My knitting mojo has been restored. Not that it ever really left, but somehow knitting had slipped into a very low gear for a couple of months.
Then I finished a sweater. I started a new project. Actually I started two new projects, and there is always something compelling about the new. Now there are three projects on the needles, and an untold number of UFOs.
But let's start with that which has been recently finished. A Murder of Crows has been completed. Knit from the pattern of the same name by Dawn Barker using Barker's own BFL fingering wool. I loved knitting this sweater. It doesn't look like much flat on the pavement, but I love the fit. It is exactly what I wanted even though this is not exactly the season in which it will get much, if any wear. I have plans, and wool, to knit another.
But first a few other things.
I wasn't really bored with Crows before it was done, wasn't really itching to start something new, but I also knew that I needed something on the needles beside the green rayon ribbon cardigan I am also knitting. Although I love the fabric and will undoubtedly love the final sweater, I find the knitting itself fiddly, and the process of ironing and winding ribbon tedious as all get-out. That sweater started in one piece from the bottom up, and I've just divided it into sections at the armscye, finished the right front, and started the left front piece. Now I need to wind yarn again. I refuse to rush myself. In all likelihood I won't be wearing this sweater before October. I love the idea of the finished sweater, but if this were all I were knitting, I would be in a state of despair.
I needed another project, or even two. Two ended up being the magic number.
I walked into the yarn closet and the first thing that caught my attention was a bag of Lang Cashmere light in two shades of green. The yarn was purchased for a particular project, but that is not the project I am knitting. I found the pattern, which was written for a single color with an option of using two or more colors. Except that there were no instructions for how to deploy those colors. I had no picture, just a vague idea in my head. I thought about contacting the designer but in the end just went my own way and drew a rough sketch and started knitting. I am happy with the results so far. The plan is either for a wrap of some sort, or a simple rectangular shawl, details yet to be determined. Knit on size 10 1/2 needles with simple geometric color blocking this should be a relaxing knit.
About the same time that I was finishing up the last sleeve on A Murder of Crows, I was at Loopville, my LYS, when I came across a batch of Rowan Summerlite 4ply cotton in a delicious muted wine color. I fell immediately in love and decided to knit Martin Storey's jacket, Amandier. This is knit on much smaller needlesand although the lace pattern is simple, the knitting requires a little more attention than the cashmere shawl above. I've just finished the 16 rows of garter stitch that form the bottom band on the back of the sweater and am about to change from size 1 needles to size 2 and begin the lace pattern.
Filled with anticipation and eagerness for anything new, I am entranced with both of these projects at the moment. I want to knit and ignore everything else in life, but that really won't be possible. I will iron and wind that ribbon yarn. Eventually, any way.
