It took far longer than I wanted, but pattern #12 for this year (Nordic Kids’ Cardigan) is finally done and published to Ravelry, Etsy, and my website! The 26 charts is what slowed me down, but I wanted the pattern to be easy enough to follow for almost any knitter.
One sample used Lamb’s Pride Worsted, one of my go-to yarns, and for the 2nd sample I used Garnstudio/Drops Nepal.
I haven’t used Nepal in many years, the last time I think was for some socks, so I had forgotten how nice this yarn is, as well as inexpensive. I no longer ask yarn companies for yarn support – I buy all the yarns for my patterns, so cost is definitely important.
I do try to use US grown and processed yarns, but I also love the softness that alpaca lends to yarns, and that means Peru.
Just two more patterns to finish up before the end of December, although ideally I’d like to get them finished in the next 10 days! That may be over-reaching, but I know that once I begin getting and mailing out Christmas gifts and cards, my mind won’t be up to writing patterns!
Knitting, however, continues almost without interruption. And these days, with hubby’s health throwing us curve balls now and then, having things to knit is imperative.
This following cardigan design will likely be done in January, as this is the first sample, and I tend to want to knit 2 samples for sweater patterns. It’s a teaser photo, as it’s showing the WS of the pattern! I’m really pleased with the design, and the yarn (Valley Yarns Becket) is SO soft and cozy. As you can see, it's in 2 blues, white, and sand – one of my favorite color groupings. Can’t wait to wear it!
Personal-use knits tend to be socks – thick, thin, and everything in between! But, this winter, I am adding a larger, personal-use item to the To-Knit list, and that’s a pair of wool slacks. Wool pants on eBay tend to be lined and for going to work. I don't like the former (cold nylon!) and I'm not doing the latter! I have several patterns saved, which I need to study and, very likely, amend.
Many years ago, I knit a pair of EZ’s tights/leggings, long ago deconstructed, when they were no longer needed. If I didn’t need to wear Molnlycke’s Tubigrip from feet to knees to help the legs deal with their inclination towards swelling, I’d just reknit her tights in my now more slender size. These days, though, I need pant legs with a bit of ease - no skinny legged jeans for me!
There’s still time for me to cogitate about what yarn I want to knit them in – Nepal? Alaska? Nature Spun Worsted? Galway? A strand each extra fine merino and baby alpaca? I intend on choosing wisely!
If you’re knitting or weaving holiday gifts, may your yarn never tangle, may your stitches be even, and may your selvedges be a thing of beauty!
Onward!
Dawn
