theraineysisters knitting and so much more

I am notorious — notorious — for putting knitting projects aside before they are finished.  Why?  I don’t know.  Maybe it’s because I hate knitting sleeves.  Maybe it’s because something new and more interesting (for the moment at least) came along and pushed it aside.  Now, I often do go back to these projects (which I have nicknamed head start sweaters) and finish them although I confess many do end up in a sort of knitting oubliette never to be seen or heard from again.  (An oubliette was a French dungeon with an opening only at the top so there was no escape.  It comes from the verb oublier to forget.)

Today, I’m going to share three sweaters that have been put aside but are not in the oubliette.  I expect to finish all three within the next few weeks.  For realsies!  You will see them in all of their raw, unblocked glory.

First up:  Tapestry Wrap designed by Marie Wallin and knit out of her beautiful British Breeds yarn.  This was the project for her Fairisle Club 6 and you may remember that Susan made it as well.  I finished all of the knitting months ago.  But I realized I needed additional length for the collar lining and I just never got the motivation to undo the bind off and knit those extra rows.  I finally made myself do it and now I need to weave in ends and actually sew the collar lining down.  Here is a photo.  Sooooo close to being wearable.

Next up is Hinterland by Jennifer Steinglass.  I am on the hem and then I have the dreaded sleeves.  The sleeves in the original pattern are patterned at the cuff and I can’t decide if that’s too much or not.  That’s my excuse for not finishing but I plan to steamroll ahead.  I’m using the Fibre Company’s Arranmore Light in the color Meara for the background and Spincycle Dyed in the Wool in Salty Dog for the color work.  I did a provisional cast on at the neck so I guess I have to figure out how to finish that, too.  Sigh.

Last, but certainly not least, is Tia Teva designed by Carol Sunday.  It’s a really interesting pattern that places fair isle in short row sections.  I’m using Carol’s Eden yarn in Twig and Storm.  I’m on the sleeves.  I started one, thought I’d made a mistake (which I hadn’t — d’oh), and ripped back.  When I picked up the sleeve for the second time, I didn’t like the pick up I did which is why poor Teva ended up near the oubliette door.  However, I love the pattern and plan to make myself finish the sleeves ASAP.

So — does anyone else have a knitting oubliette?

All business in the front and party in the back!  My Color Block Go-To Cardigan is finished and has been worn twice!!  It’s a simple, non-showstopper, but very wearable sweater.  Lightweight and perfect fit.  I made some fairly significant mods: added pockets and did the sleeves top-down/set-in vs bottom up seamed (see my Ravelry project page for details).  I sewed the buttons on using my “large bead as shank” method, using turquoise-colored beads.  It’s cute because you see an unexpected little color burst when you look down!  Oh, and I did not do a sewn-on buttonband!  Ugh!!

I used three shades of Rowan Felted Tweed: Boulder for the fronts, Treacle for the sleeves, and Turquoise for the back.  I love my color choice!!

The pattern is from Churchmouse and quite expensive, but it’s well written and gives a lot of details for the more novice knitter — and they were for the most part good tips!!  This will definitely be a sweater that I wear and wear again!!

So, I finished my hat/mitts from the Progressive East End Project Mystery KAL.  The original pattern was for mittens, but I chose to do mitts instead.  Good thing because I did not have enough yarn to knit more!!

It’s a cute set and fits well.  I made the large hat, and used my standard crown decreases (from my Gansey Hat for Everyone pattern).  I started the large mitts but they were way too big, so I ripped and knit the smaller ones.  Still a little big, but cute!!