Savannahchik Knits

I have a confession to make. I was -- depending on your perspective -- either a very bad knitter or a very good customer this weekend.

this is a long entry. just to keep you going, i'll let you in on a little secret -- i finally selected what my rhinebeck sweater will be, and i'm announcing a contest at the end of this entry.

Something's been in the air for me lately. I just haven't been able to get any projects to "stick". I'm sure it's part weather (I hate summer and I really enjoy knitting with wool so it's hard to do that right now) and part post-project ennui (I often have trouble getting into the groove after I finish a bigger project).

I've been doing lots of thinking about my Rhinebeck 07 sweater. I promised myself that I'd knit something fabulous to wear around the fairgrounds that Saturday.

Well, instead of the list getting smaller, it's actually grown in the past few weeks -- and really, most of the growing was this weekend.

Here's how my weekend went.

After compiling my Fall 07 Knitspiration list I was ready to get started on something new. Since I had to do some work-related clothing shopping anyway, it was easy to convince myself to add in a yarn store or two as well.

First stop was Woolbearers. They had gotten in the shades of Jamieson's that I had special ordered for swatching. While I was there I picked up the new Rowan, the new VK, and RYC Classic Style. Note: how did this pattern book fly under the blog radar? It's probably my favorite out of the whole RYC line. So, not too much damage at Woolbearers, and most of it was planned anyway.

Next stop was Loop, where they were having an 80% off sale on summer yarn. I got a sweater's worth of GGH Samoa in brown and light blue (I'm thinking hoodie next spring) and 3 balls of laceweight silk for Astrid. OK, not too bad -- you can't pass up a great deal like that.

Then I headed up to Tangled Web because they, too, were having a sale. I just don't have any luck with them. I left there empty handed.

So, on my way back home I stopped in at Woolbearers again. I had this idea for a knitted coat and picked up a few balls of various yarns to swatch.

I swatched Saturday night, but nothing was perfect.

So then, I noticed Harmony out of my new RYC Classic Style book. It was perfect and I wanted it now.

So, Sunday morning I went to Woolbearers again (no luck) and then I went to Rosie's. After spending 2 hours there I left with the new Jo Sharp Knit 3 book (the one that has this coat in it, with enough Jo Sharp Silkroad DK tweed to do it up.

Are you still with me? Unfortunately, I'm not quite done yet.

Later on Sunday, I'm sitting on the couch thumbing through my new VK (the 25th anniversary edition) and inspiration strikes. I have THE perfect Rhinebeck sweater. The one that I have to make.

And then I realize, I don't have any yarn for it.

So, I buy enough Cascade 220 in the aporto colorway to make my perfect rhinebeck sweater.

So there you have it. I'm ashamed to say that all in all I probably bought close to 60 balls of yarn this weekend -- my completely ADD unfocused shopping frenzied weekend that ended in the best possible way. I got my yarn yesterday, swatching it up last night, and dare I say it's perfect. It's everything I hoped it would be.

Are you curious which sweater I chose?

Not that quick!

Here's the whole list. You know which yarn I chose, so there are a couple you should be able to knock out pretty quickly. Keep in mind that I like to play with gauge, so don't dismiss a project just because the gauge doesn't quite match up. And remember that something in Vogue triggered my idea -- could be a yarn, a project, a designer, an ad, anything. But there's something in this issue of VK that directly correlates with my project choice. It's a huge issue and I can think of at least 5 possibilities that fit this description without even thumbing through.

Make your best guess by 6pm EDT this Sunday (August 12th). If you click on the image above you'll go to the Flickr version which lists what each project is called. And while this isn't necessary, I'd love to hear your reasoning behind your guess - gut instinct, project and yarn go well together, or the VK clue. Those of you with the correct answer will be eligible to win something from my stash -- something good, I promise. I'm inclined to say sock yarn but if you're not a sock knitter that won't be much fun. So, let's see who wins and we'll pick out something together that'll be fabulous for you.

I'll be back on Sunday to show you my progress.

ps - if you're one of the people i told this wednesday at panera then you can't play -- sorry :( i didn't have this contest in mind then or i wouldn't have ruined it for you

Posted by Jody at 09:55 AM in project ideas | Permalink | Comments (47)

click for details

I love fall. I know, it's not fall. But, in the knit world it's certainly starting to seem like fall. And for a girl who can't stand summer, that's good enough for me.

I've collected a bunch of patterns here that are speaking to me somehow -- either a detail that I love, or a silhouette, or clever construction.

Or in the case of the man in the kilt, just because he makes me so, so happy.

I've typed up a lot of details in Flickr, but here are the highlights from my fall knitting world:

• love love love texture. can't get enough of it this season
• was there a sale at the alpaca farm? have alpacas suddenly become extra fertile? there's a lot of alpaca out there (berroco, rowan, ryc, just to name a few). am i the only one who has little interest in making garments out of alpaca? it's heavy. it has no memory. it's hotter than hell. the blends are just barely better. someone please enlighten me.
• colorwork is a close second in my obsessions, although i haven't found much inspiration yet. i'm thinking a few colorwork mitts are in order.
• i tried really hard not to pick anything just because i want to knit it. if i wouldn't buy it RTW, then it didn't make it on the list. same goes with colors this season. christy and i just talked about this on saturday. she mentioned there was talk of this topic in a "why do you knit socks" discussion on the stash and burn group on ravelry. someone said she could knit any kind of sock she wanted without diluting her fashion sense. great reasoning if you ask me -- it satisfies the urge to knit something quirky without being embarassed if one of your coworkers or that cute neighbor next door sees you

So what are you thinking about for fall? What's inspiring you? What can't you get out of your mind?

Need more details on what I've pictured? Go check out my full flickr set.

Posted by Jody at 08:06 AM in project ideas | Permalink | Comments (34)

I've had Rhinebeck 07 on my mind since the moment we returned last year. Now that we're a little closer I'm starting to think about what I might want to make to wear.

I was so impressed with the quality and quantity of gorgeous handknit sweaters at Rhinebeck last year. It makes perfect sense -- there's no better place to show off your handknits, and the weather couldn't be more perfect.

So, here are a few of the designs I'm considering. I don't have a good direction yet -- I'm still pondering. It took me almost a week to compile this list alone!

If you click on the mosaic you'll be brought to my flickr set with details about each one of the images.

Feel free to suggest something else. It's a shame that Veronik Avery's Knitting Classic Style and Fiona Ellis' Inspired Fair Isle Knits (*love* the scarf on the cover!) isn't coming out until September and October. I'm sure there'll be something in there I'd like to make.

A special thank you to Mary Beth for allowing me to use her pic of Celtic Dreams (right column, second from the bottom). She did such a great job on hers that I wanted to use her pic instead of the one in the magazine. You can read her full blog entry here

Posted by Jody at 09:45 AM in project ideas | Permalink | Comments (26)

Once I get started it's hard for me to stop. I've been obsessing over 2 of the projects I featured earlier.

Lace Nightie from IK Spring 2007 It's such a simple design and yet I love it. I see myself wearing it as a layer -- maybe with a lacy, slightly ruffled cap sleeved T underneath. I could go for black and have the option to layer various shirts underneath it. Or I could get out of my black/brown/dark blue rut and go for a real color. I'm always afraid to knit with color -- not because I don't like color (although that's a bit true) but mostly because I'm afraid that I won't be able to wear it much if it's a memorable color. I need to get over that. It's knit in Alchemy Bamboo. I've just learned to love bamboo yarn but I'm not sure I like the sheen or weight of bamboo for this project. A mercerized cotton might have a little less sheen. I have some Milli Fille Fine that I played with a while back that might work out nicely. And bonus -- it's a stash yarn.

Page 10 from Phildar 468 It's a deceptively simple top but the details are really attractive to me -- the slight gathers at the tip of the V, the graduated depth of the ribbing, and the way the neckline curves inward the last couple of inches. It's a very flattering top. The yarn choice enhances the design too, and that's where I get hung up. Phil Eponge is a boucle made of Cotton, Acrylic, Polyamid and Elasthanne (which I believe is a Lycra-like elastic). I'm not sure if I'd like the way the yarn feels, but I bet the top is lightweight, holds its shape well, and even has a little give. The yarn probably enhances those little gathers so I need to think carefully about what to use.

Any thoughts or ideas about either of these? I'm not a big warm weather knitter but I'd like to change that. Now that it's my fourth MDSW I'm thinking ahead. And damnit I WILL wear something handknit.

Posted by Jody at 08:53 PM in project ideas | Permalink | Comments (9)

The same thing happens every February. All the new spring designs come out, and I go in new project overload. It's still plenty cold out, but I'm thinking of cotton and bamboo, cap sleeves and tanks. Even lingerie.

I've always thought Spring knows what it's doing with its patterns. They come out in the depths of winter, just when we're at our must vulnerable. Today we're having an ice storm on top of snow. How could I not be taunted by a flirty little top?

Here are the ones I like the most, although I'm sure I'll find a few that I never noticed once the FOs start popping up on the blogs. Do you ever do that? Skip right past a pattern and then a blogger makes it and you swear you've never seen it before.

Sassoon from RYC Nature	Nerissa from Rowan 41	Glade from RYC Nature
Lace Nightie from IK Spring 2007	Cable Down Raglan from IK Spring 2007	Ruffled Surplice from IK Spring 2007
Orford from Rowan 41		Page 10 from Phildar 468

There are also several books I'm really excited to see.

	Stephanie Japel's Fitted Knits I've only seen a few of the projects so far but it looks like a great book AND with great schematics.
	Lace Style by Pam Allen If this book lives up to its "style" counterparts it should be a good one.
	Knitting Lingerie Style by Joan Michael-McGowen I was already interested in this, but after reading the article on Joan in IK Spring 2007 I'm more excited than ever about it. I don't see myself knitting lingerie as lingerie, but a little girliness can go a long way in a layered outfit for spring and summer -- and sometimes even fall.

Posted by Jody at 12:51 PM in project ideas | Permalink | Comments (8)

Each year around Christmastime, I try to pick a single project -- something special -- to work on during my time off. This year, my last workday is Dec 20th, and I don't return until Jan 3rd.

I only have a couple days of activities planned, and that's the way I like it. I'm counting down the days to being able to wake up, curl up in my leather chair, put on some Tivo'd Christmas specials, and knit knit knit.

But I don't seem to have THE project in mind for this year. The one that comes the closest is Pewter Coat by Shirley Paden (IK Winter 2006).

  

I *love* the lapels, and the gray color is perfect for going with so many outfits. No, there's no chance I'd make it out of 100% cashmere yarn, but finding a substitute shouldn't be too bad.

The sizing is a little awkard. It comes in a 40" and 50" (probably because it was easiest to layout the cables that way). So some thought on how to resize it will be necessary. Of course, that's after I figure out how wide I would want to make a knitted outwear piece.

I like the design a lot but I'm not 100% sold on it yet.

Another that comes to mind is the Tweedy Aran Cardi. Barbara's and Ei's are gorgeous.

Hmm...it seems like I'm obsessed with cables. Well, I do really enjoy them -- but they're not a must.

So, I'm looking for ideas. Things you've seen in magazines, as free patterns, pattern books -- whatever. If I like the pattern I'm OK with tracking it down via a library *cough*Starmore*cough*, but I need to make sure I have my yarn and pattern in hand by the 20th, and that's just over 3 weeks away (3 weeks!!!). I'm focused on sweaters -- intricate socks or lace wraps are a lot of fun, but Christmastime knitting is all about the sweater for me.

So I'm looking for inspiration people. What do you think I should knit?

Posted by Jody at 07:34 PM in project ideas | Permalink | Comments (17)

I came across this ebay seller while doing a little blog surfing this morning.

In the spirit of the log cabin blanket that is sweeping the blogs, here are a few other patterns that could be made from scraps. They're all from the ebay seller woolhelmina and they're all based on mathematical formulas. Cool!

The only catch is they're away until mid-August so their auctions are down. if you go to their feedback page you can click on previous sales to see pics. They're very unique!

A few of my favs:

Curve of Pursuit. See a pic of a finished one with a different color layout here at Smoking Hot Needles(scroll down to the July 13th post)

Square Deal

Double Vision

Penrose

Several of their blanket patterns as pillow covers

Posted by Jody at 09:43 PM in project ideas | Permalink | Comments (11)

Like most of you, I got the Berroco newsletter in my email this morning. It's for their Fall/Winter 60-07 Line

Usually I don't say anything about it, and instead look forward to seeing what Jessica chooses for her next "Thursdays are for What the Hell is This?" installment.

But this week, there's something worth mentioning. These designs aren't half bad! And a couple of the yarns are even, dare I say, nice.

Here's my review. I'm leaving the more "interesting" designs for Jessica. I wouldn't want to steal her thunder.

Trixie and Tara from Booklet #254 Trilogy.

The yarn is a new yarn also called Trilogy. Berroco describes it as "a feminine alternative to tweed". It's 32% wool, 28% cotton, 40% nylon. It looks a bit shiny for my taste but I'd have to see it in person. The nice thing about both of these designs is that it will showcase many lovely yarns.

trixie - LOVE the shape	tara - a classic jacket

Then there's Mimsie from Booklet #253 Smart Mohair.

mimsie -- fun shape!

Smart Mohair, the yarn looks quite promising. It's 41% mohair, 54% acrylic, and 5% stretch polyester. To quote Berroco "Why is this yarn smart? It's a soft and lofty mohair blend with elastic memory."

With that much acrylic the jury's still out, but it does have promise. I know, some of you are purists, but for me it's all in how the yarn feels in my hand. There are certain kinds of silks that I just won't buy because it feels funky. If it feels good, and I'll feel good in it, then I'm all for it.

A couple other notables include Keltic a slowly variegating yarn that reminds me of a thick Trekking. See it worked up into a few patterns here in Book #249 Keltic.

And finally, does this look familiar? coughClapotiscough

Posted by Jody at 09:16 AM in project ideas | Permalink | Comments (8)

MagKnits April is up.

I am very taken by the cabled tank -- Calla. There's an inch of negative in built in, and I quite like the garter stitch straps.

It's got to be one of the nicest non-accessory patterns I've seen in MagKnits.

I just wish they could really get their publishing together. There are several 404 (page not found) errors (including the link to Slick Silk), off-site links that aren't coded properly so they don't work, and mailto links that don't work. These errors would easily be found if someone went through the whole site before launching (and before sending out an announcement email). It would take less than 5 minutes.

I love their model of free publishing, but I think that the haphazardness of their publication damages their credibility.

Posted by Jody at 07:47 AM in project ideas | Permalink | Comments (10)

I've been feeling rather unexcited about Rowan 39. The crazy hair, the make up, the (what do you call that?) headdress. In fact, today's post started out with a "not so impressed" theme.

But as I looked through the pics again I realized -- there's a lot of possibility in there. Sure, I'm not going to wear 18 layers of clothing with my knitted garments, but there's a lot of things I would really wear -- just in a different context.

Crinkle by Martin Storey Rowan Cotton Glace I'm a sucker for a good stitch pattern, and this all-over one seems to have struck a balance between girly and revealing (no huge gaping YOs). I wouldn't include the gathers (not right for my body type) and I'd lengthen it. But I rarely look at a pattern and say "I'd knit that exactly the way it's been made".

Jinny by Amanda Crawford Rowan Cotton Glace The cover design! And once you get past the headgear and the bad 80s belts, it's really quite a lovely design. This could just have easily been made in a softer color and photographed in a setting similar to last year's Butterfly. The flirty ruffle gives it just enough romance, the 3/4-length sleeves make it perfect for in-the-office, and the button up cardi makes it nice layering option for slipping on over top of a tank in a chilly restaurant. I wouldn't use the beads (I *think* I see beads) but that's because I'm just not a bead girl.

Gwen by Leah Sutton Handknit Cotton Leah always surprises me with something different. I love the little braids (i-cords?) across the midriff. I can't tell if they're functional or purely decorative, but they spice up a pretty basic top. She's also added in some puckering at the sleeves to give them a slouchy, casual look. I'll bet this would work up nicely in a denim yarn as well.

RYC Beach

I read Ann's latest post and saw that RYC (btw, *love* their site! much better than rowan's> released a few new books. I'm particularly fond of Beach. Beach makes liberal use of a new RYC yarn -- Natural Silk Aran -- a blend of 73% viscose, 15% silk and 12% linen. I haven't seen it yet in person but the pics remind me of Tahki Willow. Nice!

There are two designs I'm really fond of from Beach.

Scallop by Martin Storey RYC Natural Silk Aran I LOVE LOVE LOVE this top! It's the kind of thing I could see being washed and worn week after week. The shaping and yarn give it a laid back feel, and the edgings -- which look like they're crocheted -- give it just enough wimsy and girly frill to make it not feel like a frumpy sweatshirt.

Maggie by Martin Storey RCY Natural Silk Aran This little top would work nicely paired with jeans and a cotton tank underneath. It'd also be just as lovely with an a-line dress for something a little bit dressier. I would make the top with a square neckline, as I think that shape suits my body better. I'd also increase the length of the garter/rev st st yoke so it didn't cut across my bust.

Posted by Jody at 04:37 AM in project ideas | Permalink | Comments (15)

I haven't had any real focus on sweater projects lately. I want to knit a sweater -- I just keep getting pulled in all directions.

I've been looking though lots of blogs, galleries, and some of my older knitting mags -- looking for that *perfect* sweater to draw me in.

Then this morning I got an email from Phildar and looked at their new books. There are a few in there that are seriously worth consideration.

from Irlandais 2004		from Winter 05/06

The books are only in French, and while I think it's fun to try and translate from French, there's also an English Knit Along for the camel-colored top. The best part? Someone posted an English translation!

I like both of these sweaters a lot. Now for the big question -- is there anything in my stash for either of these?

Posted by Jody at 08:06 AM in project ideas | Permalink | Comments (20)

I've been more diligent about working on Zipo. The back is done and the front is up to the division for the neck. I should have the body done before the weekend (I'll post pics at that point -- really, do you want to see more rev st st?). Then all that's left are 2 very simple sleeves, basic neckline finishing, and that's it. I'll definitely hit the deadline of being done before I leave for Nantucket and Cape Cod October 8th.

Knitting miles of st st does give your brain plenty of time to wander though, and so I've been thinking what I might want to make next. I'd love to make a traditional Fisherman Sweater.

Patterns

I've been thumbing through AS's Fishermen's Sweaters and a few pop out at me -- Inishmore and Stornoway in particular.

Then of course there's Gladys Thompson's Patterns for Guernseys, Jerseys & Arans. I wish the pictures were better but they're original vintage pictures so I really shouldn't expect more. There are lots of stitch patterns in the book and I'm intrigued by the thought of designing a one-of-a-kind sweater.

I also want to check out Beth Brown-Reinsel's Knitting Ganseys. From what I've read this would be right up my alley as it teaches you how to design a gansey rather than giving you line-by-line pattern instructions.

Yarn

Now here's where I'd have to stray from tradition. A traditional 100% wool will not do. And while I'm in love with the thought of doing this in a traditional 5-ply gansey it's not going to happen.

And now, for the crazy part. Is it nuts to try and use something like a Cashsoft or Cashmerino?

Typically these sweaters are knit tightly -- will that kind of yarn react properly to being knit so tightly?

I know merino has less stretch than some other wools -- will the cables go limp and not pop like they should?

I think the only way to answer this is to do a swatch and see how they turn out. And as always, I'm open to everyone's thoughts so if you have some experience here please let me know!

Posted by Jody at 09:29 AM in project ideas | Permalink | Comments (11)

I got Rowan 38 today -- at quite a steal no less! I didn't even realize it until I was driving home but the woman rang up the wrong item and only charged me 8 bucks for the mag! I don't feel so terrible though because I did buy a bunch of yarn and a few more magazines while I was there.

Anyway, there are a few projects I like in there, but Abigail really has me interested. I know -- It's just a simple scarf. The yarn is doing all the work.

And that's what's really getting me excited. The yarn. Did you notice that Rowan added 2 new yarns to their Kidsilk line? Kidsilk Spray in 70% Mohair 30% Silk and Kidsilk Night in 67% Mohair 18% Silk 10% Polyester and 5% Nylon. Spray seems to be a very similar yarn but just at a bigger gauge (you get 150m versus 210m in KSH). The Night is the same as Spray but with a metallic thread running through it.

Color palettes are still pretty limited but if KSH is any indication I'd expect the colors to grow quickly. And with mohair being the craze this year (right Katy?) I've got to think this is just the start of the colors.

It looks like both new versions are pricing out about 1 USD more than traditional Kid Silk Haze. I can't wait for my LYS to get the Spray in stock so I can buy it up immediately touch it.

Just what my stash needed.

Posted by Jody at 08:14 PM in project ideas | Permalink | Comments (5)

Going through the stash over the weekend got me started on Fall and Winter projects. When I wrote up my list of projects that I'm interested in I realized that the yarn just doesn't mesh with the projects.

Hence that stash sale.

Since I love to make lists and jot things down, but am terrible at keeping track of them, I'm putting them up here so I can refer back to them (and laugh at myself when come December I haven't knit a single one of them!).

Airy Cardi from IK Winter 2004

I can dress it up for work and play it down with jeans and a T for the weekend. It calls for GGH Kid Soft. Has anyone used Kid Soft? What's a good alternative? Kid Silk Haze? La Gran?

Elfin from Rowan 34

I still love her! Lately I've been thinking it'd be great in a deep purple or green. I might need to play down the ruffle along the front though -- I'm not sure how that would look on someone who's busty. Any opinions here?

Lacy Pullover from Family Circle Fall 2005

Klaralund gone classy. It would be a quick knit and be something dressier than I've considered making in a while.

Ruffled Wrap from Family Circle Fall 2005

Yup, that makes three mohair sweaters on the list. But I still think it'd be a lovely top to knit and wear.

Ava from Rowan 34

You either love her or you hate her. I think the lace up front is fun. Intarsia -- not so fun. I would probably embroider the design on rather than all that fiddly multi-color crap. Plus the curves would be curvier, and that makes me happy.

Martha from Rowan 37

I love the design but it's just not going to happen for this summer. So I'm considering making it a cool weather cardi. Maybe out of Baby Ull?

Raglan

The swatches are in Silky Wool. I'm thinking of a top with different colored sleeves. I haven't ironed out any of the details yet. The colors above are claret (darker one for the body) and deep pink (sleeves). I also LOVE LOVE LOVE some of the Silky Tweed colors so I might change my mind.

Wrap Up

When I look at all the images and yarns types a couple of things strike me:

• None are less than 5spi, and one is even 7spi. I've learned over the past year that I just don't like heavier gauge garments. Accessories, sure. But I just don't want to wear an aran gauged sweater very often.
• Where'd the cables go? I've been cable-crazy the past few years, but I'm taking a simpler approach lately. I have a confession to make. I'm even considering packing away St Brigid until next winter. I love the sweater but it's not enticing me to knit it right now.
• I'm trying to branch out color-wise. I always go for dark colors because I'm self-conscious of wearing light colors on my chest. I want to break out of that. I'm considering a light green for the Airy Cardi, and the purple I mentioned for Elfin is pretty different for me as well.

Posted by Jody at 09:00 AM in project ideas | Permalink | Comments (12)

So, first off. How does one appropriately thank her readers for the amazingly sweet comments? You guys had me smiling all day yesterday! Thank you so much!

And lemme tell ya, it was really helpful after a night of swatching the raglan increases. I won't bore you with a pic of a stack of no's, but suffice it to say I'm making progress but I still don't have the increases nailed down.

I'm too stubborn to give up though.

I am not, however, above taking off a day or two to think about this some more. In the meantime, I've been taking a good look at my stash.

Over time I've learned more about the types of yarn that I like to knit with, and which of those look good on me.

While I like mercerized cotton, I feel very self-conscious about wearing a shiny sweater. I don't like the sheen around my chest.

I bought this yarn a year ago. I love it. The colors are very me, and the gauge would knit up a nice, fine sweater. But it's mercerized.

I was considering trying to sell off the yarn but then I thought I could make something in lace out of it. I've never knitted lace out of cotton. I did some googling and it looks like people have done it successfully. I wasn't sure if you could block mercerized cotton. But even Soleil from Knitty is in a mercerized cotton. And it looks like that blocked out just fine.

So, will I be safe using this yarn for a lace project? Any suggestions/warnings/caveats?

Posted by Jody at 10:24 AM in Black Raglan, project ideas | Permalink | Comments (8)