Time for something meatier

As I sit here in Chicago in early October in 80 degree weather, I find it hard to want to have a wool project accumulating in my lap. And yet, the knitting continues. I recently finished up two smallish projects: the Madelintosh “Honey Cowl” and Ysolda Teague’s “Ishbel” shawl (small version).

This was my first time working with a Madelintosh yarn, and I have to say that it was glorious. So soft and the stitch definition is amazing, even with the variegated color. After reading through others’ Ravelry project notes, I learned that there were two nits to this knit bit, (1) the even number of stitches produces a seam-like line at the beginning/end of the round, and (2) the four stockinette rounds at the beginning and end of the piece curl. That second point is no surprise—stockinette curls, that’s just what it does. To work around this, I adjusted to an odd number of stitches and worked four rows of seed stitch. It makes for a nice border. I then decreased to an even number of stitches for the pattern. That’s where I wish I would have stayed with an odd number of stitches. With an even number you get what looks like a faux seam. I was able to block it out a bit, but I know it’s there.

I have to admit, I have been completely puzzled by the knitting world’s fascination with shawls lately. I mean, I NEVER see people wearing shawls just out and about. My mom wore shawls in the 1970s to dressy events, but that’s pretty much the last time I’d seen a fashionable shawl in public. But despite my bewilderment, I decided that I was going to follow the flock and join in the shawl movement. Ysolda Teague’s “Ishbel” shawl pulled me in. You know, I think I’ve discovered what it is that entrances so many knitters … it’s watching the lace pattern grow and become something really beautiful and then saying afterward “I did that!” When I finished it, it looked good. After I blocked it, I was amazed. I also want to give two thumbs up to the Valley Yarns Charlemont Kettle Dye yarn from Webs. Amazing. Love it.

After knitting the cowl and the shawl, I attempted some Christmas knitting but the Peruvian Woven Scarf pattern just wasn’t working out for me. I love the way it looks on the designer’s page, but I don’t think my variegated sock yarn looks right in the pattern. So I gave it up. Christmas knitting will just have to be put on hold for a little while.

Designer's Photo

Now I’m on to a meatier project—the Counterfort Pullover from the Fall 2011 Knitscene issue. So far, so good. I’m about halfway through the small wedge and it’s been a breeze. It seems to be one of those projects that looks harder than it is (so far). I look forward to wearing it once this temporary Summer weather has left us and Fall has returned.