Ski Sweater for Me

I'm usually a monogamous knitter so I can design without being overwhelmed with projects. But just because I confine myself to knitting only one project at a time, doesn't mean I can't also mull over what to make next, right? So here's what I'm thinking...

GGN Norwegian Ski Sweater © Courtney Walters

I found this Norwegian Ski Sweater on ravelry that I just love! That means my next sweater will be for me. I'm going to work this in worsted weight, because I want to go much faster than the fingering weight cardigan I'm currently working. I'm planning to use the Malabrigo Rios in Sand Bank and Teal Feather that bought from Circle of Stitches back in November -- I'm thinking Sand Bank as the main color and Teal Feather as the contrast color. I'm also thinking of knitting pieces flat and making a modified drop shoulder. Plus I'm terrified of steeking.

Malabrigo Rios in Sand Bank and Teal Feather

What do you guys think????

The Commitment Cardigan

To kick things off in the new year, I started knitting a cardigan for Michael. Because I wanted it to be something that he would wear a lot, I asked him to choose any sweater pattern he liked. Remind me that I should think before doing that again. Not that he doesn't have good taste, because he definitely does... I mean, he did pick out a cardigan. I'm just not a huge fan repeating miles of stockinette in finger weight yarn. But just as I am committed to Michael, I am committed to making this sweater for him, no matter how bored I may become while making it. Hence I dubbed this project "The Commitment Cardigan".

A photo posted by Meghan Huber (@newenglandknitting) on Jan 14, 2016 at 5:00pm PST

Despite the fact that I will be knitting only stockinette for the foreseeable future, deep down I'm secretly glad he chose this cardigan. First of all, I love the classic look of the cardigan (Brooklyn Tweed's Longfellow by Michelle Wang), especially in the Forest Heather color he picked out -- not to mention the crazy deal I scored from Knit Picks on the yarn. Secondly, I love Brooklyn Tweed patterns. I feel like I learn a new technique every time I make one of their patterns. Maybe I will also let him choose his next sweater pattern, with stipulations of course!

A photo posted by Meghan Huber (@newenglandknitting) on Jan 24, 2016 at 8:21am PST

Favorites Friday: Hidden Gems

We all know that there are A LOT of patterns on ravelry, enough that you can spend hours wading through the endless number of choices. Sometimes when you dip too deep into the search results, you find yourself stuck in an abyss of horrendous 80's sweaters. Other times, you find gems...

4-3 men's jumper with pattern by DROPS design

4-3 men's jumper with pattern by DROPS design

I wasn't kidding when I said horrendous 80's sweaters haha. Still, I think this one is a gem. Looking past the bumblebee colors and large shoulders, the design has potential. In fact, the knitter of the one and only project for this pattern, FruBendiksen, was able to see this. By using a more palatable combination of colors and adjusting the sweater shape, she came up with this...

FruBendiksen's moded jumper

... a cute, sleek, and modern sweater!! Granted, it appears that the project has been in hibernation for 9 years, and is most likely frogged by now. Nonetheless, it serves as great inspiration that any pattern, even a horrendous 80's sweater pattern, has the potential to be something great.

Aran Style Sweater Pullover by Crystal Palace Yarns

Aran Style Sweater Pullover by Crystal Palace Yarns

Here's another sweater gem I've favorited after a few hours of mindless browsing. I favorited it because of the mix of textures. I think this would make a fun fall sweater a darker color - navy blue or black. Overall this sweater would make a great project, but I do foresee some challenges. First, I think the neckline would have to be changed. Second, the pattern only comes in one size, 36" chest, so if that's not your size, then you'd need to do some math.

I may never make these sweaters, but for now, they serve as great design inspiration for colorwork and textures. Unfortunately I have to stop after two favorites this week, as I have to check that flight to Germany in a few hours. Rest assured that I am almost finished packing :)  

Also a quick update on the Caramel Cardigan since I have yet to any progress pics. Well here you are! I've made some decent progress, and I love how the herringbone detail is coming along. 

Goal for plane.... finish the body!!

Consider this by "Before Plane" progress picture. I'll post the after as soon as get to wifi in Germany. So New England, see you later! I can't wait to share my German adventures with you!