…I am still trying to figure out how I pulled this one off…

Cherie Pullover
Pattern: "Cherie" from Vintage Knits (Rowan)
Designer: Kim Hargreaves
Yarn: Dale of Norway Sisik in Red
Needles: Size US 5 and 6
Started: October 31st / Finished: November 29th
More "Cherie" photos here!

Working my fingers to the bone – Two sweaters this month! Of course, it was only because of my vacation and my time off from work and school for the holiday that I was able to accomplish such a feat… in a usual month, I can barely finish the cuff of one sock!  Maybe the pressure of three knitalongs was the impetus I needed.  I joined NaKniSweMo, Red Sweater, and Tweeding Along, and Cherie qualifies for all three!

Cherie was a wonderful knit, probably because I am head over heels for this yarn. The pattern was a little wonky in some places, so I modified the sleeves, the neckline, and the back of the sweater to get a better fit. I was a little neurotic about trying it on in the process as well, so I made changes as I went along row-by-row. If you are interested in making Cherie at some point, and want to chat about my mods, feel free to email me, and I will do my best to help.

The sweater is a basic raglan pattern, with picked up stitches for a simple collar neckline. I liked the addition in the original of the three buttons, but in the end, I decided to leave them off of my version. This sweater can easily be dressed up with a skirt or some nice pants, but is also a great casual sweater – perfect with jeans. I love the versatility.  It was not until I finished the sweater that I noticed its striking resemblance to the Hourglass sweater (now departed from my wardrobe!).  The main difference is in the finishing – Hourglass has sewed hem, while Cherie has ribbing.  Hourglass is also knit in the round. I was planning to knit another Hourglass with some stash yarn… there can never be too many of this classic shape! 

The yarn, Dale of Norway Sisik, is an amazing blend of wool, mohair, silk, and viscose, and I could sing its praises for quite a while… the colors are beautiful, it is soft, yet sturdy, and has the great tweedy flecks.  It has a nice even gauge – a DK or a light worsted weight.  Unfortunately, Dale discontinued the yarn last year, but there are still remnants floating around the internet.  I stashed up when I got wind of the discontinue, but I am thinking about buying one more lot…  I used the Aubergine colorway for my Balmoral cardigan last year (I am planning to rip this one…) and I am currently using the navy for Kris's long-suffering Durrow sweater.  (He has been dropping serious hints about this one… better get working on it!)

The book, Vintage Knits, is a reprint of a Rowan edition called Vintage Style.  The book includes many beautiful patterns reminiscent of the 1930s, 40s, and 50s.  Three other sweater from the book are on my to-knit list.  If you don't already own it, and you like classic styles, this book is definitely for you (add it to your holiday gift list!)

To celebrate the sweater bind off (and to get some exercise after sitting on the couch seaming all morning!) Kris and I took the girls to the lake for a nice walk.  The temperatures took a moderate turn this week – although I am thinking about snow already! – and the Cherie was all I needed to keep warm.

Jen moved to quickly out of the frame – but you can see her white tail a-swishin'.  I actually managed to get Bella to sit still for a moment too! 

~Now for some holiday crafts~

The good news came in the mail! Over two years of work, and now I have my Masters in Library and Information Science.

Now, I am trying to figure out if I wanna go back for more… (glutton for punishment?)

—-

…I guess this means I should pay my fine at the public library…

…just got a little bigger…

With my recent birthday, my book collection was enhanced with some wonderful new volumes.

Sure, there was not a lack of inspirational knits to choose from already in my many other books, but isn't it amazing to have NEW things to look through as well? Among them:

• Knitgrrl 2, purchased for the adorable Noro side-to-side cardi on the cover, but upon further investigation, I found that it is filled with some great accessories and scarves that are bound to be cast on some time
• Knitting Loves Crochet- an interesting book about bringing the two crafts together in patterns. I love this eclectic styling and the mixing of the crafts – much like knitting and embroidery. Some patterns are very cute, and there are directions and tips to do more on your own.

…And my "research" knitting books…

The Art of Fair Isle Knitting: History, Technique, Color & Patterns

Latvian Mittens: Traditional Designs & Techniques

Traditional Scandinavian Knitting

Just in time for the winter Stranded Colorwork knitalong hosted by MJ, Andrea, and Mary-Heather, I received these three amazingly inspirational colorwork books. I can hardly wait to jump right in!

Speaking of the knitalong, I am planning to cast on for the Bea Ellis hat kit ("Kristen") at the beginning of December after the official knitalong start date. After I practice my technique, I am planning stranded mittens and socks. There are so many patterns tempting me these days, I am having a hard time keeping my focus!

Also on my mind, even more colorwork… this time in the form of Icelandic Sweaters. Have you seen Adrian's lovely creations? Seeing her work spurred on the purchase of two LOPI books (24 & 25) with an assortment of yoked colorwork, and cabled designs.

Feast your eyes on these beauties:

There is no lack of inspiring knits on Lolly's bookshelf!

PS: Thank you so much for the sweet compliments on my Kolsva sweater – you made me blush!!

KOLSVA SWEATER

Pattern: "Kolsva" from Noro Revisited
Designer: Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton
Yarn: Noro Kochoran #17 colorway
Source: WEBS purchase, Stitches '06
Needles: Size US 9 and 10 Clover Bamboo
Started: November 9th / Finished: November 24th
Completed for the Norovember knitalong!

Detail Photos: 1. Kolsva Sweater, 2. Sleeve and Neck Stitches,
3. Set-in sleeve detail, 4. Kolsva Sweater 2

I started this one on the five-and-a-half hour flight to California, and the bulk of the knitting progress was done on the l-o-n-g flight back from California (remember?) I bought this book specifically for this pattern last December, and I am happy to say that it is now a part of my wardrobe.

Kolsva was quick, and fun. The yarn was wonderful, much like the other Noro yarns I have worked with. The only caution: if you don't like fuzzies and lint on your clothes, don't knit with this yarn. It is a 50% Wool/20% Silk/30% Angora blend, and that angora will get all over your clothes. Carry a lint roller with you! The good thing about it? My orange cat, and my white dog can rub against me, and their fur won't show on this sweater!

I finished the body of the sweater the night before Thanksgiving, and let the sweater block while we were away for the holiday.

Soaking and blocking brought out a rather harsh smell – kind of a mix of gasoline / plastic (!) and wet dog (or sheep, in this case). I was not happy about this, and resoaked the pieces in the sink for a while with some wool soap. Luckily, it is now "stink-free" and much softer than before. It blocked out well, and I began to pick up the stitches for the cowl neck on Thanksgiving night, after the festivities. I stayed up late putting the finishing touches on her!

I carefully seamed her up, and she went out with me yesterday to meet up with my sister and my parents. (Sarah even tried her on!) I am happy with the results. I love the color palette of the Kochoran, and the random striping, and I am happy with the fit. Like my other Noro sweater, Klaralund, the horizontal striping is the only "hang up" as I am already self-conscious about my mid-section, and horizontal striping is notorious for making one look bigger. Of course, I knew this going in, and I followed the shaping in the pattern. I hope the stripes are small enough to lessen this effect. I have about 3/4 of a ball left, probably enough to make a hat, or some wristlets…

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

…Much knitting was done over the Thanksgiving holiday…

Here's a view of me (and my Strawberry Swirl socks) relaxing and knitting on mom and dad's sofa. They decorated for Christmas after the holiday, and my socks seemed to fit in well with the Christmas theme! Maybe they could be Candy Cane socks for December

Mom and I were both stitching away after the Thanksgiving meal. Mom, who learned to knit last Thanksgiving, is now jumping into the wild world of cables, and she is off to a great start.

Stay tuned for knitting progress!