david has been doing a spring cleanup in the yard for the last few afternoons and it’s amazing how much better everything looks . . . i thought it looked fine before (he spent a LOT of time on it already in the fall), but now that he’s working on it, i can see the difference.
all sorts of new growth was revealed once the remaining dried leaves and debris were swept away. the lady’s mantle above is growing and flaring its pretty fans and flamenco skirts to great advantage
the daffodils are still shut up tight but ready to break into smiles any day now. they must be frustrated—it gets somewhat warm in the middle of each day for a short time, but the night and morning temps are still dipping into the low 30s.
meanwhile, i think i spied my bleeding heart plant up out of bed and unfolding it’s tiny arms (sometimes i can’t tell them apart from the columbine when they’re little)
honestly, it seems too cold for all this but there you have it.
i really hoped i’d have my boxleaf wrap done this morning, so it could be soaking while i write this post. but i’m just a little shy of that goal; it’s not quite there (i get distracted from the work at hand sometimes, what can i say?).
as soon as i’m done writing i’ll knit the last two repeats and block it later today. i can’t wait to show you how different this piece will look once it’s blocked.
i’ll miss this thing—since i started the second half, the wrap has been long enough to keep my legs warm in the evening while i knit. i guess i’ll have to figure out something else . . .
actually my gray sweater is getting big enough now to provide a little warmth while i work on it. i just love that crazy knit/purl pattern—it makes me think munkey puzzle.
yesterday in classes i reached the underarm and knit the divider row for the armhole/shoulder shaping—one goal reached anyway. the top part will go quickly, then there will be the sleeves to knit, which always seem to take longer than i thought. i’m pausing to think about what i want to do with the shoulder area. i know i planned some kind of cable or other panel to run alongside the armhole, but i can’t for the life of me remember what, heh. three years ago, when i started it, i wasn’t taking notes as completely as i do now—i’m sure i thought i’d finish it in a month or so and didn’t need them, haha.
the cable i’m using at the side seam is a little wide for the shoulder area (at least, in my size), but i might use it anyway, because it will look great in bigger sizes. either that, or a condensed version of the same thing, like a single wave cable instead of the double. this is what i need to decide over the next two days or so, while i finish a couple of other things.
like these socks
the hoarforst yarn is picking up more of a blue tinge in the morning light than it actually has in person; click the name to see a better representation.
i’ll tell you what—these socks really go much more quickly than i would have dreamed before i started them. i honestly thought they’d sorta be a drag with all that patterning, but NOT.
i’m always so surprised by how many inches i can finish in just a couple of hours work. as you can see, i’ve got them heeled and am more than halfway down the foot already. one more evening’s work and i think we’ll be ready for photos. i thought about releasing the pattern with just one sock done but they’re so cute together, i decided to wait (just a couple more days, i promise!).
i’ve got all sorts of other stuff going on behind the scenes, too—it’s a madhouse around here. progress on my tartan sweater pattern is going really well. i have to come up with another name—much as i love the simplicity of tartan, it’s taken. right now, i’m calling it highlander, but i might dig deeper for a good scottish word.
now that that pattern is in healthy shape, i’m looking at working on the next one
this was my rhinebeck sweater in 2007 (click for more pictures), knit up in briar rose grandma’s blessing with made-to-match buttons from moving mud (if you’ve never considered this option, i encourage you to do so; i sent sarina a swatch when i first got my sweater started and she whipped up some absolutely perfect buttons).
i intended to get this pattern written up a long time ago. better late than never, right? it needs a few tweaks—the row gauge of the finished and washed sweater is a little looser than my washed swatches led me to design with, so i want to pinch out a little in the length everywhere.
that’s an interesting thing about working with a stitch pattern that has some garter in it (like my new gray sweater)—you can make and wash swatches til the cows come home, but you can’t really imitate with exactitude the effect of the finished sweater weight on the fabric. i’ll probably have to knit another one of these in the new proportions, which i don’t mind a bit; i love this sweater and it’s a good weight for fall and spring. i’d be happy to have one that fits me the way i originally intended (even though no one else will notice the difference, probably . . .).
so that’s one new project i’m thinking about. and then i have this gorgeous skein of alpaca laceweight (the blue on the left) from kristine at a verb for keeping warm
in the chance of rain colorway, it is screaming “soft spring day” all over the place and causing a regular ruckus in my stash. i think it’s the perfect yarn to knit with in april. i have an edging i’ve been keeping my eye on for a delicate yarn and i think this might be my chance to use it—i just need to decide on a field stitch to go with it. i’ve got a whole sky/cloud thing going on with this yarn that i can’t avoid and my idea is almost solidified.
then there’s another sweater that’s on my mind (don’t laugh; i’ve been bottling up my sweater thing for a very long time). i have this batch of briar rose glory days BFL (same yarn i used for the tarten sweater)
which chris custom dyed as a gift for my birthday last year. it’s about time i used it, eh? so i tried it out in a stitch pattern i’ve been lusting to use, but at the same time, saving for the perfect project
it’s an elegant lace and cable motif (not too crazy) with long, curvy lines that i think will be trés flattering. and i think all it needs is a nice rib in all the right trim places to make it a standout sweater. this one is a few days from going on the needles because i’m making myself wait until the boxleaf is blocked, the socks are done, and the cashmere scarf has a few more repeats before i start knitting. just sayin’.
and with that, i think it’s time to soldier on. time’s a-wastin’.
51 thoughts on “inching closer”
Please consider making your sweater patterns in a full spectrum of sizes. I am deep into the plus range and would love to knit your sweaters without re-sizing.
Thanks!
Loved the swatch in the last knitting photo and was wondering if you would consider pattern for a sock – I think it would be great to go along with your sweater.
Love your patterns!
Oh yes, I agree with Ellen. Here’s to hoping you keep us plus sized ladies in mind!! (I’m very bad at re-sizing……) See you at the Spring Fling!!
Oh, my my my THE red sweater!!!! I can’t wait. Of course I love the rest of the blog too. 🙂
Oh, this lace and cable motif is so pretty! It will make for a gorgeous sweater!
Re: the need to change the name of the tartan sweater. How about “Clan”? It’s simple, and isn’t used on its own for a pattern in Ravelry. As well as picking up the whole tartan thing, as in clan tartans, it has connotations of family and belonging which I really like. Oh, and I’m another begging for plus sizes for your sweater patterns. I know it’s a lot of work, but we’re always very grateful to designers who do it.
I love the red sweater and I know you didn’t ask for a name but for some reason the name Rumple came to me. The rough texture of the purls, perhaps, is what brought it to mind.
And I love that swatch. I hope the bottom edge of the swatch would be the bottom edge of the sweater…it is so beautifully curvey.
Ann, all this talk of having you publish sweater patterns is absolutely wonderful! I’m a big fan of your patterns, and having sweater patterns from you would only make a good thing better!
I don’t want to sound like a broken record but I will chime in with the others-I too hope you include plus sizes in the patterns. Thanks!
I love this sweater pattern! It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for. I hope you will publish the pattern soon!
Thanks for posting the Red sweater again. I like it as much now as I did when you made it last year. You know if a project has been on your mind for a solid year, you just have to make it!!!! Still waiting patiently…take your time. I will savor every minute of knitting it once the pattern becomes available.
Thanks for the photos of the blooms. Mine are wimpy right now, and I just realized that I pulled all my tulips last year 🙁
Love that blue laceweight. You have got to stop showing all of these pretty things…lol. The swatch is gorgeous-amazing how the yarn changes when you knit it. I hope it’s a cardigan…
Maybe you should name the red sweater McAnne…or McHanson 🙂
A sweater pattern would be so great. I’ve been waiting on one for the longest time!
I’m glad you’re getting more signs of spring! Your projects are all lovely, but that sweater swatch…well, I can’t wait to see it in the project! It’s beautiful!
Ooh! I hadn’t seen that lovely sweater before — it’s gorgeous! And I am really digging that cable/lace motif; do we think I need another sweater this spring? (heh) It sounds like there’s lots going on there, both in the garden and on the needles 🙂
I have to clean up my yard too. We planted some seeds (sweet pea and black hollyhock.) It felt so good, but it’s still pretty cold here on Long Island.
Love your new lace and cables swatch. And your long ignored grey sweater is looking simply fantastic. Although you didn’t keep notes, you will probably invent something even more wonderful. I have faith in you.
Love the arm detail on the rhineback sweater, and that cable/lace swatch is wonderful. I totally see it as a bateau or portait collared sweater.
I’m thrilled to see you working up so many sweater patterns! Your drive and organization is just spectacular–I don’t know how you do it–but I’m so glad that you do, because I certainly benefit from all your works of art! Thank you!
I LOVE the yarn colors and the pattern of your sweater swatch 🙂 I do hope it’s one you might publish someday – it might have to be my first sweater!
Love the sweater swatch and I agree with another poster, I would love to see that in a sock pattern too. Just purchased your Alhambra pattern at the Knit-In in Madison WI and cant wait to start!
hi Anne –
re: the gorgeous alpaca lace yarn from AVerb, etc. the complete name is “10% chance of Rain.” How do I know? I have some of that and much more. Kristine is my local dyer!
Aren’t early spring flowers like columbine and bleeding heart great to see after a long winter?! Reminds me to check for my bleeding heart to see if it came back.
Oh that last swatch looks AMAZING for a sweater, I’m gonna be waiting for that!
I was happy to see that my bleeding heart has pushed itself aboveground. 🙂 I’m also fond of the lady’s mantle in your picture. I wonder where I can find some. . .
Lovely stuff! The Gaelic word for “tartan” is “breachdan”, according to http://www.scotshistoryonline.co.uk/tartan-history.html, and “breacan” according to Wikipedia.
Holy crap girl….that last sample is STUNNING!!!
I have some lovely wool from the Sanguine Gryphon that is waiting for one of your sweater patterns. (If the weight is suitable) No hurry though, I have some UFO’s to deal with first!
That being said, What do you want to bet that I start the minute I print it, and it’s purchased as soon as you issue it!!!
That last motif is just beautiful — I can’t wait to see a sweater with it. I like that it could go super-lux or quite casual depending on the yarn — your pick seems a happy medium of beautiful yarn that doesn’t make the pattern seem overly intricate and formal but still lets its complexity shine through.
And, of course, you make me want to climb into the Briar Rose website and live in those beautiful colors of yarn.
Oh my, that swatch… that swatch is great, well of course I mean the sweater that will come from the swatch. That’s one of the prettiest cables I’ve seen in some time. Also, the socks… I think I see those socks in my future. And finally? I cannot believe what is sprouting all over the place here too. Mother Nature has been hitting the snooze bar in NJ, it’s been nearly frigid and the plants simply refuse to stop growing, it’s insane – lovely, but insane. Oh yeah, btw that sweater too. *sigh* You make it hard to keep my startitis under control.
Every single time, when I think I’ve already seen your most beautiful design, you come up with something else even more lovely. That last swatch is delicious, and I agree with the commenter above – matching socks would be fun!
I don’t knit many sweaters but I’m really drawn to your rhinebeck. Will watch for further info…
Hi Anne-
LOVE that Red Sweater and am anxiously awaiting its debut! Thanks for reminding me that the Bleeding Heart is probably waking up from its long slumber. As always, your blog is a daily inspiration – you are my power of example!
best,
Jody
I love the spring pics, thank you. And the knitting.
I would have thought what you call bleeding heart is a peony; but I just can’t seem to bring to mind what bleeding heart looks like this early in the season. But if I saw that in my own flower garden (still buried under a foot of snow,) I’d run in and tell my husband the peonies were up.
Outstanding designs as usual Anne. Your grey sweater brings M. C. Escher to my mind.
When I saw the swatch for the Briar Rose, I thought it was the beginnings of a sock, and I was so excited. Really, truly, I would love this pattern stitch for a pair of socks. So gorgeous!
What a postful of visual treats! The Briar Rose swatch is fabulous. I agree with some of the other posters that it would be wonderful as socks as well as a wonderful sweater. Can one develop Startitis for a pattern that’s not even in existence yet?!? I’m so there.
I’m thinking that bleeding heart photo needs to be translated into yarn with or without the dirt.
You know, I’ve got quite a bit of Grandmas’s blessing AND Glory days in my stash as well… I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for those sweater patterns.
I’ve been thinking making my buttons is the only way I’ll ever find what I want. What a great idea!
Nothing wrong with the socks and the shawl but I love the sweaters! And those yarns will have me drooling on the keyboard again. I hope your daffodils open up soon. Ours did yesterday and it really adds a lovely glow of color (and a nice counterpoint to the violets).
If Tartan is the sweater from 18 March, maybe a name like Thistle, since that is a very Scottish flower?
So many pretty pictures and patterns coming here! I need more knitting time.
Anne- Just a thought, did you consider a saddle shoulder so that you could continue the condensed cable from the collar down to the cuff?
I wonder if Chris knows I have a birthday coming up…..
Your brain must be working overtime with so many new designs. Love the lace & cable design for the new sweater – it’s lovely.
Hello Anne,
I have been your admirer for a while now – and this last swatch prompted me to write.This is an absolutely exquisite pattern, I can’t wait to knit it! Would you consider selling just a stitch pattern? 🙂 I am addicted to knitting top down, and would love to use this. ohh, please, hurry up!!!
cheers
Gosia
I love that swatch – yes it would make a lovely sweater, but for some reason it screams ‘SOCK’ to me – the way the pattern flows out of the ribbing and back into it.
So happy you are working on your Rhinebeck 2007 pattern. Chris dyed up some Grandma’s Blessing for me in that colorway and it has been languishing on a shelf. I love this pattern!
Oh hoooray for sweater patterns! I’m so ready for a couple of sweaters, and I love both the Rhinebeck and the grey one. I’m back on “Knitspot” watch…
P.S. I second the wide range of sizes; they give a person some room to experiment with different yarns/gauges
I picked up a skein of that alpaca laceweight at stitches west (it’s an alpaca/silk blend, ~430 yds, rt?), in “february sky”. I cannot wait to see what you come up with; the cloud theme is PERFECT! I’m working on Aeolian rt now, and trying to finish by Stitches South… hopefully Verb will be next in the queue!
I just actually clicked on the link, to discover that verb also does an alapca with a ton of yardage. oops. i guess the search for a pattern for my skein continues…
I love “A verb for knitting” natural yarns, they are so soft and luscious! I came upon it when I was visiting Wondermike at the booth at Stitches West. He’s so nice.
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