I need buttons for my clown sweater, and then it’s finished. This means I am currently trying to plan the next project! Last night I did some swatching:
Unfortunately, I have to reswatch tonight, since I am not on gauge. Fortunately, the Pronto (the green) and the GGH Goa (the hot pink) are the same gauge and the same weight, so if I’m feeling lazy, which I no doubt will, I only really have to swatch one of them.
I will probably knit the Japanese cabley T-shirt first (with the Pronto). The Goa is going to be, hmmm, maybe a casual zip cardi? Lately all my cardis have been short in the armholes, which means I can only wear snug shirts underneath them, and that’s not very practical. The pinky purply stuff is Rowan Handknit Cotton DK. The amazing Kay sent me enough to make that stripey T (which is why the T will be called the Super Kay T or something like that).
Another thing I’m thinking about knitting is this:
It’s about the only thing in the newest Rebecca that I remotely like (what’s with all the weird, holey stuff? Isn’t all that nipple action so 2004?), and what’s odd is it’s not really me. Still, I find myself drawn to it. The problem is I don’t want to make it in mohair (it calls for GGH Soft Kid). If I ever wear this, it would be in the summer as a wrappy thing on cool mornings or evenings, and the last thing I want touching my skin is mohair or wool. Does anyone have any suggestions for substitutions? I’m worried that making it with cotton would make it too stiff.
Are you still reading? Curious about the lovely mug in the photo? It says, “Manolo says, the fashion mania for the poncho, it is now over.” Carolyn sent it to me. She is the one who introduced me to Manolo’s Shoe Blog. It is really funny (even though I still think some ponchos are cute).
Hey there…can I assume from the blog title that you love eggplant? If so, I just made the most delish entree…and boy, have I made a LOT of eggplant dishes. I love the wrap idea, maybe give it a little more length? Afraid I can’t give any recommendations for yarn, b/c I’m a newbie knitter. Angora maybe?
My dear little Aubergine Extraordinaire, you must know that there is nothing a New Yorker loves more than having something named after her. A park bench, a tree, a paint job at school–all of these can be named after you for a contribution.
I am a bit mad at you but it’s not your fault, (or is it?) that I bought 5 yards of Munki Munki ‘Pool Party’ today. Small obstacle: I don’t sew. 5 yards might be a lot or a little. I have no idea.
In other news, I have the solution I think, for the yarn for that wrap. Try the Louet Euroflax Linen sportweight. It’s very drapey, very summery and light, and you can knit it tight or loose so it works with a variety of gauges. They recommend machine washing AND drying to make it soft and luscious. While you’re knitting it, it seems stringy and coarse and you worry that you’re going to hate the garment—so it’s a nice surprise that you not only don’t hate it, you love it after you wash it just once. It has great yardage so you can probably make that little wrappy top with just 2 or 3 skeins.
Stand by please. I may need help with the half dozen pillowcases in Pool Party. xox Kay
I love Manolo now that you steered me to him.
I was more bummed out at all the teeny crop tops in the new Rebecca. So early ’90s.
how about something like rowan’s linen print for the wrap? thanks for the tip on the pronto/goa. i have 6 balls of goa, which is probably not enough to do anything with. i can pull in a few balls of pronto for a stripey/blocky summer tee. thanks!
Those are great easter-egg colors for the new sweater … spring must be coming.
I always love seeing what you’re up to. I liked the Manolo link so much, I’m really not much of a shoe fan but this is too funny, that I’m going to start watching it. Thanks! And have fun with your wrap, it’ll be interesting to see what you come up with.
As a last aside, I am in awe of the fact that you can do three swatches in one night, you must be a very fast knitter.
If you think the Manolo is funny, visit his friend “give me spirit fingers dammit” http://facepalm.blogspot.com/ She, the Spirit Finger damsel, is the most funny woman who makes the freecia fall out of her chair with snarky laughter.
I went to stitches west yesterday and have an idea for non-cotton. How about Tess’s designer yarn’s microfiber? ribbon? I’m not quite sure how it would hold up to openwork since their samples showcase things like tank tops. But it is absolutely divine. And machine washable. She also has a simply loooovely silk and wool 50/50 blend.
What is the Rebecca? Is it a magazine that I can find somewhere? 🙂
Poor Mariko — how many hits have you had as a result of “nipple action”?! I really like that Rebecca top. Wraparounds are growing on me. In fact, I will go out on a limb and declare that the wraparound top is the new poncho. You heard it here first.
I love Manolo’s Shoe Blog! I haven’t looked at the shop yet, but that mug sounds promising. Also your swatching colors are beautiful! I can’t wait to see the finished project…
I love that top! Though having tested a ball of Kid Mohair… Negative ghost rider, I’d be making that in something else. What maybe a silk blend?? then again we already know how I love me the wrappy tops and now I want that one for summer…
Funny, I came into work this morning thinking about how much I needed to stop by the Cupcake Cafe on the way home…their cupcakes are floral masterpieces. The initial icing layer is about an inch thick, and then they top it off with a bouquet of the most gorgeous, delicate flowers you’ve ever seen. Or tasted. Probably about a stick of butter apiece, but who cares?
Just nabbed some Estelle Silk at Yarn Forward (http://www.yarnfwd.com/estellesilk.html) which could work nicely for that top. Lots of great summer colors, solids & tweeds.
The top’s a dream. What about Calmer? Or is that too thick?