[ click for a larger view. ]
With the temperatures in the 90°F+ range, I usually wimp out and decide that I’ve had enough of knitting until the weather turns cool again. This year, however, I’ve been knitting up a storm! I think perhaps it has partly to do with the trips we’ve taken over the past several months, and I’ve started carrying my knitting with me whenever I go out in case I have a few moments of lull in the action–so there have been plenty of opportunities for knitting. So far I’ve managed to finish putting together I 1940s chunky knit cardigan I knit last year (yes, I know… it has taken me over 6 months to put it together!), which I embellished with some pretty glass buttons that my friend E. sweetly gave me. The pattern is from this reprint booklet from Iva Rose, and the yarn is Plymouth Encore Chunky (wool blend) in a lovely tweedy purple. I think it’ll look smashing with my grey wool skirt I made last winter!
[ even the sleeves have a cable each! ]
[ more pictures here. ]
I also knit up a quick little project last week (I find I like having two projects going: one large one–usually a sweater, and a smaller piece that goes together quickly. I’m impatient and like instant gratification!): a 1940s moss stitch turban. It’s quite out of season right now, but I have plans to wear it if we go visit our families in Virginia this winter. The pattern is from the V&A website, and was super easy to make and put together–I rather like how it turned out too! I used a lovely alpaca and silk blend yarn from KnitPicks for this, so it’s super soft and a bit fuzzy.
[ 40s moss stitch turban; more pictures here. ]
I’ve actually got another sweater that I knit earlier this spring being put together right now, so once I have that tucked away there will be more knitting pictures no doubt! I am also trying my hand at sock knitting; something I’ve been eager to try for years but never got around to. I recently checked out Socks from the Toe Up by Wendy Johnson out of the library, and got excited about the possibilities of sock knitting. So I’ve picked out a pattern and went yarn shopping last weekend with E. (who is an experienced sock knitter), and am all ready to get started! We’ll see how that goes–I know most knitters are either wild about sock knitting or dislike it. It’s worth a try though!
So tell me–what creative activities have been taking up your spare time lately?
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Woweeeeee, they are both absolutely gorgeous! Your talents never cease to amaze! I particularly love the turban, its so stylish, certainly beats a beanie for those cold winter days!
The turban is adorable, and I just love the short-sleeved cardigan. Thanks for sharing the link to the V&A – I had no idea they had patterns available for download!
Those are so lovely, Casey! You have such a great aesthetic and those photos are gorgeous. Perfect color choices too!
Yes. amazing as always!
a lovely colour on the cardigan!
Wow!!! I love the colors, and both of those projects turned out so nicely! You must keep me posted on the sock adventure. I just hopped over to the library website, and put in a hold request for that book.
Love,
Mom
I love love love the turban, I’m going to have to give knitting another try!
I don’t know much about sock knitting, but I do know about knit socks: they are the most comfortable socks on earth, if you are wearing shoes for most of the day. Otherwise they stretch out of shape a bit and slide down. Also, I would recommend ribbing them to help them keep their shape.
Man it is far too hot fo me to wear something like that and I sweat so easily with sweaters, but this is so beautiful!! I really like how nicely you pencil in your eyebrows!
Hi Casey, this is the first time i’ve seen your blog and it’s gorgeous! Your chunky knit cardi is beautiful, such a deep colour and it looks so well made. The turban is awesome too and really suits you. I’ll definitely be checking back to see where your knitting takes you next!
City Girl x
These are exactly the reasons why I would like to knit. All those cute knit 1940 cardigans and blouses I’m dying to have. Yours is so cute! The color really does pop!
I’m trying to knit, I really am, it just so slow! My coworker is convinced herself she’s going to teach me, the whole room is pitying her. I’ve only put myself to scarf duty for now.
Gorgeous! You are such an amazing knitter! I love the cable-knit details on the cardigan.
Oh, and where did you get those cute dragonfly earrings?? so cute!
They are both lovely creations
I hope to move on to cable knitting soon as im improving my knitting skills slowly. I am currently knitting this 1940s-50s bolero:
http://www.besthandknitting.com/vintage-knitting-patterns/patterns-for-women/shrug/bolero/shortie/easy-knit-shrug/prod_439.html
its so easy to knit!
look forward to seeing your next knitting projects
LOVELY! I really like that saturated purple on you, it looks great with the red lipstick! Have you seen this vintage pattern:
http://knittiotherapy.typepad.com/a/vintage-patterns.html
It’s gorgeous and I could really see it on you! I am defintiely making one up for myself soon.
CASEY! Lordy! Both of these pieces are just smashing! That vibrant purple is glorious, and I love the sassy shape. And the turban is so GLAM!
Those look amazing! I love that Plymouth yarn; it looks delicious. I hope that you enjoy sock knitting. I think that knitting toe up socks is so much fun and I find it less fiddly than cuff down. There are TONS of great sock patterns out there to tempt you, so many that it is possible to be overwhelmed by your yet to be knit list. Eh, but it is definitely worth it.
The last few days I have put down my “business” sewing and am trying to finish piles of unfinished projects. Feels good.
I love that red turban, it looks so good on you too. I tried knitting. I stink at it and am too impatient for the finished product. More power to you!
That sweater is just beautiful! You GO, girl!
I have yet to knit my first sweater. I have the yarn, and was planning on starting it during last hockey season (I’m a hockey mom – lots of time at the rink from Oct.-March), but then my hubby ended up in the hospital and our lives turned upside down. Now that things are more or less right-side up, I’m hoping to knit it THIS winter! But first I need to learn how to read a knitting pattern…LOL!
I can’t sew in this heat because my sewing space is in the hottest part of our studio building. So instead I’m making earrings and designing fabric to submit to Spoonflower.
I LOVE that sweater, and the turban is lovely! I want the sweater, and it’s like 90 degrees here and it’s only 7.30 am, so that tells you something.
Yesterday I ran up a skirt for my 10yo, a tiered one in two kinds of white eyelet. Very fashionable, everyone seems to have one. We found a very pretty one a little while ago at the store, and it was $40 on sale and completely transparent (I would have had to sew a slip), and I knew I could do better than that!
Six months is nothing–that sweater probably would have taken me six years! What a great turban, too!
I love everything about that amazing sweater! The color is perfect on you and I can totally see it with a gray skirt. Love the buttons, too!
These are beautiful! Purple is an amazing colour on you!
Before I started sewing I used to knit, and I’ve always admired the dedication and craft in knitting since (for me at least) it takes so long to finish a project. Also knitting in summer — something I could never do back then. Good work!
Wow! That sweater is fantastic!
AMAZING!! I wish I had the patience to learn to knit
The sweater is perfect so is your faux bangs 
And the turban is totally adorable on you.
Beautiful purple cardigan! You make me wish I could knit!
casey, i’m in awe – i don’t even know what to say. totally floored here.
This is so lovely! I adore the turban especially. Bravo!
Wow, love the cable detail on the sleeves – fantastic! And I know it’s off topic, but LOVE your hair – almost jealous of that perfect front roll *lol*
About the only creative thing I’ve been doing lately is work related, so…bo-ring!
Keep on keeping on!
Oh so pretty – love the colour of the cardigan!
That purple cardigan is such a stunner! Looks so lovely with the floral skirt. I couldn’t knit if my poor life depended on it, but I can sew ok, haha. I’ve been doing sewing projects here + there, but I love what you do!
Great blog! I will definitely be back – oh! and I dig your throwback hair/makeup. too cute
xo,
raven
That sweater is gorgeous! Oh man, this makes me want to knit. Usually I get really into knitting during the summer and it doesn’t make sense, but this summer I have no idea what to make.
This makes me want to dig out my old Iva Rose book I bought years ago (and probably lost!).
You’re so talented. I whish i could knit something other than holes
Love the turban! Let me know if you decide to knit for others ;D It would be lovely in green or blue to my hair ;D
How cute is that purple sweater? & the buttons? *swoon*. Your hair looks awesome too!
I don’t think I have ever seen a hat like that. At first I was all “hmmmm” then the more I looked, the more I like it. Great job!
I personally prefer crochet, as I am also into instant gratification & crochet seems so much faster than knitting. Crochet has long been known as the ugly step-sister but I find it very lovely. However as far as vintage patterns go, much more knitting.
But you & your projects look lovely.
Erica
danired922.etsy.com
You are amazing! I’ve been following your blog for a year now and this is my first time leaving a comment. Your blog and your lovely projects always inspire me!! I love the cardigan and your hair. You look absolutely beautiful. May be it’s time for me to finish my knitting project that I started 18 months ago :0)
Great pieces Casey! The turban is gorgeous! I can’t wait for Autumn to get my knitwear out!
Oh my goodness, this is amazing!! You are so so clever!! Its my winter challenge next year to teach myself how to knit – I’ve just joined ravelry so I’m hoping that will help me out in the ‘where to get started’ department.
I’m still on a sewing kick and know that knitting will be unbearable in the Sydney heat, so thats my goal for next winter
Not problems about the pattern either – I have rather a few to get through, but am very much looking forward to it. I;ve been drooling over peplum patterns ever since!
XX
Jen
I love the outfit! It is just too cute. Makes me want to out and look for a floral patterned skirt. By the way, what lipstick are you wearing? I know you’ve probably been asked that a million times. lol
LOVE LOVE LOVE the cardigan and its color!!! i want one toooo (but i can’t knit, so boo)
LOVE the turban! I’ve been busy knitting too, which does seem odd because of the weather. But baby stuff has to get done before he/she arrives, right? Currently working on a blanket, but am sooo in love with this baby sweater (http://www.purlbee.com/the-purl-bee/2009/11/7/free-pattern-from-kelbourne-woolens-and-the-fibre-company-th.html) that I think I might have to start making it too.
What do you watch or listen to while you knit? Currently I’m watching reruns of Pushing Daisies – love the sweet vintage inspired clothes!
I too have been knitting! Although nothing as lovely as you’ve been making. The color in that sweater is gorgeous and makes me want to dye my hair darker again just so I can wear purple.
I’ve got two Jack Frost 1940s knitting books but I never knit anything from them because I don’t think they’ll fit (the patterns are only given in one size!) and I’m not knitting savvy enough to apply any sort of shaping.
That cardigan is so cute! I’ve taken up knitting but I’m not very quick, yet. I’m thinking of making a couple of berets from a 1940s pattern booklet…I was eyeing those turbans the other day, though. ;]
-Andi x
You should totally make more and sell them. I love the sweater! I’m gushing over it haha…
both turned out great. Love the turban. The sweater is such a nice pattern and color. Good for you.
Ugh, i’ve been such a lazy crafter lately. I recently got a NOOK from B&N and I seem to spend every spare second reading. I’ve finished all of Jane Austin, Tolstoy, and have moved on to reading new releases.
As always you’ve inspired me to get my butt in gear and tomorrow I’m off thrifting. That always gets my creative ‘juices’ flowing. Thanks again!
You are so so so lovely!
I just want to say that I read your blog all the time but I’m terrible at leaving comments. I promise to get better!
Love Nora Alexa
cute cute cute!!
hair-do tutorial!!!! you should do one that includes a couple of your awesome hair-dos!!!!!!!!!!!!
I adore that shade of purple! It was a beautiful choice. The red turban looks absolutely lovely on you too, and compliments your lipstick as well! I found your blog a few weeks ago when I really started to get back into sewing (I was a beginner with only one project under my belt). Now I’ve sewn a skirt, fascinators, a bag for my cutting board, and have started on a blouse. Your blog not only inspired me to keep sewing when I got frustrated, but also got me to open up my jewelry making boxes and make a few pair of earrings.
I loved the above-mentioned turban so much that I tried knitting one of my own last night. However, I’m not an accomplished enough knitter and kept getting stuck on the fifth row directions. I was hoping to find some guidance in the comments above, but will just have to keep at it or ask my mom for help when I see her this weekend.
Wowee! You’re beyond awesome.
Amazing! The colors and the knitting are so vibrant! I wish I had more patience to sit and knit and finish a garment. Hehe… I have a difficult time knitting during the summer months as well.
I absolutely love the turban. Any chance you’re selling it? Love your blog!
-Desiree, Pop-o-matic Deluxe!
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