When a new magazine or a new pattern book hits the shelves, there are often designs that I think about making – I often flash them here because they inspired me… but of course, there is no way that I can knit everything that catches my eye. Somethings make the list, and some are just eye candy… However, there are two sweaters that have tempted me so many times over the two and a half years I have been knitting. I put them on my 2005 Things to Knit list; but alas, I never got the yarn, nor the time to get to them.
I changed that this year. Well, at least the yarn acquisition part… and I did it with a discount (and a gift card!) too – that always puts a smile on this girl’s face.
Angie from Rowan’s Its a Tape Thing. Just look at that sleeve detail… ah.
I used some Rowan Cotton Tape (gifted by Strikker Kris!) for my Virtue Beret back in August, and I really liked the yarn. However, I was open to a cheaper alternative, and that is when I came across a certain 50% closeout sale at a craft store (Total Crafts in Bowie, MD) and this lovely tape yarn fell into my sights: Patons Fresco.
I was shopping with my mom, telling myself I did not need more yarn… and then I saw it… and I saw its gauge – a near perfect match. I could not turn it down at < $2.00 a ball. I did a search and found that this yarn is being discontinued… that always happens to me!
So, come spring, this baby is going straight on the needles. Can’t wait.
The next sweater project probably won’t see the needles till a little later in the year (my 2006 winter knits are jam-packed!) but just knowing that I now have the yarn for this cardigan in my stash makes me feel all the better.
Patons Classic Merino Cabled Hoodie from Street Smart booklet
I love it – bobbles and all… I had a Christmas gift certificate to my favorite craft store, AC Moore, and while there were so many lovely choices (the Araucania was tempting me heavily) I am very happy with the purchase of the Patons Wool.
Classic Merino in Burgundy. It was 25% off regular price – came out to $3.55 a ball. Sweet deals all around. It is high time I make myself a red sweater.
These two sweaters join the long list of things to knit – but they are just part of the things that I hope to accomplish in 2006. I am planning to expand my knowledge of yarn and crafting with crochet (I already signed up for a class at my LYS) and I am also going to experiment with color stranded knitting – most specifically Fair Isle.
In general crafting and creativity, I plan to give my sewing machine some attention this year. It is a great machine – a 2002 Christmas gift from Kris – and I have only used it once to make the kitchen curtains (if you ever see them, don’t look at the hems – so crooked). I am ever-impressed by the bloggers I meet who have amazing sewing / crafting skills (Kimberlolly, Nichola, and Caro inspire me with every post).
I knit all weekend. All weekend. (I even wore a handknit while making a handknit – that is good luck, doncha’ know!) Kris’s cardigan basically camped out in my hands for two days straight… but oh, the results!
All’s over but the zipping.
You gotta come back to see it – tomorrow is the big reveal!
I’m excited to see your cabled hoodie. I got the yarn for it for Christmas–also in red, but I’ve forbidden myself from starting until I finish up a couple of things.
Oh that yarn! We’ll be waiting for some gorgeous sweaters.
I also can’t wait to see what you and your sewing machine conjure up. I’m behind you 100%!
What great bargains. How could you not take advantage. Looks like you’ll have some lovely sweaters to add to your knits.
Thankyou very much for the compliment! I love the bobble jacket, very cute. Looking forward to seeing your zipper installed.
Great new projects on your list Lolly (I especially love the hooded jacket) and I am looking forward to seeing your sewing creations !
Loking forward to this afternoon! XXOO
Beautiful yarn and gorgeous sweaters – I can’t wait to see them worked up. What wonderful bargains you found – don’t you just love that?! I, too, have vowed to use my sewing machine this year, I’ve been sewing since I was 5 or 6 years old and haven’t had the time or the room to open it up and “create” – just repairs
Hooray for you on learning Crochet, I have no doubt you will not find it difficult at all – and Fair Isle – wow!
Looks like you had a fabulous weekend. That Kris is one lucky guy. I can’t wait to see the results!
i’ve loved the sleeves on that tape sweater for a long time too. thanks for bringing it to my attention (again). clearly i don’t have enough in the “want to knit” list
and congrats on getting through what i think is the hardest part of the project–all the little work at the end that makes you say to yourself “i thought i was practically done but i just spend 8 bazillion hours on the finishing”. it must feel good to be *this close* to being done done!
A very bright outlook indeed. Love the sweaters – especially the cotton tape one (had never heard of that yarn before). And such bargains on the yarns – woo hoo. I applaud your plans to learn some new techniques and crafts, it’s my goal for 2006 too (well, one of them). Can’t wait for your next post – love big reveals!!
Great knit projects, all! I like the cabled cardi too. At first the bobbles gave me pause (as bobbles are wont to do), but I think they really work. You’ll look great in it. And if you ever need any sewing help, you know who to ping!
I making a striped sweater in the patons merino and i really like it. It will be a good match for that pattern.
Good deals all around! That’s great! I love the colour of Patons wool you chose. It’s gorgeous!! I’m in awe of all the bloggers out there who are multi-talented too … someday I will learn to sew … someday!!
Ooh, lots of yarny goodness! That hoodie is going to look great in red. Looking forward to the big reveal of Kris’s sweater tomorrow!
I got to see it all! woo!
I can’t wait for the zipping!
Woo, I think this reveal is going to be more exciting than any one from Extreme makeover. I anxious to see how the sweater looks on a real person and if the K-man likes it.
I think it’s good that you’re only going to have two items on your 06 to do list so far, give yourself lots of flexibility. My list is going to be long and detailed.
Hope we can rock it out together soon!
Love the new sweater pattern.. it looks very comfy & easy to wear.
Can’t wait to see the next big reveal!
Can’t wait to see the cardigan!
What good yarn deals!
Oh my gosh! I love the projects you have picked and can’t wait to see them! I have always loved the Cotton Tape sweater but I had never seen that hoodie before. So cute!
Looking forward to seeing the big reveal tommorrow
I can’t wait to see it
Your other projects to be are beautiful! I can’t wait to see them too
Oh, I love Paton’s Fresco! One of the first wee garments I ever knit was in Fresco. You can totally throw it in the washer, too!
I think I might have to join you on that hoodie. That is so gorgeous. Of course, I’d end up finishing it right around when it gets really hot here!
That cotton tape sweater looks quite like “Dee” from the Linen Print collection – same type of sleeves….(which is on my to knit list along with the same hooded cardi you have listed!)
Ooh, I’m excited to see how the sweater turned out! And it looks like you have some beautiful knits lined up for this year – good luck
Oh I can’t wait to see it! It’s going to be awesome I just know it. I love those sweaters you picked out for yourself. I know what it’s like to get inspired by a pattern, but not have the yarn or the budget to start it. Well, now I see you’re going to have those on your needles at some point and that’s just awesome!
I love Paton’s Fresco! I was bummed too when I saw it was being discountinued, but I cleaned up at Michaels with my gift card!! The Angie sweater is gorgeous-I just love the sleeves. It is funny, but since you and I started knitting at the same time, we seem to be “progessing” together. It seems we are looking into the same type of knits-more detailed, more texture-I guess more challenge. Like the cabled hoodie for instance. I am finding myself drawn to cables, bobbles, and over-all texture in my knits. I love love love the red! Crochet is big on my list too, as I see lots of patterns I want to try. Ditto on the sewing machine. I have been working on purses, which are pretty simple and give fast results-and what girl couldn’t use more purses?
Can’t wait to see Kris’s cardigan, and your comments on zipper installation (which I have yet to try)!
Take care sweetie!
so neat that you signed up for crochet lessons. can’t wait to see kris’s sweater! looooovvvveee all your new yarn!!
I love great deals! I can’t wait to see the cardi!
You’re so much more organized than me! I rarely buy yarn with a specific project in mind (New Year’s resolution). Can’t wait to see the finished cardigan!
I love the picture of you knitting in knitting. Very smart!
Hey Lolly,
remember me? I am also knitting the Men´s Raglan, we mailed about it. I wanted to exchange some experiences while knitting, are you interested? Especially the Increases at the sleeves, I dont like how mine cam out.
Best Wishes
Sibylle
Love both of those sweaters. You are tempting me with your plans…
can’t wait to see the big reveal!
I can’t wait to see it! You totally ran ahead of me on this one.. I still am working on sleeves
I love the sweaters you picked out! Can’t wait to see those too 
The new sweaters plans (patterns & yarns) look great! Can’t wait to read all about your adventures with them throughout the year!
I really like both of your sweater choices. I had that Paton’s one on my list but it kept getting bumped down.
I can’t wait to see Kris’s sweater!
I can’t wait to see the results! It looks good from what I can see so far! I also look forward to your planned project! =)
belated congrats on your anniversary!
i really love that cable hoodie! it’s looks like a great wardrobe staple.
Hi! Great blog, I’ll be back again!
I love your blog! That is such a cute pic of you and your hubby! Happy Anniversary!
Kris’s cardigan looks terrific. Great work, Lolly!
sheesh I even recognize the knit your wearing hee hee hee. Your knitting is looking so abfab btw.
great blog. I am looking for the Paton’s fresco ladies tank pattern?
I have 10 balls of the stuff!! Mabe someone can help me. It was one of the free leaflets you get in the store when you buy yarn.