Aug 08 2006
Neutral Knits: Past, Present, and Future
1. Neck scarf, 2. Jiffy Autumn Mittens, 3. Black Boa Hat, 4. Dad's Tweedy Scarf, 5. Klaralund Pullover, 6. Kris's Raglan Cardigan , 7. Brown Boucle Shawl, 8. Trekking XXL Socks, 9. Ugly First Sweater
My knitting career has been rather short, as I only learned to knit in November 2003; however, I have made several neutral knits, some great successes and others… learning experiences.
My first socks were a learning experience, and a success, as was Kris's raglan cardigan (my first zipper installation). I adore my Klaralund sweater, and wore it often last winter, but I will need to reknit it in order to wear it again (instead of a fashionable knit, it now looks more like a burlap sack because of the fit…) Luckily, hats, mittens, and shawls always fit!
And for this lovely month of August, I am adding to the neutral knits colletcion – most specifically my brown Lace Knee Highs, and my black Sesame Cardigan.
The browns are so varied – from grays to reds – and they are making the most beautiful socks. I adore this pattern (Lace Knee Highs from Interweave Knits Winter 2004) and I think the light variegations add a new dimension to the existing pattern. The leaf motif looks so much more authentic in the autumnal palette! 
I have about 5 more inches of pattern before I start on the heel flap for the sock. From there, it is straight stockinette down the (long) foot. I should have plenty of yarn with over 600 yards.
Thank goodness I had the Sesame cardigan with me at Knit Nite last night… I can only knit on very simple stockinette when chatting it up with the ladies at Knit Nite. (See the fun we had!)
Sleeve One is nearly complete, and it is going very smoothly. Next up, I am planning to knit the back. I chose to start with the sleeve in order to check my gauge. I substituted this yarn (Cotton Ease in Licorice) so the sleeve was my swatch. And it worked! I swear, I am going to wear this cardigan everyday, it is going to be perfecto. Especially with these:
As for the future of neutral knits… you saw my stash, you know I have more! These probably won't be on the needles till the next round of Project Spectrum (whenever that may be, and in whatever incarnation) rolls around, but they are in my head!
This is the Roma tee from the Dalegarn Trends collection. The black and pink are Dale Svale, a cotton/silk blend. I am planning to make this tank solid black (without the mosaic around the bust) and have hot pink hem around the neck and arm holes, a la ringer tee. Next spring or summer, most likely.
The Syncopated Ribs pullover, designed by Norah Gaughan for Interweave Knits a few seasons ago… I want mine to be a little more fitted than the one on the model, and it will be in the luscious chocolate Tess Designer Yarns Merino that I bought at Maryland Sheep and Wool this past May. I love her designs.
… and the list is growing longer and longer, especially since I made these recent acquisitions…
The Fall issues of Vogue, Knit Simple, and Interweave Knits, as well as some new books (I won a gift card to the bookstore at the company picnic – it was just burning a hole in my pocket!)
…more details when I have time to look through them!
i love that dale sweater… i might have to copy you on that one! what do you think of greetings from knit cafe?
Hello. That Roma Tee is very pretty. I would also like to make it.
Lolly you are looking fantastic – it’s like the weight has melted off you. heh I know it’s hard work but I just can’t help saying how great you look!
The little fish in your pond are so cute and it’s cool that they’re endangered – don’t you have a problem with birds wanting to eat them? We had a pond when we moved into our house last year but the last owners said they couldn’t keep the birds from eating the fishies they were putting in.
I love your neutral knits. I better get ready for this month. Sorry I didn’t make the Knit Knite I got stuck at a work function that I thought would end a lot earlier. I’ll be there next time though.
oooh, the dale yarn sweater looks fun! just might have to check that booklet out!
nice progress on sesame. love those buttons!
It is amazing to see how different you look, as well as your progress as a knitter. Both have to make you feel great. I wish I kept my first few knits, or at least took photos so that I could see the improvements too.
I know it is a bitter sweet thing to frong the Klaralund, but you should be so proud of yourself that it is too big. You look fantastic Lolly.
Amy
The current neutrals are looking great – love the brown lace socks! Your knit book/mag acquisitions look like a lot of fun – I picked up Scarf Style in April but haven’t had a chance to make anything from it yet.
Love the colors of the sock yarn. They will be some gorgeous socks!
And I just have to echo everyone else, you are looking great! Congrats on all of the hard work.
Geez, Lolly, for only knitting since 2003, you are SPECTACULAR (and insanely prolific).
I bow to your energy!
Look at all your knits! I love the color of your neutral socks. Just lovely.
Wonderful knitting career so far. Some amazing knits! The variations in that brown yarn are so pretty, can’t wait to see the finished socks.
Great neutral knits! Love that Roma tree sweater.
For knitting such a short period of time you have some great projects! The knee highs are looking good and I love the yarn.
I am excited to see your knee-highs finished. The yarn you are using is gorgous. It makes me what to get into jeans, a sweater and have some apple cider. Fall colors do that to me!
I’ve lost 25 pounds in the last year and some of my things are going to need to be frogged and re-knit, too. It pains me to think of it, but what can you do?
The title “Ugly First Sweater” cracks me up. I have one of those too, I’m sure we all do!
Both of those brown yarns are really stunning. Those socks are going to be beautiful!
That brown sock yarn is indeed glorious. I’d love that colorway in a worsted weight to use for a cardigan.
There was absolutely nothing in either the Fall Vogue Knitting or IK that turned me on. We have pretty different tastes in knitwear, so you may find several items you can’t wait to start.
Lots of great ideas for PS2! It will be fun! Seasame is coming along great, and I am so envious of your knee highs! I may just have to pull out my Three Waters yarn next (hmmm – maybe that same pattern….)
I cannot wait to see your lace knee highs when they are done because that yarn is absolutely delicious!!
You will love the new books you acquired. I have the wrap style and scarf style books and love them both. They have great projects. Speaking of great, you look absolutely fab! I’m so jealous [not in a mean way
]. If I had started a health regimen when you did I’d be so much further along. But, you are my inspiration.
look at all those neutral knits! I remember almost 90% of them
The picture of you in that hat is so cute! What a punim!
I have the Interweave and the Knit Simple mag, but haven’t picked up Vogue yet. I need to go do that!
I need to get to the store so I can have all the new knitting magazines. I hope they’re out up here.
I love, love, love Chris’s Raglan Cardigan! What yarns/colours is it done in?
Nothing wrong with stuff being too big!
The Roma tee is gorgeous!! Knee highs are gonna be a knockout-the yarn is so delicious. And I adore my ‘Wrap Style’ and ‘Scarf Style’-and you will too!!
BTW, you look mahhh-valeous!!!
xo,
-T
The black and white top as is…must find the pattern. Your knitting is looking great!
Love those neutral knits! I can’t wait to see the black cardigan finished (and modelled)! And now I am off to purchase the fall Vogue Knitting….
I can’t wait to see your sweater in the Tess yarn – I bet it will be sooo beautiful! (And I can’t believe you didn’t have Scarf Style. I can’t wait to hear what you think of all your new knit-reads.)
I own Wrap Style and Scarf Style. I love them both. I’m about 6 inches away from finishing the Turtleneck Shrug in Scarf Style. Love it! Enjoy!
That picture of you in the hat is just adorable! I love the Dale trends patterns. I have a couple of their books but somehow never have gotten around to making anything from them yet.
Lolly,
Check out the Lucy STR on Wendy Knits. They’re perfect for this month’s theme.
That sweater is going to be perfect indeed! I was always very sad that I never found any of the black Cotton Ease – it would’ve been a perfect yarn for me.
I do have black Svale… and some lavender, too… Yummy!