mercredi 22 avril 2015

Sweater knitting

This is something that really bugs my friends... I've been knitting sweaters like a maniac for the past six months and managed to produce a fair amount of pullovers and cardigans. Ever since I found out how quick it could be when you just kept on knitting, I've stopped being afraid and tackled those projetcs head first.

The knitters around me sometimes sigh with exasperation and get frustrated that I have started yet another big piece. But there's no getting me down! I love the process nevertheless and am always thrilled to find a new sweater to cast on.

Since I finished my Lady Sunnyside I decided to reward myself with a new sweater cast on. This one :

Papillon by Svetlana Volkova
It may not look like much, all cramped on the cable, but it's beautiful! Love the pattern and yarn combination. I bought two little skeins of Rimu Special Edition DK at Marie Mode Tricot when I last visited my family, but then I decided to cast on for a sweater, so I asked Marie to save a few more for me. Now I can't wait to get them!

I was looking for a pullover with a centered panel of lace and found it. It's a pleasure to knit and even though I love it in a warm fiber, I can see myself making one in cotton for the summer.

Since I had to wait for yarn anyway, I figured I could start my Refined Driftwood as well.

Driftwood by Isabell Kraemer
A nice and casual Henley sweater made of Kauni Solids and Effektgarn. This yarn is a little oily, so I'm very curious to see how it will block and drape. Speaking of drape, I should get something light and smooth, because my gauge with 3.5 mm is a kind of loose. I don't worry too much though, since it's meant to have some positive ease. Oh, and you gotta love those blues!

Last off, and just to make sure I never get bored, I started a Levenwick in Grignasco Loden. I've been eyeing this pattern for far too long (what a great excuse!) and got the yarn for a ridiculous price. It has that perfect tweed effect, but I'm not sold on the composition as of now.

Levenwick by Gudrun Johnston

I'll leave you with a close-up featuring my dear Tumi...

 
 

mardi 14 avril 2015

Newest FO!

After a super busy weekend that ended with some yarn shopping yesterday (and a yarn delivery from Danemark!) I finally found time to snap some shots of my blocked Lady Sunnyside.
Lady Sunnyside by Tanis Lavallee

It's gorgeous! I was a little scared that it would grow, being a superwash merino, but Tanis Fiber Arts Yellow Label just gets smooth and silky once blocked. I'm thrilled with the result.

I used DK instead of Aran weight, but because I knitted my Gemini pullover in the very same yarn, I knew my gauge was pretty close. And with a top-down piece, it's so easy to add room as you go. 

This Dove colourway is amazing. The crazy light in the pictures doesn't do it justice, but here's a link to a Moodboard that Tanis did to feature it. To me it feels like a rich grey that flirts with lilac. Genius!

The yarn is addictive. I'm so happy I have another lot in my stash. The next project I intend to knit in Yellow Label is Joji's Dragonflies Jumper in the Light at Dusk colour (a ooak Etsy update colour from last boxing day).

vendredi 3 avril 2015

Lavender on a foggy morning

Wolf River and Lady Sunnyside
Last night I proudly finished this really cool sweater on the left. I used Cascade Eco+ in Lavender. I had this yarn in my stash and could never figure out what to knit whith it. But this is it. When I saw the pattern on Ravely, and then on Tanis blog post, I knew I wanted it.

And I am super pleased with the result! Such a nice fit and easy to wear piece. The process was very enjoyable as well. Two panels of lace, twisted rib, learning the tubular cast off : good times.

Boy do I look tired, though! And I am, really. Hence the radio silence on the blog last week. But I was eager and anxious to get back to it. I missed writing my weekly post, which I think is a really good sign! I am working through several projects these days, including a big one. I'll keep you posted on that, but will keep it a mystery for now...

The photo on the right is a Lady Sunnyside by Tanis in Yellow Label. The colour is Dove and is so ooo pretty! It's quite hard to picture, especially with this early evening light. A nice grey with hints of purple, pink and blue. The pattern construction is amazing. Very ingenious! But I tucked it away for a while because I was bummed that my sleeve was too big.

My friend Emilie picked it up last night and I knew it was silly not to finish it, since I only have the sleeves left to do.
Lady Sunnyside by Tanis Lavallee


This morning, it was really foggy and I could hear the boat sirens. I love that about the town I live in. I hear both trains and boats and it feels so old. So anyway, the fog outside and all those lavender knits seemed to play each other off real well. 

Inspired by KnittedBliss, who sometimes shares outtakes, I'll leave you with pictures of Hubert the dog and I.