Success!

You may recall that I was working on a project of my own design. I thought it was going to be too big, and I was considering ripping. I talked myself into finishing the project as I had first intended it, and then - if it wasn't right - I could rip it. Well, I'm SO glad I made myself finish it! (or at least, get it finished enough to try it on.)


It fits!!
It's nothing too fancy, just a U-necked vest - but I'm proud that I figured it out myself. Now all that's left is the ribbing around the neck and armholes, to match the ribbing at the hem. I'll post a pic as soon as it's finished! I can picture the outfit now: brown tweed wide-legged pants, collared shirt with a small stripe or pattern, and some great shoes to finish it off.

Kim Hargreaves

Kim Hargreaves' fall collection is up.

My favorites: Evie, Olivia (seriously might have to buy this one), Cate, and Still. Oh, and this one, without the ruffles.

Technique

I appreciate everyone's comments about colors, especially the idea that it's the combinations of colors that end up looking dated, rather than a specific color on its own. I really love vibrant colors, but it's the whole weeks-of-knitting thing that gives me pause about using them for a sweater. I think I'll hang onto to the magenta yarn and let it marinate in the stash until the weather is colder. I think that the strong color will look more 'right' as my color palette starts to darken for fall and winter.

In the meantime, I have been working on baby gifts, which I am electing not to show here so that no surprises are ruined. I've also knit three hats - but they are black, so no photos there. My best photo op is the Eyelet Cardi I posted about oh so long ago! I finally got up the nerve to set in the sleeve. Here's a pic:



I'm pretty proud of myself! I think this might be my first grownup-sized set-in sleeve. I've made a decent number of sweaters, but they are all raglan-shouldered. I used the slip-stitch crochet seam taught to me by this fine knittress. First I seamed the back of the sleeve and then pinned it into the armhole. This may be a pretty standard method, but I was so surprised at how easy it was. The pinning part is genius. I hope I can repeat my success on the other sleeve.

Anyway, that's about all for me. Have to get some shut-eye. I'm looking forward to this weekend, though. I'm headed to Madison, WI and Lakeside Fibers! Wee!

Thinking about Fall

As I said the other day, I've started thinking about my knitting projects -- patterns and colors -- for fall. I can't wait to read all the August magazines and see the new fashions. As far as colors go, here's what Pantone says we'll be wearing this season:


This season includes colors like magenta, mustard yellow, and shale green. I like magenta, and it's a good color for me - but I'm a little nervous about using it for handknits. (I just ordered this yarn from kpixie.com, but now I'm re-evaluating.) Will it look dated in a short amount of time? Or does this not matter if the color suits you well? I don't want to look like a 'blast from the past'.

Of course, there's always the 'neutrals' route, in order to be sure you are knitting a classic and not something too terribly trendy. I'm not sure how Pantone deals with neutrals, but it seems like they change with the seasons too. So, if I choose a favorite neutral that doesn't seem very popular this year, I might end up with a basic (but maybe boring) wardrobe staple.

How do you decide on colors for your handknits?

Thoughts

Have you noticed that the twinset has faded almost completely? Other than the most staid versions on the Talbots website, no one is even selling them. Maybe I am too classic (read: boring) in my taste - but I LOVE a twinset. There are so many pretty cardigans these days, so it would be easy, but it seems that ala Anthropologie, the trend has moved away from looking 'matchy-matchy' in favor of a more thrown-together, eclectic style. I like that style too, but - I'm waiting for the fashion pendulum to swing the other way...

...I'm going to San Francisco next week, and this time - I'm going to go to Artfibers! I've never made it there because I always seem to show up on a holiday weekend, but this time we will arrive Friday morning and I'm going there first! I think I may spring for some Kyoto. Artfibers will also design a pattern for the yarn you buy...so I will be able to make something fabulous, no doubt!

There's a great picture of a completed Eyelet Cardigan on KPixie's blog here. Tempting, no?

Also, I started a LMKG Chevron Scarf! I am totally addicted. I love the interplay of the flashes of color in the hand-dyed yarns I'm working with. Here's a progress shot:

The colors are hard to photograph, but this is pretty close. Hopefully it's not garish. I've decided to use all my sock yarn for more of these scarves! I may never knit another pair, but I can scarf along with the best of 'em!