Tuesday, May 14, 2013

little treats

There's been no big splashy stuff here lately, and I can't seem to finish anything. But I'm finding great delight in the small. Like this cuff on my sleeve,  tipped in handspun. I could stare it at all day.
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My Shell Seeker sweater has been almost done for ages. I can't get the bottom hem right. First, it was too short, and I did the split hem ribbing too loosely and it was flipping up. Second try, too tight and still not quite right. Soon as that second cuff is done, I re-do the bottom again.  But the sleeve cuff ? Did I mention I like it?
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The shapings on the front, also happy-making. You decrease on the sides and increase along two front  lines. No kangaroo pocket in my version though. Pearl Ten Malbrigo, how I love your not-purple-not grey-not-black ways.
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On Mothers day I got two unusual knitting gifts. First, my mom, who is a)an amazing knitter and b) famous for not liking anything by her neck, admitted she is starting to feel drafts and wants a a little shawlette to sit on her shoulders. She asked me to knit her something! I am overjoyed. Her request:  lightweight, not overly lacey but some open-ness is good, not too large--and  neutral. Not black or white --maybe pink or orange. Which, in my family, is considered neutral. (This is where I should tell you I grew up in a house with a bright yellow front door, and an orange ceiling in the kitchen and dining room). I got a crazy amount of pleasure from poking around Ravelry on her behalf- I'm thinking Simmer Dim or Henslowe (considered and rejected Citron for fear of never finishing) -- I can't wait to get some yarn for it this evening. If you have any pattern suggestions, I'm all ears.

Second, Yliana, last seen  here modeling knits,  mentioned wanting to learn to knit a few times.  Anyone dating a son of mine  figures out that saying nice things about knitting makes me happy to see them,  so I was all  "'Oh, OK, whenever" .  But Yliana meant it. We found ourselves with some spare time Sunday and next thing you know, she's cranking out the garter stitch. Happiness all around.

9 comments:

Bonnie said...

I think Henslowe is a great idea. I also have knit Nefertim, and I like it, too. Henslowe is primarily garter stitch, and Nefertime is primarily stockinette. Mizzle is pretty, too. Good luck deciding on a pattern!

Anonymous said...

Oaklet Shawl is simple and easy to do.....

cauchy09 said...

oh, i will steal this sweater someday. mmm...everything about it is lovely.

Lori ann said...

oh your sweater is lovely, so nice with the touch of color! how awesome your mom asked for a handknit. those patterns sound perfect. this one is also nice, i just finished it, and it's free for the month of may...

http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sunny-days-shawlette

Ellen Bloom said...

All of my sweaters are going to have a contrasting bit of handspun at the end of each sleeve....from now on!! LOVE this idea! thank you.

craftivore said...

Damn that's a good sleeve. So much fun to knit for your mom, especially when you know she'll appreciate how much work goes into it. Another knitter in the family? That girl is in.

twinsetellen said...

Love, love, love the handspun tipping.

And love that you have had a special request for knitting and knitting lessons. Someone saying, please show me how much you love me because I love you!

kt said...

I've done the Storm Cloud Shawlette twice--once in orange fingering and I wear it non-stop. The second in Manos silk blend and that (with my first pattern change!!!) will soon be on it's way to my cousin.

It's a really simple pattern and I lurve it so.....

Mary Lou said...

Funny, I just finished an orange shawlette for a shop model - a new pattern of mine, kind of like neap tide but all garter with lace edge. Easy peasy and can adjust to the amount of yarn. I'll send you the almost finished and a photo if you like. Oh Pearl Ten, yes yes.