The East of England has largely escaped the worst of the UK’s recent stormy weather, but the cold fronts have swept across bringing windy, rainy conditions. This, of course, is perfect weather for sitting on the settee and putting in some serious effort on the knitting front.
I managed to make the required adjustments to the my friend’s Stars and Stripes cardigan and return it to her. Now I’m pushing on with the “Howe” top from Rowan’s Moordale Collection 2. I’m enjoying this project, especially as I’m knitting the front which has a nice deep v-neck. The edging is worked as part of the main piece, so there is going to be minimal finishing this time around.
An element I’m particularly proud of is the three-needle bind-off at the shoulder. You can see this seam in the above photo – it sits on the inside of the garment, though you can work it as a visible seam on the outside equally well. Way back when I decided to do short row shaping for the shoulders, this is exactly the finish I wanted to achieve. Full marks to past me for that choice.
I have yet to decide on the sleeve options, of which I now have at least three. I can follow the pattern exactly and work sleeves which finish just below the elbow. I can leave the sleeves off entirely and work some kind of neatening edge around the armholes. Or I can work just the decorative edging that would sit along the bottom of the sleeve. To make the final decision I will need to finish the front, tack the side seams, and try the garment on. I need to see how it sits without sleeves.
I’ve spent some time this weekend making plans to reignite my more selfish knitting once this gift is complete. I haven’t really had much inspiration for my own wardrobe this year, but I’m beginning to sense the budding of a project plan. I’ve got a pretty good idea of what the first couple of garments will be, and I’m also starting to solidify a colour theme in my head. Some of those 1980s fashion books I love to collect are steering me towards knits that fit together into a pleasing palette of colours. I’ve sent off an order for a couple of cones of wool – one neutral in what I hope will be exactly “my” shade of grey (not too warm, not too dark), and the other in a zingy jewel-toned blue. One idea I have is to pair the jewel blue with a deep blue to make a Chanel-inspired cardigan prompted by a baby cardi I saw online the other day. I went ahead and instantly ordered buttons for this, even though the wool is likely to wander slowly from Aberdeenshire – you’ve got to have a dream, after all.
For now, though, the afternoon is descending into gloom, the Christmas Tree lights are beginning to sparkle, and my settee is looking very welcoming.
Pam Alison Knits 