Thursday, July 30, 2026

a satisfying pairing

Maybe the first time ever, this week I  completed a knit while simultaneously finishing listening to the final chapter of a book. 

Sophie Scarf not yet blocked in Lang Premium Cashmere. It is a paler pink than it appears here, the very palest of pink. The stitches along the edge will settle in.It will be gifted to the person it was intended for when I started it in 2022.

If I were one to pair a project and fiber choice with a book I wouldn't have done wrong to match it to Whistler by Ann Patchett, which was also lovely and gentle and engaging and went by fast. Add a nice cool rosé and you'd be all set. Wish I'd though of that! 

Next up in the "finish-or -reimagine-all-the-started-things-in '26" line up is this very lightweight cropped sweater, I am knitting it in a yarn I love, Coast by Holst Garn . Its a lofty, lightweight  cotton wool blend, comes in fabulous shades- I've linked it to my favorite source, The Yarnery in St Paul MN. They ship super fast.

  

This yarn was originally knit into a Lavallette teeby Mary Lou Egan (spoiler alert this pattern uses so-called condo knitting on the faux lace part. SO fun to knit!)

I will honestly say it was a wonderful make however,  I wanted it very oversized, and in 2020 I was larger myself  as I ate and drank my way through the pandemic lockdown so...so it turned out too big to keep in 2021. I never got to weaving in ends and the final touches.  In 2024 I frogged it and cast on for a light airy very simple pullover, using the Vanilla Sweater pattern. I'm knitting it on size US 6 needles even though it is a fingering weight, it's loftiness makes it hang nice and airy. I picture it as a layer with a tank top and shorts in the evening or over a sundress or high waisted baggy jeans.  I may even leave the neckline somethinbg like it is instead of the shallow ribbing suggested in the pattern. Mostly though I am now picturing it finished! 

Now I need a new book. As always I'll be reading through all of the Unraveling posts this week for suggestions (and to find out if anyone has reviewed Daniel Mason's new book).  

9 comments:

Carole said...

I loved the new Daniel Mason book! And I just finished The Amateur by Chris Bohjalian. It's publication date is next Tuesday and I highly recommend it.

Anonymous said...

ooh thank you!

Kym said...

LOVE your Sophie Scarf. . . It will be such a lovely scarf. And the new sweater looks dreamy-perfect, too. I love a light and airy layer! I did read the new Daniel Mason book, and I generally liked it. It's highly readable and much "lighter" than North Woods (which I loved). (I like North Woods more than the new one.) In a general recommendation category, I really loved Still Life by Sarah Winman. It's not new -- but it's really good in a Whistler-kind-of-way.

Kym said...

That first line I typed? It was supposed to "it will be such a lovely GIFT." (duh.)

Gale Zucker said...

Thanks Kym--I'm putting Still Life on my list!

AsKatKnits said...

That scarf + Whistler = pure perfection! (the rosé would be a cherry on top!) That soft version of a Sophie Scarf might be exactly what I needed to jump on the Sophie Bandwagon! But I am in love with your Coast sweater! (Coast yarn is my absolute all time favorite. I have knit some of my most worn garments... and it is a true workhorse yarn!) I never thought of doing a Vanilla Sweater with it! You might even doing just a simple pick up and cast off edging (like with MDK's Shakerag Top!) It gives the edge a bit of stability without interrupting the beauty of the sweater. I don't know if you like a mystery... but Martin Walker's Bruno, Chief of Police series is quite delightful!

gale z said...

Ooh thank you for a reply full of good ideas! The crochet around the edge cast off is exactly what will finish it. I am in the mood for a good mystery series so I appreciate that very much.

gale (she shoots sheep shots) said...

that was me saying thank!

Jane said...

I love the Sophie Scarf in that pale blush color. What a perfect pattern for summer knitting. The top will be a nice summer layer.