The blogs have done it again
I always have trouble finding a knitting focus in March. The weather is getting warmer but there are lots of winter projects in the WIP pile.
Then Karma posted about the Drops Circle Cardi and I knew I MUST HAVE IT RIGHT NOW.
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Best part? It's a free web pattern so I could start immediately.
The gauge is a bit heavier than I usually like (15 sts over 4 inches). The pattern combines a Cotton Viscose yarn with an Alpaca to get that gauge, but I didn't want to use the alpaca since I see this being a transitional piece I could wear in spring and fall, and selectively in the summer and winter months.
After some digging and shopping I went with an unusual combo -- Classic Elite Bam Boo in Black plus 2 strands of Knit Picks Alpaca Cloud in Midnight. Now I know I said I didn't want to use the Alpaca, but I don't think the laceweight should add much warmth. It was *just enough* to get the Bam Boo up to the right gauge.
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| the midnight alpaca cloud looks so green! |
Knitting with the three strands makes for lots of untangling, but so far I love the product. You can't tell in the pic but I've just started the area where the pinwheel starts to come in on the right hand side of each diamond.
I'm a little concerned about the fit in two places on this garment. The sleeves are knit by creating a slit with some waste yarn. Once you're done you go back, pickup live stitches and knit the sleeve down from that point.
The other place is the neckline -- which judging by the picture could be too wide. This will definitely be knitting by the seat of my pants fit as I go. I think some short rows might be necessary in the collar area but I won't know until I'm at that point.
Good times for sure, and it's exactly the kind of kickstart I needed.
Oh, have fun! :)
It's beautiful and will be a very fun knit!!
Oh goodness! I know what you mean. I've been fantasizing about knitting this sweater ever since, too, but haven't found the right yarn yet. Looking good so far!!!
I am so captivated by that design... with only one hesitation - it falls below the ass. Knitted stuff on my butt... hmmm. I want to see how that thing looks like on a real woman/knitter before I commit to anything.
I like the color that is made with the different yarns, deeper and interesting.
Oooh, I was wondering what you were knitting with the BamBoo! It's a really great pattern. Knit knit knit away.
Wow, that's what I call a major enterprise!
I love how the different yarns play together to create that rich, beautiful color.
It's going to be gorgeous.
It's an amazing pattern, can't wait to see it finished!
this is going to look fantastic when it is finished. and great idea to use the alpaca cloud!
gorgeous pattern and i love the colors you have going!
What a fun knit! I can't wait to see more progress!
Did you notice the info on Lotusblossom/Twinkletoes on my blog? Take a look when you get a chance!
Ohh, wow, that is gorgeous!! The blogs have now done it again - for me! Thanks for passing the 'disease' along... ;)
That's a gorgeous sweater! And a great color for a transitional spring piece. Doesn't it feel great to just be completely inspired by something?
Very nice!! Don't you love it when you fall victim to the blogs??
evil, pure evil. I was wondering what to do with the matching alpaca and cotton lounging in the stash.
Lovely pattern, but it sure looks complicated!
Gorgeous (and smart!) yarn choice. I wouldn't have thought to put those together. Glorious!
Oooh, very nice! I'll be really interested to hear how it fits and how you deal with any problems.
~m
Ooh, someone else who has fallen in love with this pattern! I'm looking forward to seeing how yours works out, as I'm not sure when I'll be starting mine.
Thanks for posting that pattern! After my failed attempt at a round shawl, maybe this is the solution!
Thanks for the info! I've never heard of this site. Love this sweater, one I might just have to knit!
That Drops Circle Cardi is gorgeous! Did you ever make it?