Why, hello and happy August, friends! Things have once again been a bit topsy-turvy around here (health related stuff… I’m okay, but it’s just an ongoing issue that is putting a serious cramp in my mojo!), which just leads me to the conclusion once again that this year is not my year for consistent blogging.
I can’t believe the summer is nearly over–though I am a bit glad that in the next few months the weather will cool down and autumn will start to make an appearance. That is my hands-down favorite season, and I have a ton of plans (and ideas!) for the autumn and can’t wait for it to come!
Judging from previous posts on knitting, it seems many of you also enjoy this particular handcraft. I’m a bit of what I call a “seasonal knitter” (and a slow one at that!): during the spring and summer I seem to loose my knitting steam. But come August, my fingers start itching to hold some knitting needles and fuzzy yarn, creating a few things to keep me (or family) warm during the coming fall and winter. So almost on cue, I found myself at the local yarn shop down the street the other day, dreaming of some upcoming projects and browsing all the beautiful fibers. (So many yarns, so little time to make everything I want to!)
A ball of yarn did come home with me–nothing special, but seemed perfect for a knit beret that I needed. I seem to have only knit red and bright pink ones in years past for myself, but not all my coats work well with those colors. (Yes, I am too picky about color coordination!) So I grabbed a ball of this pretty white (Cascades 220 Superwash) and paired it with a lovely cabled beret pattern (available free here; Ravelry page here). I’ve been tinkering away the last few evenings on this project, watching the cables forming and enjoying the rhythmic and calming nature of knitting.
Do you have anything you’re knitting right now? Daydreaming about a new project?
Next Comments →
I’m knitting a White LIes pattern in a cotton tape yarn for the Ravellenic Games on Ravelry. it’s a beautiful yellow tape yarn and the lace collar will be in a contrast white. I hope to get it done while it’s still summer!
I’m a seasonal knitter too…only knit when its cold and miserable. lol!
I am new to knitting & still on simple projects. As summer has not really happened here in the UK I have continued my knitting through the summer months. Currently I am working on a knitted notebook cover in a really interesting recycled cotton yarn which is very tactile & working really well. Nice to hear from you Casey I hope you are back to full health really soon.
I’m a fairly new and very slow knitter as well, but I really enjoy it! After a series of ‘easy’ projects like scarves/snoods and so on, I decided to tackle a 40s sweater from A Stitch in Time Vol.1 – it’s taking me forever, but I’m loving the process so much…I now just have the front left to do: http://asewingodyssey.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/panelled-effect-ladys-jumper-progress.html
I’m also a sewer who knits…and things take me forever! I just finished the Sketchbook Cardigan after fifteen months, and next I’d like to tackle a vintage pattern that Liz posted: http://zilredloh.com/2012/03/30/bias-knit-sweater-pattern/ That’s it for the big stuff, though; I like doing little scarfy things and hats that I can finish in a week or two!
I’ve been working on a few things. A baby sweater for my cousins new wee one (Helena from Knitty) and I’m spinning yarn for a blanket for my SISTER’s upcoming baby. Kind of have a theme going.
Love the beret! I may have to start one ^_^
I have too much yarn lying around. I find balls of yarn in many strange places at home. Under the couch, the kitchen table, and in various drawers and cabinets. They are however never in my knitting basket, where they should be, simply because it is full. It’s time and do something about it! I have therefore decided not to buy any new yarn until I have used up what I have. I call it “The leftover yarn challenge”
http://www.ywea.net/the-leftover-yarn-challenge/
I am a seasonal knitter also, and have just started thinking of cowls, shawls and such that might take some of my more springy or summery clothes into fall. I can’t wait to get going on something. I bet your beret is going to be beautiful – I hope you find time to post the finished project!
Oh man, I love Cascade 220. Favorite yarn ever – so many pretty colors & such a good price!
I still haven’t knit myself a hat yet! I find this funny because most people start off with hats & scarves… I just went straight for the sweater lol. I do like this hat pattern, and I’ve been looking for something to work on when I finish my current (third!! Another Agatha
) sweater, so I will be bookmarking this.
I knit differently depending on the season. Right now I’m working on a cotton and model yarn that is perfect for warmer weather. I don’t like the feel of wool when it is hot out. (Although we have not had much hot weather this summer in Seattle.) In the cold months I usually knit wool socks.
I’m definitely a winter knitter, because it is so hot and muggy here that I don’t even want to think about wool. I scrapbook and make cards during the summer instead (well, that and spend waaaay to much time on Pinterest!). I hope you are back to peak health soon!
I’m really sorry to hear about your health. I hope the rest of this year and next brings you lots of health and happiness!
I am dying to try a 1940′s cardigan, like the mustard one that Solanah made and shows in several photos on her blog. I have the yarn, just need the time!
I”m usually a constant knitter, although it has slowed this sumer quite dramatically. I did pick a project for the Ravellenic games. It is a nautical top designed by Patons and I’m knitting it with their silk bamboo yarn. It’s really delicious to knit with. I’m hoping to be done before the end of the olympic games and I will be very satisfied with mysel indeed if I can make it. So far, I’m done with the front, 3/4 done with the back, and the sleeves should go very quickly by comparison.
Oooo, this hat has been in my Ravelry queue for awhile – I can’t wait to see your version! I’m knitting a pair of mitts that came with my Soakbox (yarn, matching polish, Soak & Lotion).
I’m working on my first cardigan right now, and also my first time doing cables! I love it:-) That hat looks like it will be darling! I may need to try something like that. I recently was given some gorgeous teal-blue silk/bamboo yarn that needs a project.
I can’t wait for the Autumn either. I have just recently moved to a place where the leaves actually change, and I can’t wait to see them. Knitting seems like the perfect Fall/Winter activity especially when paired with some hot tea or cider, and a good BBC film:-)
I just got the knitting bug again (though summer over here has been pretty non-existent anyway). I’m trying desperately to finish up the Sun Ray Ribbing jumper from A Stitch In Time V.1, a project I started in January that’s been staring at me from the shelf ever since. But I picked up some wool from the charity shop a few days ago that I want to knit up, so I’m making myself clear the UFOs first! I’d also like to make myself a hat or two this year, and I’ll probably start on a couple of gift knits soon that I have planned for Christmas.
I tend to knit smaller and less… umm… wool-ly things in the summer! Bibs for babies and hanging towels are fun and quick projects that don’t involve sitting under a hot blanket of knitting
I may give beret a try though, thanks for sharing!
Ah, I’ve tried twice to take up knitting, but I don’t think it’s for me! I’ve thought about investing in a knitting machine though if I can cobble together the funds.
Sorry to hear you’ve had some health troubles, hope you’ll feel better soon!
xx Charlotte
Tuppence Ha’penny Vintage
I have knit half a cardigan for my baby due in October but I have stalled on it a bit. It’s plain old stockinette so it got a bit boring. I just crocheted 3 rattles shaped like owls though and am crocheting a beanie for another blogger.
I’m having more than one project on my needles right now. The last one I started is a shawl in a mystery knit along, I also have a lace scarf and a top on which I work from time to to time. This sums up the main difference to sewing for me: I always just sew one piece at a time, while I have different things I knit. And as knitting is more portable and can be done while meeting other people and in smaller chunks, I don’t have the impression of slow progress.
I know all too well about how medical issues can greatly effect one’s ability to blog, and am deeply sorry that you’ve been contending with an ongoing health problem lately. If you ever need any one to chat or vent to, I’m here for you.
I don’t knit myself, but I do love a good sweater or cardi, and much as you feel the urge to start knitting again this time of year, so too do I feel the call of cozy, lovely sweaters as autumn rounds the bend once more.
♥ Jessica
I use to knit when I was younger…..never got very good at it; I just made simple stuff like scarves. But, now I’ve started taking it back up again, and am looking forward to a bunch of projects! Right now, I’m getting an early start on Christmas presents by knitting some colorful dish towels.
Welcome back! Sorry you haven’t been feeling well.
I’ve also been stalled on a knit project for awhile. I started knitting Eunny Jang’s Venezia Pullover several months ago and haven’t really felt like working on it much lately. I finished both sleeves and forced myself to knit the bottom band on the body but that was as far as I got until the other day. As I was sitting watching the Olympics I talked myself into picking up the project and at least setting up the stranded sections. I think the problem with this one is that I recharted it to 2 colors and have to use my Excel chart so it’s not exactly portable.
http://www.interweavestore.com/Knitting/Patterns/Venezia-Pullover.html
I also have a basket of yarn sitting by my couch with a couple projects in it and I haven’t been motivated to work on any of those either. I certainly understand your “seasonal” knitter classification!
I do hope you feel better soon! Inspired by the vintage style blogs I read, I’ve been knitting an Audrey in Unst cardigan, but it’s been side-lined by my Ravellenics project for the last week. Knitting is so therapeutic when you feel poorly, and that’s a lovely pattern.
Oh, I am so excited to see how your beret turns out! I am dearly hoping to learn to knit this fall/winter, and the way you talk about it makes me anxious to learn!
It’s sort of funny how certain crafts seem appropriate for certain seasons (knitting/crocheting for fall/winter, sewing for spring/summer) 
Thanks for posting, I love following your blog!! Your so inspiring!!
Charlotte Boyer
I just started a knitting project, too! I made a bag out of the body of an old sweater (super cute!) and unraveled the sleeves, which I’m using to make boot toppers, and fingerless gloves if there’s enough left over!
I’ve only been knitting for a year, but I really enjoy it. Sometimes I would go a month or more without making anything. But I have been on a serious knitting kick this summer, of all times. Very inconvenient, as I haven’t been able to use anything I’ve made over the past couple of months. =) I recently finished my first hat. Right now I’m working on the scarf like the one in the film Penelope (one of my favorite films). After that, I think I might attempt my first pair of socks.
I’m still not to the point where knitting is relaxing for me (not like embroidery is), but I’m getting there slowly! =)
I’m a seasonal knitter as well. I haven’t been knitting for very long and I really noticed this year that I had absolutely no knitting ambition this summer. At my weekly knit and chat group I was mostly chatting!
I’ve just cast on a baby sweater for my BIL. I too have started thinking about making myself a new scarf or cowl for the winter.
I’m a sporadic knitter at best, i only knit when i see something i really want to make. Right now i’m finishing a scarf for my husband, halfway through a cropped sweater for myself and have just ordered yarn to knit a skirt. My knitting mojo is waning somewhat seeing as here in the Southern Hemisphere we are heading towards spring and I’m thinking of all the summer sewing projects I want to make a start on.
Welcome back to knitting! Cream is such a lovely colour for a hat. The pattern looks really nice, I’ve admired it for some time. Sorry to hear about the health issues being a bother – focus on health first, and allow the blogging to be fun rather than obligatory (I’ve had to tell myself this!). Hopefully, the knitting will be therapeutic! xK
I’ve just finished a pair of 1930s baby bootees, and have cast on a late 40s/early 50s cardigan. (I’m not sure exactly; the book is definitely post-war, but the styles don’t have a classic 50s look.) Because it only came in one bust size, I’m resizing the pattern to fit myself, which is always scary!
Looks like it’s going to super cute!
I hope you’re ok! Sending healthy vibes your way!
I’m into knitting at the moment – partly because Ive joined a little group of knitters who call themselves ‘The Chronicles of Yarnia’ (so great!) I will have to blog my progress (also slow); I am making a little burgundy cardigan.
I have what feels like a billion baby projects in the ‘ol knitting queue, but I also SO need to squeeze in some kind of seasonal project, otherwise it’s going to winter before I know it and I’ll have a newborn and no time to make new mittens!
Everybody has been having babies over the past twelve months or so, so I’ve been a veritable baby blanket machine. I love old vintage patterns and have a lot of vintage books. I’m on my last baby blanket (for now) and then I think I’ll make something different, something not a blanket.
That is a great pattern, thanks for sharing the link. I see you are using DPNs, have you tried the magic loop method? I have just started using it and it is so much easier and faster than DPNs. If you haven’t I highly recommend you google the technique and give it a try. I have just completed sleeves in record time using this method, no more dropped stitches off the end of the needles! I hope you health issues get sorted out soon, best wishes
I’m a seasonal knitter too!
I’m actually making some dishcloths for my kitchen at the moment, but I’m preparing my list of Christmas presents to make and which ones I’d like to knit. (I always make 1 nice handmade present for all my loved ones for Christmas. Only store-bought things for picky people or who I’m not sure would like for Christmas! lol)
I love knitting & am also very slow – you should see what my mother-in-law can whip up in an afternoon (it would take me months!). I’m currently finishing off a cardigan – hopefully finish soon. Good luck with yours & hope you’re starting to feel better. x
I came to knitting before sewing, so I maintain many projects on my needles; I currently have a scarf called Wingspan, a large tote bag for felting, a cover for a Swiffer mop, two pairs of socks, a silk and wool sweater with a lovely leaf pattern, and a baby’s hat. I love the more immediate gratification of sewing, but knitting is so calming (repetitive motion meditation, anyone?). I knit when I need to unfocus and relax, and I sew when my brain needs to pay close attention to something. If I want to combine the two mental states harmoniously, I knit intricate lace or cables. Or I tackle some design work if I need to blow my own mind for a while, in either craft!
I’m working on Celestite by Cecily Glowik MacDonald. Slow going with sock yarn and size 5 needles but I just got to the point where I’m about to separate the sleeves from the body.
Hi! I love to knit and have tons of patterns on my queue list on Raverly. I currently knitting a Damson shawl by Ysolda Teague and working on two spring/autumn cardigan. The last winter I’ve completed 5 cardigan, I love them all. I discovered your blog only 2 months ago, and didn’t know you’re a knitter too. Happy to see you and Sarai at Raverly too!
xoxo, Giusy
That’s going to be a lovely, versatile beret.
I too have been getting the itch to knit once again. While I don’t consider myself a speedy knitter,* somehow* I have over 3/4 of the body of a jumper completed. I can’t wait to finish and wear it as soon as the cool breeeze kicks in. Ravelry Page here (along with Pattern): http://www.ravelry.com/projects/zilredloh/accessory-for-your-spring-suit
I crochet pretty incessantly, but most of the time I just make kippot/yarmulkes. I always mean to make something with a different pattern, and only actually carry through with that every so often.
I`m currently finishing a blanket for my daughter, a series of squares with diamond and fancy patterns alternated, in grey, white and purple. Before that it was a lovely Aran sweater for a baby, my first fancy project with Cascades 220 Superwash – so I have some yarn left and will try this beret as well. Which size DPNs are you using on the picture? 6 or bigger ? I have size 5 and 7 DPNs and would love not to have to buy another set right now. Also in project is a pair of slippers for my daughter, just found gorgeous bulky wool on sale, hand dyed with plenty of bright colors.
I have several projects going on right now. Several scarves and hat sets, as well as a light blue hat I am currently working on. I just do simple, basic ideas and work from there. I don’t use a pattern for any of them, but they come out looking good. I cannot follow patterns at all. Have you ever had this problem? I made a scarf and hat, out of yarn that was inspired by the colors of autumn. Haven’t completed it yet. I am hoping to get a brown coat soon, but who needs a coat in Southern California?
I really want to learn to knit! This is so encouraging!
That looks like it will be quite pretty! I never learned to knit…my grandmother taught me to crochet.
Laurie
Oh dear! I hope you start to feel better soon!
Hi Casey, hope you are feeling better. I have found the same thing about knitting in August and have started my first wintery project recently too- can’t wait for Autumn!xx
Next Comments →