With spring comes Cast-On-Itis! Here’s a peek at my spring knits in progress. I’ve got a little bit of everything on my needles at the moment, which leads me to believe that a game of “Finish or Frog” may be imminent!
MOONFLOWER
This is currently my favorite project because I’m dying to wear it! The Moonflower Tee is lightweight, short-sleeved and has spring-like patterning around its circular yoke. I’m pretty sure Moonflower, worked in The Fibre Co. Luma, will be ready to wear within the next week or so.
The Moonflower motif has been floating around my workspace in one form or another for about two years. It began life as a semi-circular shawl, languished in a project bag, then began to gradually emerge as a yoke. I actually had it finished at one point last fall, but found the yoke just a little too big. It’s knitted top down, so I was able to try it on last week. The yoke is perfect! I only hope I haven’t added too much positive ease in the bust. In the background, you can see a pretty stack of Luma in dark blue (Aizome) that is destined to become a long-sleeved cardigan with the same yoke.
SWEET ONIONS
Way back in June 2016, I published the Sweet Onions sock pattern. It features a simple ribbed cable that runs down both sides….a great idea, but what was I thinking when I chose that yarn?!?
All things are coming right, however. A few weeks ago, I selected this stunning shade, “Cattail”. I think it’s the perfect warm yellow-green color, and the perfect yarn, Hawthorne Kettle Dyed from Knit Picks. The kettle dyed effect has subtle variations in shading, but not enough to detract from the cables which was the problem with the original yarn. The twist is lovely and round and it produces a sturdy, durable fabric. I always need to have a sock project on the needles and I am really enjoying these a lot! Look for an updated pattern with stunning photos soon!
FAIR HAVEN PICNIC BLANKET
Like most blankets, this is a long term project. I started Fair Haven in July of 2016 and after finishing the bulk of it (ie: enough to photograph!), I tucked it away and moved on to more pressing things. I stumbled upon it a few weeks ago and it’s become part of my spring knits in progress. I’ve ordered more yarn and am back to squeezing in a block or two as often as I can. That’s the beauty of a modular blanket project, working it one block at a time.
I’m in love with these colors! I chose them based on a pretty box of paper napkins I bought in Prince Edward County a long time ago. I think this blanket will make a fine house warming gift for my friends’ new summer cottage.
TEROLDEGO
This is a frog. I’ve taken three solid cracks at the Teroldego Shawl by Caitlin Hunter and it’s just not working for me. First of all, the edge as written is very messy looking. I tried changing the strategy a little but never really came up with a good alternative. I like the color combination I chose, but I’m disappointed in how the colors look in proportion to one another. And third, I really prefer working color work in the round. This business of carrying a second color in the left hand while purling was the straw that broke the camel’s back. Since Teroldego was meant to be strictly a pleasure knit for me, I quit. Life’s too short. Not sure what I’ll make with those three colors, but I think I’ll let the honey color and the blue do the heavy lifting and diminish the role of the white.
SAVEN
Saven is my absolute fave! I love the cables, the color and the construction. The cables are a joy to work in Hudson+West Forge, the perfect springy blend of merino and corriedale. Saven fits perfectly with my spring knits in progress because it will be done just in time to wear in the autumn. I bet this cabled classic will see lots of action as outerwear in the Deep South. I’ll be able to style it with jeans or skirts or even shorts and cotton dresses.
MAWSON
Last but not least, there’s my sweet little Mawson hat. This is the best hat pattern ever! It’s so small and simple that it makes perfect carry-along knitting. At the same time, it has clever tailored shaping that is completely reversible. No sooner had I finished Mawson for a friend, I wanted one for myself. Like Saven, Mawson should be done right when I need it!
SNEAK PEEK!
Of course, my WIPs list would not be complete without mentioning a secret project. After April 27th, Marzen won’t be a secret any more so I feel comfortable sharing a little with you 😉
The concept of combining cables with open work just thrills me a little! When Hudson+West issued a submissions call with this requirement, I couldn’t resist. And, honestly, this project was so much fun that I was sad when it was done. I can’t tell you too much more at the moment, but launch day is April 27. I’m looking forward to sharing all the details with you then! 😉
