There are a few of my favorite knitting projects from 2009. Some are still WIP and will extend into 2010. I have SO many projects I want to start, but I will try my best to finish some first!
I feel like I’ve improved as a knitter in 2009. I did more lace work, beginning with Elizabeth Zimmermann’s February baby sweater (hats & sweaters), started on a leafy lace cardigan, made a few sweaters as gifts, and finally started cables in December on a vest for my mom. I’ve discovered that I really don’t like seaming so raglan is the way to go for now. Maybe I won’t mind it a few years from now!
I haven’t been posting any in-progress photos because I didn’t want to ruin holiday surprises for the people receiving knitting items for Christmas. Now that everyone has gotten their gifts, I will be posting more photos in 2010 :)
Happy new year & happy knitting!
Dewey Cabled Pullover in Progress
I’ve been working on this baby sweater pattern from Vintage Baby Knits for a while now. The Dewey Cabled Pullover was adapted from a vintage 1941 pattern, with its boatneck, 3/4 sleeves, and classy cable detailing, I decided to make one for myself. Instead of knitting it in baby-scale, I decided to use larger needles and worsted weight yarn to make this sweater. I’m using KnitPicks’ Shine Worsted in color Green Apple, one of my favorite colors. I’m about 3/4 done on the body, then I’ve got the sleeves to go. I think this will be a great top for Fall, and I can definitely wear it with jeans or work trousers. I can’t wait to finish!
This will probably be the last knitting project I’m doing for myself this year – I have got to start knitting for the holidays!
This is my 2nd knitting project for the summer, St. James by Tonya Wagner at MetaPostModern Knitting. It’s a really lovely fit that reminds me of vintage sweaters from the 60s. Plus I just had to knit it because I love anything with a bow.
The Lace Stitch Cardigan is finally finished. Hooray!
I finished the cardigan last weekend but haven’t had time to properly block it (shape it into place) until yesterday. I love my new blocking mats from KnitPicks. I had considered purchasing blocking boards, but they are much more expensive and take up a lot of space. The KnitPicks mats come in 12″ x 12″ squares and store nicely in my craft room.
Now I just have to wait until Christmas to give it to my Mom-in-law. I hope she’ll like it!
Everyone who knows me knows that I adore vintage styles. If I could, I would love to travel back in time to the early 1960s when fashion was classy – with simple lines, sleek silhouettes, and fit that flatters every figure. Whenever I go thrifting, I often go through old books and magazines in hopes of finding old knitting and sewing patterns. One of my most recent favorite finds is this 1963 knitting pattern booklet by Spinnerin:
Isn’t that fantastic? That might as well be Betty and Sally Draper from Mad Men (if you’re not watching, you’re totally missing out on one of the best TV shows ever – Season 3 premieres Sunday, August 16th)!
And yes, I got it for one whole dollar.
This booklet has many great patterns that are perfect for an advanced beginner, and all garments are raglan style, so there is no seaming involved (yay!). I decided to try one of the cardigans patterns to make as a gift for my Mom-in-Law.
So. Adorable.
I started a little over a month ago and now I’m down to the last sleeve, then it’s button bands, block, sew on buttons, and voila! Here is a quick progress photo taken on my iMac:
I am liking it so much I almost want to keep it for myself =)
One of my favorite online yarn shops, KnitPicks.com, is having a Summer yarn sale! I just picked up some great summer colors for a great price – plus you get free shipping if your total goes over $50. My order was $50.22! LOL.
Sale ends a week from now – Thursday, June 18th at 9am PDT so don’t miss your chance!
I love vintage-style knitting and often come across vintage patterns when I go thrifting and flea-marketing. Imagine my excitement when I read about a new book that’s all about vintage baby knits!
Vintage Baby Knits
One look at the beautiful photos and I was in love. As someone who loves knitting for babies, I can’t wait to get my hands on the book and start some new baby knit projects for my friends and their little ones!