Well, not much. Both Surly and I are working on some ‘stealth’ projects, though mine will be wrapping up very soon.
As I was looking through some old boxes the other day, I ran across this little baby blankie. I knit it in the 80’s, before I knew if and when we would become parents. So, each stitch was knit out of love for a baby not yet born.
After our girls joined our family, they both used this blanket to play with their dolls, so when I happened upon it, it was in kind of rough shape! I washed it, but it still looks pretty rough. I used [crappy] acrylic yarn — it was for a baby, after all! — and it is now fuzzy and pilled. But just finding that blanket was like stepping into the past and returning to a time of anticipation and unfettered optimism — the kind of optimism you can only feel before reality sets in!!
I am thinking about my next project and am narrowing it down. I did buy yarn today so THAT part is taken care of! One candidate is the Alexandria Cardigan, which I highlighted a week or so ago and the other is the Jali Cardigan from Summer 2010 Interweave Knits. I bought Shepherd’s Wool in a natural off white. This yarn is deliciously soft and knits up beautifully. I really like it! I know off white sounds boring, but I keep wanting to grab a cream-colored cardi and do not have one! Now I need to swatch and think…
PS to those with questions about the source of this lace pattern: The pattern stitch is called Rose Trellis Lace and is in the first Treasury of Knitting Patterns by Barbara G. Walker. It is written in long hand notation (all 44 rows!) instead of charted. At the time, I was not a lace knitter and charts were a rarity. Now, the first thing I would do is to chart it. By doing so, I know I would have made some changes (such as not starting partial patterns along the side edges). I can’t even believe I sat there reading each line as I worked this, but I remember having that piece of paper with me and following along!!
PPS: Alexandria won!
Oh my gosh! That looks absolutely beautiful, even if it is made out of acrylic yarn. Back then that was our only option. My children still have the blankets I made for them, all acrylic but still in use and well loved. Great pattern! What is it called or is it something you just whipped up! You should make each one a new and improved version for their babies!
Comment by Patti — June 4, 2010 @ 6:36 pm
Loved the blankie story – our past pops up in the strangest places, doesn’t it? You will love your white/off white cardigan. They are so handy and go with everything, especially in the summer!
Comment by Chloe — June 4, 2010 @ 8:27 pm
The blanket is a lovely pattern, and it is beautiful at this distance no matter how well loved.
I just bought a boat load of a natural cream-colored wool, too. I completely understand the attraction.
Comment by twinsetellen — June 4, 2010 @ 10:14 pm
Jolie histoire ! Je vote pour alexandria.
Comment by Dorothée — June 5, 2010 @ 12:50 am
That is a lovely lace pattern.
Comment by Cathy in Eau Claire — June 5, 2010 @ 7:11 am
I vote for the Alexandria Cardigan for selfish reasons. I really want to make it too and I know you will have great comments on it!
Comment by Claudine — June 5, 2010 @ 10:36 am
What lovely memories when finding a knitted keepsake! I love the Alexandria cardigan. It is visually interesting and timeless. Can’t wait to see which one you knit.
Comment by Jane — June 5, 2010 @ 11:02 am
It looks lovely. I think it still looks pretty darn good considering it went through two children!
Comment by Walden — June 5, 2010 @ 7:26 pm
Beautiful blanket.
Comment by 2muchfun — June 6, 2010 @ 7:57 am
It’s not rough, it’s well loved, the way all hand knits should be.
Comment by Tiny Tyrant — June 7, 2010 @ 3:49 pm
Loved the blankie story. Mmm. makes me think about blankies I’ve made.
About the cream sweater….bet you make the Jali Cardi tooo. LOL It is beautiful.
I love both patterns, it would be hard to choose.
Comment by Annie C — June 8, 2010 @ 6:49 pm
That is a lovely blanket/afghan pattern. I think it held up quite well. How can I find that pattern, you don’t rarely do you see such lovely designs.
Comment by kellistarr — June 16, 2010 @ 11:37 am