Knitwerk

Hooray, I finished a sweater. It was started in March but I didn't work on it continuously although I really tried to be monogamous with this one. It's called Sweet, a design by Kim Hargreaves in Rowan no. 26, another great book by Rowan. Here's mine:


I made it in Sunday Knits' Nirvana, which I really liked working with. It can be knit on a smaller needle for sure, but I used a US 4, which gave a nice fabric, not too airy and not too stiff. The sweater fits well but isn't skin tight as you can see below. It seems many sweaters and sweater patterns these days are really quite tight, but I don't like that for me.


I also got a new knitting book I'm excited about. After listening to a review of it on the Electric Sheep podcast (Episode 49), I happened to find a copy to browse through at my local Barnes and Noble. The book is Simple Knitting by Erika Knight. Even though it's got all the beginner how-to knitting instructions in front--which I think is rather a waste of space in these days of the internet--I still wanted it because the projects are all really great. Of course I didn't buy it at full price, I found a used copy on Amazon for eight bucks.


The projects are done mostly in neutrals, which I love, with most of the interest in simple stitch patterns or low-key stripes. I'm awfully tempted by the v-neck pullover you can see in the picture of the American version of this book (the British release is nicer, with a plain cover), and there's a boyfriend cardigan I've got the right amount of alpaca for. In addition, there is an awfully cute blanket with stripes, and some chair cushions.


I also finished a baby Aviator hat for a co-worker at the yarn shop. It's done with less than one ball of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran in a lovely butter color (more yellow than the photo). The baby shower is this morning, so I'd better get that button sewn on!