I love my Bohus. I really do. Even so, I was getting a little tired of knitting the body and the single sleeve I started. The cure: baking.
Thousands of calories later, I still was faced with knitting the rest of my Bohus. Wait! I had an inspiration — I could break it up by turning my attention to the neck. That solution was calorie-free and would also give me a better idea of how the sweater would hang, making it easier to determine the sleeve length. I wanted something that would be soft and cozy looking, but that would also evoke (in spirit if not in detail) some of the motifs of the color work on the yoke. After a few false starts, this is what I came up with (it’s a Japanese stitch pattern):
I plan to do the same stitch (in black) at the wrists. I may also use it at the hem, but I haven’t quite decided on that yet.
In the meantime, as most of you know tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. We won’t be going out because our son (17 years old) comes home tomorrow night from a two-week school trip to Greece and Italy. His flight is conveniently scheduled to arrive at 8:00 p.m. Therefore, we are having a nice romantic dinner at home tonight. Very near my home is an absolutely wonderful French bakery called Praline. They have the best croissants I’ve ever tasted, and I lived in France back in the day. I stopped there this morning to see if there was a small Valentine-y treat I could pick up. I came home with this:
It’s pistachio with chocolate ganache. Kill me now. Death by excessive calorie consumption. Just after I took that photo, these beautiful flowers were delivered for me.
Awww. Aren’t they pretty?
From Susan — I LOVE the neck (as you already know) and, is it just me or do the little gray designs right under the neck look like mini-Eiffel Towers (see close up photo)? Perhaps it is the influence of seeing all the French pics and references in your post!
Comment by lv2knit — February 13, 2009 @ 1:10 pm
The neck, the whole sweater, all of it, simply gorgeous. I cannot want to see how the rest of it turns out.
The flowers are pretty too.
Comment by Tiny Tyrant — February 13, 2009 @ 1:26 pm
That pistachio caloric delight looks amazing. The sweater is not so shabby either. Happy Valentine’s Day.
Comment by rudeek — February 13, 2009 @ 1:38 pm
That is maybe the nicest neck treatment I have ever seen! Unusual for that sort of sweater, (I think, anyway) but exquisite. As is the rest of the sweater as well, I might add.
Comment by Joanna Ryn — February 13, 2009 @ 2:38 pm
Your sweater is looking simply spectacular! I look at it and wish I could actually touch it. Yum! And then to see the pralines – double yum!
Comment by technikat — February 13, 2009 @ 3:15 pm
What a perfect neckline! And, very different from others. I noticed in the Bohus DVD that many of the sweaters actually appeared to have had a split collar in the back with a pearl button and loop closure, which I haven’t seen anyone do yet that I remember. What kind of necklines did you see at the exhibit?
Comment by Nancy — February 13, 2009 @ 3:27 pm
Everything looks wonderful, but your Bohus is absolutely gorgeous! I can’t wait to start mine!!!
XOXOX
Maria
Comment by Maria — February 13, 2009 @ 4:35 pm
Your sweater is simply breathtaking. I love the neck treatment. Are there English instructions or a chart to replicate it?
Comment by Elizabeth Risch — February 13, 2009 @ 7:15 pm
I am in awe of your knitting, and of Susan’s. I’ll just keep plugging away and hope that someday I can do something that beautiful.
Comment by 2muchfun — February 13, 2009 @ 9:18 pm
Your neck design is lovely. And with the angora the sweater should be very warm. You will have something elegant and cozy to slip on during blizzards and cold spells while the rest of us just bundle up and look like Michelin men.
Comment by Valerie — February 13, 2009 @ 10:24 pm
Thanks for the photo of the beautiful neck on Stora Spetskragen. I started it a couple of years ago, but stopped at the dull looking ribbed neck. Now I know in what direction to go:)
Monica
Ravelry id: villaaylle
Comment by Monica — February 14, 2009 @ 5:12 am
Sally, your neckline is beautiful and would make great wrists. It really adds to the design.
Comment by Michele with one L — February 14, 2009 @ 11:48 am
I have a daughter living in Greece while she is attending her final year of University. What a wonderful experience for your son to have spent time in two beautiful and friendly countries!
Your bohus is lovely, I have this kit, it’s been marinating for a while but I think I’ll pull it out and cast on, such inspiration!
Comment by Alison — February 14, 2009 @ 12:55 pm
My eye is drawn back and forth between the bottom motif and the neck – which I think means you did, indeed, evoke the spirit of the sweater. Nicely done!
Comment by twinsetellen — February 14, 2009 @ 1:02 pm
This project has me enthralled. Is it foolish to order a kit and take the plunge without having taken any classes in this technique? It is all I can do not to order one!
Comment by Pixie — February 14, 2009 @ 5:10 pm
The neckline is brillant!!!
Comment by Bonnie — February 14, 2009 @ 6:07 pm
Exquisite!
Comment by Romi — February 14, 2009 @ 8:17 pm
Sally, it is a gorgeous sweater and the neckline suits it perfectly. You are making me think that now is the time to order one of these beauties and finally begin.
Comment by Marsha — February 14, 2009 @ 9:11 pm
Jealous! Why didn’t dad send ME flowers?? Now I am craving Pralines.
Comment by Nora aka Surly's daughter — February 14, 2009 @ 9:19 pm
Your neckline is fabulous! So delicate and unusual. I’ve ordered Japanese crocheting books (still can’t figure them out) but no knitting ones. Would you tell us the title of the book and where to get it?
I’m betting that cake was good to the last crumb.
Comment by Cat P — February 14, 2009 @ 10:27 pm
The neck is soooo perfect!
Comment by Astrid — February 15, 2009 @ 2:28 pm
Incredibly gorgeous bohus! Great job on that neck design.
Comment by Joan in WA — February 15, 2009 @ 5:35 pm
Wow – that sweater is awesome. Dessert is #2 but should be 3 due to calorie count and flowers are beautiful.
Comment by GailR — February 15, 2009 @ 10:29 pm