I showed Steve a picture of this sweater pattern and said - see - isn't it beautiful! I'm going to knit it with this fluffy yarn.
He Said: I don't think you should knit that. I don't think it will look good.
She Said: Nothing (she's a smart lady) and knit it anyway. Because it would feel good.
Therein lies the differences between the sexes. Most men are visually oriented and most women are feelings oriented. Even if I ended up looking like I was wearing something that the cat spat up I would be happy lounging about the house in it. Paramount to me is how will it feel. Will I like putting it on? Will I feel like flouncing about the house it in? Yes yes yes!!! I love it. I even think it looks good, but then I'm bias.
Between you and me, Mr Puffy had told me in private that he thought it would both look good and feel good. Mr Puffy has such good instincts.
This is an extremely basic sweater design by Kim Hargreaves but she makes it special with two of what I think are her signature design features. Shaping and finishing detail. This sweater is designed to be form fitting with a relaxed yet elegant appearance. The elegance is achieved with the beautiful filigree neckline.
While it is a very basic knit, but there are several small things that I did to help the "finished" sweater have a polished look, rather than making me look like a purple polar bear. First, I ignored the advice to do a gentle steam block. Instead, I did a full wet block and while it was still wet I used my hands to press the fabric into a flat smooth surface. I did that several times during the course of the drying. I think this helped the fabric have a nice sheen, open the stitches, and lay flat. Second, once it was sewn together, I did a targeted steam block of the neckline to encourage it to lay flat rather than allowing the fabric to follow the natural roll of the stockinette.
It's a warm material (heavy gauge mohair/silk) however the open stitch work keeps it light and comfortable to wear. Even here in sunny Southern California.
Particulars: Calm; HEARTFELT The Dark House Collection by Kim Hargreaves; 5 skeins Rowan Kidsilk Aura; Needles: US 10; 10.5; & 11.
Mr Puffy Update
Mr Puffy is a miracle of modern medicine! He continues to bring joy and love into our lives. It's amazing how well he has responded to the chemo medication. I wanted to show you him running like the wind on the sand.... but it's hard to capture that.
I do better with still life.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday season and may I recommend Calm after the storm of activity. Whether your calm is a soft sweater or a nice cup of hot cocoa ~ enjoy. Until next time be well, love well, and happy knitting.
