So, I buy yarn and I buy books, but it seems rarely the two do meet. Until this year. 2005 will be different.
I will stop looking over the horizon, through the latest catalogs, websites, magazines and eBay to see what there is to see. I will be Dorothy. Not Dorothy looking over the rainbow, but Dorothy after the wizard is revealed. I will look in my own backyard, or closet, or chest as it may be and find that my dreams really do come true right here at home. Well, can't say I'll stop looking, but I will stop buying (for a while).
So, in the spirit of a fresh new year, here are my last purchases for 2004:
Here is our lovely August showing Elsebeth Lavold's Silky Tweed. 40% silk, 30% cotton, 20% merino & 10% viscose. Perfect for SoCal. Love the color. And it was on sale at KnitPicks - 12 skeins for under $60.
I've got this cardigan from her book in mind. The basic pattern is a broken rib, which I like from both a texture and knitting standpoint. The knot work cabling she uses adds great visual interest in what is otherwise a simple knock-about cardi. This counts 1/2 way toward my resolution as it uses a book I have.
Stopped by my lys to pick up needles. Got yarn to go with them.
These are my first pair of BrySpun needles, so I will let you know what I think. I hope the tips will make picking lace easier. And yes, that's more Filatura Di Crosa College yarn. Just love my Flower Basket so I'm going to make another while the pattern is fresh in my brain. This color is so different that I feel both will be useful. I really enjoyed wearing my pink one over the holiday. Guess this too counts as 1/2 a resolution-meeting project since I do have the pattern...
Now, for the 100% resolution-meeting ideas:
Bought this Rowan Yorkshire Chunky on sale last spring. It's got a tight spin that makes it more cord-like than I'm used to handling, but I'm determined to use it. I just love the color. Have tried a few swatches over the year with no luck, but I think I've found a match. Carriebelle made a nice Big Sack Sweater I like, and when I saw hers I realized I already had the book (Stitch n Bitch) on my shelf. Got gauge so I'm on my way. Double resolution met!
A few weeks ago Froggy inspired me to look for this Sidar Denim Ultra after reading her praise for it and seeing her creations. It must be discontinued because it was almost impossible to find on the web. Got lucky and scored 13 balls through an eBay sale in just the color I wanted for less than $5.75 ea including shipping (yeah), so the knitting gods were definitely smiling upon me. Now, what to do with it?
Well, just a day or so ago my mom was telling me that she is finishing up this simple cardigan sweater from Mindful Knitting and saying how much she enjoyed making it. I could use a pattern that was more meditative and less demanding. Swatched the Sidar and it got the ball band gauge with #15s, but the pattern gauge with #13s. I actually prefer the look of the tighter stitches. Like the Lavold cardi above, the pattern isn't particularly trendy/stylish, but it so fits my real life job of matriarch.
Yes, matriach. I'll close for the year with another 2005 resolution: When someone asks me what I "do" I'm now answering "I'm a matriarch." Beats the hell out of housewife or at-home-mom (talk about twisted English - moms are moms). I am taking my rightful place as ruler of this family. It seems everything in this household revolves around me so I'm demanding the respect that is my due. Can you tell I'm reading about Elizabethan London? Bessie had no problem demanding respect and I'm taking her lead (without that pesky virginity clause).
If you like well-researched historical fiction, try these books by Phillipa Gregory: The Queen's Fool : A Novel (which I'm reading now) or The Other Boleyn Girl. When I was in the hospital a friend brought me The Other Boleyn Girl and I was totally enthralled, even through my morphine haze. Thanks Linnea! And oh my, the thrill beyond thrill of finding an author new to you who's published a long list of books! My other new thrill is Liza Picard. Her Elizabeth's London : Everyday Life in Elizabethan London is a perfect companion to The Queen's Fool. She also done books on Restoration and 18thC London.
Won't be posting again until Monday. Happy New Year!
Darn you and reminding me of the stitch n bitch book and the big sack sweater! I just snuck in under the NY Resolution Diet and ordered yarn for it. I got the peruvian highland chunky in a wine color and some in a dark indigo that might just be another banff.
You'll love the bryspun needles. I have a set of dpns that I knit the glovens on. I just love them. They are just wonderful to use and I wish I had more.
Have a very happy new year!
Posted by: Risa | December 31, 2004 at 08:18 PM
how i love all of your projects! but what struck me the most is the matriarch agenda. i think i'll use it myself. just saying it wields some sort of power that i knew i had, anyway, but was nearly impossible to express. i mean, you tell me which sounds better:
i'm a mom with power (sounds like it's begging to be noticed)
OR
i'm a matriarch (that says it all. if i had a moustache i'd stroke one end after i said it. thank God i don't have one)
happy new year!
Posted by: michelle | January 01, 2005 at 06:32 AM
i really want to knit that sack sweater now. i forgot all about it. i need to look at the patterns i have too. i was just thinking about that the other day. love what you have lined up for the new year! wish you all the best in 2005!
Posted by: froggy | January 01, 2005 at 07:09 AM
oooh, drat. More books I need! That sweater in Mindful Knitting is to die for... congrats on your lovely yarn purchase! I love ebay too. Happy New year!
Posted by: Jeri | January 01, 2005 at 08:39 AM
I love my Big Sack!
That color of Yorkshire chunky is awesome. I have started a Fern from the latest Rowan mag in a similar color of Kid Classic - oh so soft and pretty!
You've got lots of great projects going!
Carrie
Posted by: carrie | January 04, 2005 at 07:35 AM