It was an unusually warm winter in our nation’s capital, and it is looking to be an unusually early spring as well. A few adventurous blossoms have appeared on my Yoshino cherry trees. My daffodils are in full bloom. My peonies are coming up. The camellia that fills one of my yarn room windows is in full flower.
So what in the world was I thinking last week when I started a project using bulky (yes, bulky — I never knit in that gauge) wool/mohair/angora? I mean really. What was I thinking? In my defense, my sister made me do it.
The pattern is a cute, short sleeved cardigan designed by Svetlana Volkova called Taiga. I thought it would be perfect for chilly spring nights. If there were going to be any. Which ain’t happening. So I may not wear this until fall. The yarn I am using is Blackstone Tweed Chunky (65% wool, 25% mohair, 10% angora). It’s heavy. Very heavy. I am so unused to knitting with large size needles; they felt like tree trunks. (U.S. 10)
It’s not quite finished. I need to knit the sleeves, finish the bands, sew down the pocket linings, and add the toggle closures. It desperately needs to be blocked, both for fit and to even out the stitches. Despite everything, I think it’s cute. And if we get a sudden cold snap that sends my flowers into sudden hibernation, I’ll be prepared.
From Susan — I, too, have this on the needles! But we know my knitting time is limited. I also rue my color choice. I am almost done with the colorwork and it is woefully lacking in contrast. I THOUGHT it would work, but it doesn’t. So, I ordered yarn much like Sally’s purple and I will have to reknit the stranded portion.
I have been stalking the blog for weeks…and have been anxiously awaiting knitting news. The wait was worth it… I llllloooovvvee Taiga..It will be my next project…maybe not in bulky
Comment by Maxine — March 15, 2012 @ 6:00 pm
I love Blackstone Tweed, but I’ve yet to use the chunky. I might have to give it a try 🙂
Comment by Cambria Washington — March 15, 2012 @ 7:19 pm
That is one terrific cardi – must queue immediately. And I laughed when you said US10(6mm)needles were huge. I’ve made a sweater on 12mm (US17) needles and one on 12.75mm (confusingly, this is also called US17 – watch out!) and own even larger needles (haven’t used them yet, but bought them “just in case” I needed them someday. . .)
Comment by stashdragon — March 15, 2012 @ 8:21 pm
Lovely! May have to put that one in my queue for my next color work project.
Comment by Denise in Ohio — March 15, 2012 @ 8:52 pm
I put this pattern in my Ravelry cart.
Comment by Sherlda Milton — March 15, 2012 @ 9:27 pm
It *is* cute. But bulky yarn on my bulky body is a no-go. I’m with Maxine – I might even take the idea all the way down to a sport weight and multiply repeats.
Comment by Suzan — March 16, 2012 @ 9:10 am
I also steer away from bulky due to my “fluffy” body…I would be very interested in seeing how this sweater turns out with finer yarns. I wonder if the patterning would draw attention to a person’s middle and if so, that is one area of my body I don’t want to draw any more attention to. It is a cute sweater though.
Comment by Marna Fronius — March 16, 2012 @ 2:13 pm
Why not cap sleeves? Almost a vest. Just a thought. Very nice
Comment by Helen — March 17, 2012 @ 10:49 am
It is cute, and I like your color choices, Sally. Also, like the Blackstone Tweed, but not sure I want to work with it in Chunky. The worsted weight is dreamy.
Comment by twinsetellen — March 18, 2012 @ 9:14 am
This is beautiful. I always love to see what you two talented ladies have on your knitting needles – and you never disappoint. You inspire all of us to be better knitters. Thanks for sharing.
Comment by Barb — March 19, 2012 @ 11:01 am
I have to agree with Barb above. Your post never disappoint. Beautiful creations. Inspires this hard to the core crocheter to …try to knit. Can an old dog be taught new tricks? lol
Comment by Love To Crochet — March 21, 2012 @ 9:27 pm
I.love.this!!!!! Beautiful and inspiring. Just added it to the list!
Comment by Aimee — May 5, 2012 @ 8:34 am