green, I think it would be lovely knitted into mostly stockinette, but I don't see myself doing anything like that in the near future.  I know I've been super lazy about responding to blog comments--sorry to all who have left comments, I do appreciate them!-- so I'm thinking there will be some kind of contest giveaway in this blog's future....

*Ugh, I think the word "poncho" is really ugly.  Anyone know of a prettier term for this type of garment?

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.

Retreat

Although my adult version of Sherwood has been on a back burner for the last month or so, this weekend, I felt the need to do some knitting not requiring any decisions--just nice, mindless, round-and-round.  With enough crossed stitches to keep my mind busy, in a sort of not-so-difficult crossword puzzle or reading-the-newspaper kind of way.  As an added bonus, the combination of ribbing and the springy Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran makes for a plush, spongy fabric which is a delight to sink the fingers into--it reminds me of my Tempur-Pedic mattress, which provides a sleeping experience I highly recommend.  Aahh.

(What do you think?  Micro-mini?)

Look at what the putto* dragged in.

I figure I won't be living in a house adorned with putti* forever, so I'd better make use of them while I can.  I especially like the spiderwebs, which I've concluded must be good luck here in Italy, as no one seems willing to remove them.

Anyway, the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran for my own Sherwood has arrived!  I was concerned that it would be too teal, but in fact it is the color of lake shadows, a lovely deep blue calmed with gray, and leaning only slightly toward green.  It's also deliciously soft; I have a feeling this won't be the last time I use this yarn for something.

Full disclosure:  this announcement is somewhat disingenuous, as it gives the impression that I will be getting to work straightaway on Sherwood for me.  I cannot use the word "unfortunately," because I am delighted to say that I have had several pattern submissions accepted for various publications (trying to walk a fine line between being coy and braggartly here), but the simple truth is that, since they are all due by the end of December, I probably won't have much time for Sherwood until January.

*"Putto," plural "putti":  in Renaissance or Baroque art: an idealized representation of a naked young boy or cherub, often with wings.  Etymology:  17th century Italian, from Latin putus:  boy.  www.allwords.com