FO Update: Love Note Sweater

Ah, the ubiquitous Love Note. This ultra-popular sweater pattern from designers Alexa Ludeman and Emily Wessel—the duo of design geniuses behind Tin Can Knits—swept through the knitting community like a fluffy storm when first released in May 2019. Six months (and almost 1500 Ravelry projects) later, it’s still going strong. 

I cast on my version on September 29, and considered it “finished-finished-finished" (to borrow from the “Knitmore Girls”) on October 20.* So, three weeks. It might have been done sooner had I not put it on time-out for five or six days while I stressed out about sleeve and body length. More on that later…

In addition to being fun to make, this sweater liberated some “vintage” yarn from my stash, which feels Oh, so satisfying. The pattern calls for two strands, a fingering-weight wool and a lace-weight mohair/silk blend, which you hold together throughout.  

I used Dream in Color “Baby” (lace/light-fingering weight, 100% superwash Merino, now-discontinued ) in the November Muse colorway, a tonal chocolate brown with navy and burgundy speckles. Holding this together with Rowan Kidsilk Haze in Liqueur yielded a rich, wine color that’s exactly what I wanted. And the fabric is so soft and fuzzy I can hardly stop petting it. 

The fit and style of the finished sweater are terrific, but the jury’s still out on a couple of issues that have nothing at all to do with the perfectly-written pattern and everything to do with my own personal preferences: 

1. Kidsilk Haze sometimes sheds and irritates my nose and eyes. My hope is that holding it together with another yarn will offset that tendency. I’ve worn it a couple of times and it’s been OK, so far. So…fingers crossed.

2. Despite lengthening the body and sleeves by several inches, it still feels a bit short. The sweater is meant to be cropped, but I want a lower hem, and like my wrists to be covered when it's cold out.

Regarding the length: Right off the blocking wires, the fit was perfect, but the fabric seems to be floofing back up again (a technical term). A Google search while I was knitting revealed that superwash wool grows approximately 17 - 20% when washed and worn, though, so I’ll give the yarn a while to relax. I’d really, really, really like to avoid undoing the bind-off (JSSBO) and ribbing to extend the hem, as mohair is a major pain to unravel!

Unblocked

If I could go back and give some advice to Past Me, only change I'd make would be to skip the provisional cast-on in the beginning, use a stretchy CO of some sort, and just start with the neckline ribbing. A few knitters on Ravelry did this, and were happy with the results. 

Or, if I wanted to stick with what the pattern recommends, I'd do the provisional CO the traditional way (holding the live stitches on waste yarn). For this sweater, I worked the cast-on over a circular needle, which is great in theory, but a little tricky when you go back to pick up dual strands of fingering and laceweight mohair/silk. 

The Love Note pattern itself is wonderful—simple, quick to knit, clearly written, and size-inclusive (yay!)—the way Tin Can Knits patterns tend to be. It might be fun to knit one up in a DK-weight yarn. Something with a little alpaca blended in would be cozy, with just enough fuzz to blur the edges, without being super-fluffy. 

Please...just look at the sweater!

I do apologize for the sketchy images. My apartment has a nice view, but it is so dark! Someday soon, before Winter really sets in, I’ll ask a friend to help me get some nicer FO photos in natural light. 

*For the uninitiated, finished-finished-finished means a project is off the needles, blocked, and has all the ends woven in. If buttons or a zipper are involved, those would have to be done, too. In other words, as finished as you can possibly make it. And if you're looking for something to listen to while you knit, the Knitmore Girls' podcast is good fun, and has a backlog of 500+ episodes!

FO Update: Love Note Sweater

Bestowing Warmth, Changing Lives

Yarns: Peace Fleece and Cottage Craft Fine Woollens

Baby, it's cold outside! Many areas in the US have already seen snow, ice, and that shiver-inducing wind that drives the freezing temperatures deep into your bones. I think you know what I mean... I'm chilly just thinking of it (and from the frigid wind that sneaks through the unseen chinks in my 1920's cottage).

But I am a knitter. And when knitters and crocheters think about winter, we tend not to rail (too much) against low temperatures and storms. Rather, we like to imagine working on a sensuous project while curled up with some hot chocolate in front of the fireplace. (Oh, how I long for a fireplace!) Most of all, we yearn to put on those woollies we've worked up over the summer and fall. So, in a way, winter itself warms us.

On the other side of the world, though, hundreds of thousands suffer through harsh winters without the garments they need to stay warm. To make matters worse, many are displaced by war and natural disasters. Hope exists, though, through the efforts of people just like us, who believe that one person can make a difference. Overwhelming, perhaps, but there are many organizations whose goal is to help individuals help others.

My personal favorite, Afghans for Afghans (A4A), is "a humanitarian and educational people-to-people project, inspired by Red Cross volunteers who made afghans, socks, slippers, and other items for soldiers and refugees during World Wars I and II and other times of crisis and need."

Through A4A, knitters and crocheters--warm-hearted and generous as we are--can send hand-knit and crocheted blankets and sweaters, vests, hats, mittens, and socks to the beleaguered people of Afghanistan. Your donations, made with love, "bring comfort and warmth to Afghan women, men, children, and infants who continue to suffer from oppression, war, hunger, poverty, and sickness."

The organization's current campaign focuses on Afghan youths. A4A is asking knitters and crocheters to send accessories and garments for Afghan children and teenagers who attend schools operated by their new partner, Help the Afghan Children (HAC).

According to A4A's website:

Help the Afghan Children has provided humanitarian aid, medical care, education, and hope to the Afghan people since 1993, the height of the civil war. Under the Taliban, they started 17 secret home schools for 425 girls. Since the fall of the Taliban, Help the Afghan Children has built 11 schools in four provinces that serve about 23,000 students. Their mission is to help Afghan children become educated, healthy, and productive citizens who contribute to building their country's civil society.

HAC's programs include: model schools, teacher trainings; and educating children about technology, the environment, and landmine safety. "The girls and boys develop job and social skills. Children plant gardens and learn to care for their surroundings and natural resources." Most importantly, HAC schools provide safe, stimulating, and welcoming learning environments.

For the current youth campaign, A4A is requesting the following items for seven- to 16-year-old girls and boys:

• Vests
• Sweaters
• Mittens
• Knitted Socks
• Hats
• Blankets

Because many regions in Afghanistan suffer harsh winter weather, A4A asks donors to use only 100 percent wool or mostly wool (or other durable, warm animal fiber). For more information, please visit the campaign's guidelines page.

Friends, this is important, incredibly fulfilling work. As you knit or crochet, you can imagine the child who will receive your garment, the excitement he or she will feel at receiving something so beautiful, made by a stranger who cared enough to create such a heart-warming gift.

If so moved, you may wish to say a little prayer (to whatever benign force you believe in) or send a loving wish for the child. Hold the little garment close to your heart and infuse it with love and compassion. Then, when you can, make another and do the same. This is meaningful work. It takes you outside yourself. It can change your outlook on the world and, quite possibly, your life.

PS. While you're on the A4A website, check out this page of gorgeous, Afghanistan-inspired knitting patterns. I love the Afghan Tulip Socks and the Friday Mosque at Herat Sweater! Your purchase supports A4A and the Afghan Widows Education Center's literacy classes for widows and other women in Kabul.

Bestowing Warmth, Changing Lives

On my way home...

Hello, friends,

I've been away for a while, visiting family on the other side of the continent. Time goes so quickly when you spend it with those you love. It will be hard to say goodbye.

BUT...

I also have the most wonderful husband in the Universe, and cannot wait to be back in his arms, to give him a big hug and kiss. Smooch.

So hold tight and be patient. I promise I'll return to my blogging soon -- and even have some brand new patterns to show you! (There's nothing like travel to clear your creative channels.)

Meanwhile: Happy knitting!


BTW: I was just reminded of this story -- about rescued chickens needing, and getting, sweaters -- please check it out. It's a beautiful thing.

On my way home...

What's your pleasure? - Studying the Top 10 knitting patterns

Classic Elite Yarns Alpaca Sox

Mulling over new design ideas, I've lately found myself thinking about existing knitting patterns: Socks, mittens & gloves, scarves & shawls, sweaters, hats... I'm also wondering what knitters (and crocheters) want more of, and what gives them that "been there, done that" feeling.

These days, one can hardly think about knitting patterns without heading straight for Ravelry. After all, it's ubiquitous, a gathering place for patterns new and old. And its pattern database is so wonderfully "searchable".

So I searched.

Harrisville Designs' New England Shetland

I searched all knitting patterns in Ravelry's database (Aug. 20, 2009), filtering out those rated less than four stars (out of five). The results? Telling, though not surprising. The following patterns comprise the Top 10:

1. Fetching (fingerless gloves by Cheryl Niamath)
2. Monkey (socks by Cookie A.)
3. Baby Surprise Jacket (by Elizabeth Zimmermann, available from Schoolhouse Press)
4. Calorimetry (headband/ear warmer by Kathryn Schoendorf)
5. Clapotis (shawl/scarf by Kate Gilbert)
6. February Lady Sweater (by Pamela Wynne, based on Elizabeth Zimmermann’s classic “Baby Sweater on Two Needles,” from Knitter’s Almanac)
7. Saartje's Bootees (baby bootees by Saartje de Bruijn)
8. Noro Striped Scarf (not designed by Jared Flood; he claims only to have written up how he made his lovely 1 x 1 ribbed scarf)
9. Ballband Dishcloth (from ball bands on Pigsah Yarn & Dyeing Co.'s "Peaches & Creme" yarn)
10. Swallowtail Shawl (links to page with PDF download of this beautiful design by Evelyn Clark)

Surprised? I'll admit I was, a bit...

Zephyr Laceweight Wool-Silk

I guess I was expecting a more homogenous result, one showing mostly socks and fingerless gloves, for example. Perhaps with a few lacy knits and sweaters mixed in. Mais, non! What a lovely surprise!

For the Top 10 list includes an intriguing blend of patterns for adults and babies, laces and solids, new and old designs. Most are relatively simple, straightforward knits, proving that a design doesn't have to be complicated to be chic.

And I'm thrilled to see that these are primarily classic designs -- devoid of tricks and fads -- that will last a lifetime (with good care and a wise yarn choice, of course). By classic, I don't mean to exclude the newer designs, like Clapotis, Monkey, or Fetching. Rather, these are new interpretations of generations-old patterns, garments worn by our ancestors to stay warm in cold, drafty houses.

These new interpretations, though, were created with a nod to history -- useful, yet romantic, fingerless gloves, and a scarf inspired by those famously flaunted by Parisian women, for example.

Peach Blossom Scarf ... on a non-Parisian woman.

Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury. -- Coco Chanel

Where is all of this leading? Well, I'm not entirely sure. For me, it's reassuring to see proof that classic designs are ever in vogue, as they're what I enjoy wearing and designing. How this information will affect my upcoming creations, well, we'll have to see...

But I want to know: How about you?
What do you enjoy knitting, wearing, giving, and receiving as gifts?
What turns your head when you see someone wearing a hand-knit on the street?
What would you like more of in knitting patterns?
What designs/techniques are you tired of?

Something to think about... Feel free to PM me on Ravelry or just leave a comment here with your answers. Because while I know how I feel -- I'd love to know more about you!

What's your pleasure? - Studying the Top 10 knitting patterns

Spring! Light! Warmth!

I have utterly succombed to Spring Fever...
That's OK, though. Our winter wasn't long, but it was frigid, so I feel like we've earned some nice weather.

Maybe it's because I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. Not the warmest place on the planet, but it was mild. I remember sitting out on the lawn in front of Tamalpais High School in March, wearing a blousy camisole top ('70s style) and admiring how tan I'd already become! It's been a long time since I've lived in California, but I still miss those lovely spring days.

I've been really tired lately, so the knitting and spinning has slowed down a bit. I keep starting projects (pullovers and cardigans) with my stash of plummy-purple Heirloom Breeze (bought 12 balls on sale from Ozeyarns last year). I love the yarn's elasticity and texture, but the color doesn't thrill me the way it used to. Maybe it will look better in a tank top. I mean, really, do I want to wear a purple cardigan?

This whole issue probably stems from the time when I was a corporate travel agent in Philly. (I'm a Penn grad. Even "Ivy League" English majors don't easily find jobs right out of school...But I'm glad I didn't go to Wharton! Business...Blech.) Anyway, I needed a warm coat to wear on my commute from Northeast Philly, and fell in love with an expensive deep purple parka that was kind of iridescent (it was black from one angle, purple from another...not rainbowy). And it had cool toggle closures.

I loved that coat. It was an extravagance. But shortly after I bought it, one of the girls in my department--she was slim and chic and a bit too nice--walked by me and said: Oh, what a pretty coat! You look like an Easter Egg!

How catty is that? Well, so much for the coat. I tried to wear it after that, but just couldn't do it. Obviously, my distaste for purple-y outerwear (including sweaters) has its roots firmly planted right there. It's a shame, though, because I love purples and plums, and admire them on others. But a little voice in my head still says: Easter Egg.

Oh, well. Perhaps this is a good reason to go yarn shopping and pick up something less "eggy" with which I can knit myself a killer spring sweater. A silver lining, to be sure.

PS. Photo taken by my hubby in Cape May (NJ) last year. Pretty, huh?

Spring! Light! Warmth!