I love seeing what other people are working on so I thought I'd share some of my projects today, particularly the ones that are making me happy. I shall gloss over the frustrating project that I've frogged so many times that I've lost count and also the not-so-very secret project that I am working for an imminent birthday.
Westbourne by Isabell Kraemer
First up is my Westbourne sweater by Isabell Kraemer. I am loving this project so much; it is such a relaxing and happy make, particularly now I'm just knitting away on the body.
I think one of the reasons why this is proving to be such a lovely project is the pattern; it is well laid out, concisely and clearly written. I find sometimes that patterns just contain too many words and unnecessary explanations - this pattern strikes the balance perfectly and is well worth the investment. It is also proving to be completely accurate and I do like that in a pattern!
Whilst working on my sweater the other day I was reflecting on the importance of having the right tools for the job. I am using my Knit Pro Symfonie Interchangeable needles for this project and they are just perfect; really light as my project gets bigger and heavier and smooth for my slightly splity, not-very-smooth yarn. On the same theme, I am currently mulling over whether to invest in another set of interchangeable needles because some yarns, particularly commercial sock yarns, feel as though they suit metal, rather than wood needles better. I'd love to hear any recommendations...
Mindful washcloth
My next 'happy' project is my 'mindful washcloth' - a project from Lynne Rowe's latest book 'Knit yourself calm'. I am going to work up a couple of projects from the book before doing a review but just to say that I am LOVING the moss stitch required for this very simple make.
When I taught myself to knit, moss stitch (alternating knit and purl stitches) felt like torture but now as my experience has grown, the repetition of these two stitches is so relaxing and calming. If you haven't tried moss stitch for a little while, I can definitely recommend it's therapeutic value! This make is also the first time that I have used Aran-weight cotton - and it's just gorgeous. I am using Rico Creative Cotton Aran; it is soft, squidgy and beautiful to knit with, giving really excellent stitch definition. I am interested to see how it crochets up too.
Socks
The final make I want to share with you are my current socks using the special Yarn Shop Day West Yorkshire Spinners yarn. For various reasons it has taken a while to get another pair of socks on my needles after completing my last pair. Quite honestly, I feel bereft if I don't have some socks on my needles; they make a great portable project and I don't think that there is anything more satisfying that wearing socks that you have made yourself.
There is a story behind these socks which I will share with you in a post that I am planning next week on continental knitting and in reality, I am probably going to rip these out and start them again but it has filled my heart with joy to know that I have a pair of socks on the go and ready if I need a portable project.
All about the knitting
In planning this post I was struck that the projects I've chosen to share are all knitting ones. I am drawn to knitting at the moment - I love the challenge of learning new techniques, the satisfaction of completing projects that I didn't think I could manage and I'm inspired by the potential of future makes. Crochet has become 'product over process' for me at the moment - I am working on crochet projects to get the finished item, rather than for the sheer joy of making. I am also getting frustrated that I can't find patterns for projects I have in mind. All in all, I'm hoping to find my 'crojo' again this Summer...
I would love to know what projects are making you happy this Summer so do post a comment below or over on Instagram. Happy making! x
I love it that you have several projects on the go at the same time, this is something I do but some of my friends think I should stick to one thing at a time. I am definately more into crochet at the moment but would love to learn to knit continental style. I would like to try it on socks but is that just being too adventurous to start with?
ReplyDeleteMultiple projects seem to work best for me. I thought starting continental knitting with socks was the best way to go, it isn't working out for me - see next week's post. I think something like a cowl is a better project to get started with...
DeleteLovely to read about your WIPs Helen. As you have probably guessed by now, I too prefer projects which are focused on process rather than product. I'm travelling right now so I have three shawls (two crochet, one knit) and a pair of crochet socks on the go. I'm just about to buy more yarn today at the yarn store in my parents' home town in Scotland for a fifth project - a cowl from a book I'm writing a review on. I should have plenty of time to work on my WIPs over the next ten days before I return to the US.
ReplyDeleteI hope you're planning a post on your travels and the projects you've made on the way! xx
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