Those are the needle sizes I’ve been switching between all weekend! Wow! It feels very strange but actually is a nice change up. I knit for awhile on Lopi Cardigan and then switch to Lyra.
Here is the Lopi back drying. I decided to block the pieces as I go. I never do it this way, but I just felt like it this time. I kind of wanted to see if the knitted fabric would soften up.
Here is a close up of the shoulder showing the Japanese Short Rows done on shoulder shaping:Â
I rarely shape my shoulders. I do not like shoulder seams (too bulky) and did not like the look of my previous short row technique. I REALLY like Japanese Short Rows: easy and very invisible. Now I can get shaped shoulders AND do a 3-needle bind off! Woo Hoo 🙂
Here is the “Blob” in progress. I have not forsaken Lyra! I am now on Round 130-ish and still in love. There are acres of stitches in each round so I plod away at a snail’s pace.
Here is a bit of pattern close up.  I really do need some longer needles…
The more I knit on this, the more I appreciate the design and its ingenuity. The flowers are sculpted in thread and air — positive and negative space. It is really amazing.
I should finish the Lopi sweater in another week or so and then may work my second Kauni sleeve. I have the need to get some things off my plate, and working on ‘almost done’ stuff is certainly a way to do that!
Rudolph Update:
Apparently, a few of you called Amazing Threads for the Rudy Pattern (they had to start a waiting list!). CiD sent me a lovely thank you with a copy of this pattern — for Elfred, Rudolph’s Sidekick:
Â
AND
 
…this knitter’s accessory bag: you put it around your neck so you can keep all of your knitting necessities close at hand. Thanks, CiD!!
Well, Monday starts another week — hoping yours is great.
To Jess L. and others:
Remembering you this Veteran’s Day.Â
PS in response to question about Japanese Short Rows: I learned how to do them from Nonaknits – check out this link.Â
I feel about blocking the same way I do about swatching. You pull a little, push together a little and you get your numbers 😉 Prefer doing it all at the same time so that I can know which one needs to be pulled!
Elfred’s another cutie. Maybe next year?
Comment by Marina — November 12, 2007 @ 8:28 am
Susan- Maybe you can make an Elf and put him in the bag.
They’ll start whispering “there’s that crazy elf lady”!
Comment by Lorraine — November 12, 2007 @ 10:58 am
I’ve been thinking about Jess all day, too.
Comment by surly — November 12, 2007 @ 12:42 pm
What wonderful projects. The short row shaping on the shoulders of your cardigan is outstanding. Can you recommend a spot to find out about how to do it? Thanks!!
Comment by gail — November 12, 2007 @ 12:52 pm
The elves are cute, but not as cute as Rudolph. I purchased the last Rudolph pattern at Amazing Threads last week and can’t wait to get it and make a few. The subtle pattern in the sweater is great. So where do we learn how to do Japanese Short Rows?
Comment by Ursula — November 12, 2007 @ 1:34 pm
So do you know how much the little pouches are? I might have to head up there and get one of those. Maybe when my name comes up for the Rudolph pattern? Whew, between that and tracking down a Wii, it seems like shopping is hard work these days!
Comment by Smuddpie — November 12, 2007 @ 4:21 pm
Lyra’s looking great! I’m so pleased you are enjoying it. His design ‘rules’ just seem so different from everything else — I spent a lot of time while knitting it marvelling at his genius.
The elves are ALMOST as cute as Rudy!
Comment by Soo — November 12, 2007 @ 5:13 pm
Where is that great cardigan pattern from? it looks really good with the Lopi.
Comment by jane — November 12, 2007 @ 8:36 pm
I have that sweater pattern. I’ll be very curious about how yours turns out. One weird thing – on mine, it looks like the sleeves are meant to be done entirely on smaller gauge needles. Could that be right?
Comment by Anna — November 13, 2007 @ 1:23 am
Well, those two projects together will definitely result in a good case of knitter’s vertigo.
Comment by KarenJoSeattle — November 13, 2007 @ 1:41 am
toooooooo sweet! I called (of course) and ordered a Rudy and Elfren pattern AND the yarn to go with each AND the felted ornaments pattern 🙂 You should certainly be getting frequent flyer miles!!! 🙂
Comment by Michelle — November 13, 2007 @ 7:07 pm
I was one of those that ran off and got the Rudy pattern! I’m so glad i called right away! I plan on making them as Christmas gifts for some of the little ones in my life. :^)
Now, heck, if I’d of known about the Elf, I’d of gotten that one too! well, I’ll have to save the elves for next year, i think my holiday knitting is full…
I had done an internet search and couldn’t find the pattern anywhere, and since I live in Texas…I called your LYS and they sent it right out, they have great customer service!
How wonderful of Cid to send you goodies! Tell them they need a web site for us to order from!!!
Comment by Ronda — November 17, 2007 @ 7:25 pm
Dear Susan, I am about to start my first niebling project, and I have a magazine with instructions and charts written in german. The knitting symbols are quite different from the ones we usually use! So my question is: do the knitting symbols in the Lyra pattern that you used resemble those you usually find in american patterns, or did they look awkward? I feel a bit like I can’t figure out what they mean (I can’t speak german), and was thinking of buying the english lyra pattern to compare. Thanks for your help!
Comment by Luisa — April 16, 2010 @ 9:21 am