Mar 30 2008
Fiery Textures
The week ended quietly, as I worked diligently on the Printed Silk Cardigan. I took only one night “off” this week to spend some time with another project… and finally, the cardigan is taking shape and really surprising me with its beauty! To show off her best qualities, I figured some macro textural shots were in order.
back of the cardigan – diamond twisted stitch pattern detail
sleeve two – 1 x 1 ribbing
silky shimmer of the yarn in the pattern
While I am not finished yet – half of sleeve two and the right front pattern remain and all associated picking-up and blocking remain – I feel a great sense of accomplishment with this garment. The twisted stitches gave me a small problem in the beginning, and Connie of phyicsknits, the designer of this and many other lovely pieces, was so kind to offer help. Her tips worked and immediately, my knitting looked like the sample.
The problem I had regarded the left-leaning twisted stitch. Simply put, it wasn’t working for me as described. It is not the pattern, as several other knitters have finished it successfully (Ravelry link) with the instructions given. Still, it wasn’t working. Connie offered an alternative method, provided by the inimitable Barbara Walker:
- With right hand needle behind left hand needle, skip one st and knit the second stitch in back loop, then insert right hand needle into the backs of both stitches and knit 2 together through the back loop.
…and this one worked perfectly for me! Many thanks to Connie! I hope the have the cardigan finished very soon. I will be seeing my sister next weekend, and I would love to give it to her then (and to take some pretty spring-y photos in North Carolina). Wish me speedy needles and some free moments!
The waning days of Project Spectrum FIRE and the still chilly March winds prompted another warm / red cooking dish this week. Adapted from the Rosy Beet Risotto seen in the newest issue of Better Homes and Gardens:
Do you have any last-minute FIRE plans? are you planning ahead for the EARTH element of Project Spectrum?
PS- I hope to see my area fiber enthusiasts this afternoon at the Homespun Yarn Party in Takoma Park!
Geeze, why am I so obsessed with knitting pictures? I could stare at them all day.
stunning. can’t wait to see the pictures of the Cardigan being modeled.
wow, that risotto looks TASTY! i love beets
That cardigan looks awesome! I am speeding towards the finish on my orange Glee tee in Silky Tweed. After that, it’s on to some lovely brown socks and a beautiful green shawl – I can’t wait for the EARTH months to start!
The cardigan looks great! I hope you’ll be able to finish on time; it would be so frustrating to be so close to done but not quite there yet when you’ll see your sister…
Thanks a lot for the risotto recipe! I have yet to try cooking risotto, but I think this is going to change soon: this one really calls my name!
I really love the up close texture shots of the cardigan…I can’t wait to see it all finished up!
I’ve totally failed at my plans for FIRE…I’ve not even finished a single repeat of the flame pattern for my fiery socks. Life had other things in mind for me these past couple of months, I suppose!
I’m eagerly awaiting the EARTH element…earthy colors are my favorites.
This looks gorgeous – the textural shots are fabulous! I’m looking forward to seeing more of this cardigan.
I also use the Barbara Walker method for left-leaning stitches. I find it much neater.
Wasn’t the Homespun Yarn Party fun? I went and got great stuff. I saw you arrive but I’m a dork so I didn’t say hi.
Hope you finish the sweater in time. Looking forward to seeing the finished photos!
Gorgeous textures! I love that twisted stitch pattern!
I am super excited for Earth. Green and brown are my favorite colors
god, i wish i could say the same about my printed silk cardigan… (i’m using the same yarn), yours looks lovely! can’t wait to see the full on!
Pet. Pet. Pet.
Pet.
It looks…silky.
But the food shot, honestly…well, I felt a little sick looking at it. But that’s just me and my weirdness.
I am such a goob. I put an “earth” pic in the PS pool on Project Spectrum the other day. I need to read instructions better. I am loving this twisted stitch. And now I’m off to read up on macro textural shots!
wow, it looks so silky! i can’t wait to see the finished product.
Love the gorge macro shots!
Wishing you speedy needles
Doesn’t the cardigan look beautiful. Gorgeous colour. I have not done too well with my first months of project spectrum so will try better for the earth!
Your shots of the cardigan are so beautiful. You’re such a talented photographer! And the beet risotto looks yummy. I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting risotto recipes. Thanks!
looking good. love the macro shots……another yummy way to use beets – i’ll have to go pick up that issue!
The cardigan is looking really good and I love the color.
I was at the Homespun Yarn Party yesterday and I though you might be there as well but it was so crowded I gave up looking for anyone. But I did look at all the pretty, pretty yarn (and bought a bit).
Ha! Ha! I am more than ready to move on to EARTH colors
I meant to say earlier (and time flew) that the texture of the cardi is wonderful. The funny thing is the twisted stitch???? We have a new knitter at sunday group and her regular knitting looked like that until we watched her knit.
Your risotto makes me hungry…………..I adore beets.
wow–always the most incredible photos!
Your diligence and attention to detail on that cardi are paying off. The color, texture and stitches all look absolutely beautiful. I’m sure your sis will look stunning in it!
Thanks for sharing the recipe, it looks yummy. I’m gradually slipping beets into foods to get Cobra to like them. He’s getting there
I love your pictures and your sweater. Its very beautiful. What a peaceful walk with your dogs.
Rowena
Gorgeous cardigan -can’t wait to see it properly finished.
Oh wow–that risotto looks so good! I’ll have to try that recipe. Thanks for posting it.
Beautiful knitting! Yummy food!
Thank you so much for posting your advice on the left-leaning stitches. Mine were more twisty on the left than on the right leaning sides of the diamonds. I’m so happy to have found your solution (via Connie and BW).
And your pics are so tasty, thanks for those, too.