Girl Who Knits - blithe

Blithe finished

noreply@blogspirit.com (Erin) — Sun, 6 May 2007 23:25:00 -0600

Yes, Blithe really is finished...

I tried to think of a really clever way to write this post but was at a loss. I asked Kara for inspiration and she told me to "let the sweater speak for itself." Who am I to argue with that?

Hello my pretty knit.

The ribbed sleeve is one of my favorite design features.

Other favorite design feature, the ribbed pattern on the front and down the button bands.

The back of the sweater. Obviously.

I realized today how rare it is that I actually knit a weather appropriate garment in time to enjoy it for the whole season. And here it is, warm weather around the corner and I have the perfect cap sleeved cotton shirt ready to wear. Yea me!

The stats:

Pattern: Blithe

Source: Kim Hargreaves, Shades of Pale Collection

Yarn: Rowan Cotton 4-ply, Steel Blue

Needles: US 1 & 2 straights

Mods: I extended the length of the body by adding about 2 inches to the straight rows after decreasing for the waist.

Notes: As far as the fit of the sweater goes, hands down this is the best fitting sweater I have knit. Kim's design is really well written and easy to follow. I will not hesitate to buy a kit from her again. The yarn is both nice to knit with and makes a great fabric. And the design of the sweater is both modern and classic. Anyone who is contemplating this knit, I give it an enthusiastic thumbs up.

Did I mention yet that I love it? Quite a lot actually. A little secret about me is that I am rarely pleased with a knit when I am finished with it. I am a perfectionist and very hard on myself which means I am never quite satisfied with the end product. This shirt, however, was a different story as soon as I put it on. I am simply happy with it. That in an of itself is really something.

Yet another profile shot to add to my collection.

Monogamy

noreply@blogspirit.com (Erin) — Tue, 1 May 2007 11:44:28 -0600

I have been very monogamous lately. No wondering eye or even a fleeting temptation. From the moment I cast on for Blithe, I have been wholly committed. Oh wait, I did knit those baby booties...but that doesn't count right? It was gift knitting. (Oh my goodness, I cheated without even realizing it. And now I am justifying it. Yikes, I am one of THOSE guys.) Oh well, let's pretend the baby booties didn't happen. Monogamy suits me I think. Stuff gets done.

See Blithe blocking...

Sorry for the bad picture but you get the idea. The two pieces at the top are the wee little cap sleeves. I can't wait to show you the cute ribbing on them. I will try and seam tonight and will for sure have a FO post by the end of this week. Yea!

So what's next? (Perhaps I am more aptly described as a serial monogamist.) I was going to tackle the Dollar and a Half Cardigan but I am not really in the mood thanks to the changing season. I am thinking I might wait until the end of summer so I can have it for the fall. So instead, I am thinking...Bella. This is a new Norah Gaughan pattern from Interweave and you want to hear the best part? It is FREE. Honestly, I am shocked this is one of the free web patterns. I love the elegance and details of this top. It is so beautiful. Seriously, do yourself a favor, open the pattern and scroll to the bottom for pictures of the collar and cap sleeve. You're welcome. I will try to make it to my LYS in the next couple days for yarn. Anyone want to join me? I can't wait to start, which means that it was time to move on I guess.

Please don't feel abandoned Blithe, we had some great times. Sorry about that weekend with the booties.

Words

noreply@blogspirit.com (Erin) — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 22:05:00 -0600

Words are a powerful tool. I was reminded of this through several events recently--the last being Imus and his ignorant, racist, and sexist words said on the radio. Words mean something. They can hurt, heal, uplift, degrade, clarify, mislead, and empower. After some reflection on words this week, I am resolved to use mine more carefully.

There. I said my peace about the heavy stuff. Now onto the knitting. All this talk about words...for some things however, I have no words.

(Sigh.)

And close up:

I think Kim Hargreaves should be my new best friend. You hear that Kim? BFF's forever.