A little bit more work on Antarktis — I'm about one-quarter of the way through.
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KAL Cast On
Here it is, my cast on edge of Antarktis for the Adventurous April Knit Along. Because it's knit in garter stitch, the fabric is very squishable and lofty, which is not what I anticipated. I'm intrigued and am finding knitting the repeats to be highly addictive.
Update: Knitting On Spring Break
My first spring break knitting goal is accomplished, my Tipperary Shawl, knit from The Plucky Knitter’s Snug Bulky yarn, is finished.
It is, of course, love. There are three reasons for that: Cashmere and Alpaca in a bulky lace pattern, a Warm and pretty finished object, and, an easy but never boring to knit pattern.
This is another pattern I can’t recommend highly enough.
Next up for me is casting on my Antarktis Scarf in the morning when the Adventurous April KAL starts.
Knitting: In My Carry On Bag For Spring Break
A small confession. I jammed a couple of pairs of pants and some tee-shirts in my son's suitcase for spring break. This left my roll on board and my carry on bags free for knitting. Because that's what spring break is about, right?
I've got the following projects along with me:
- March Monkey – I don't like the fidgety double points and color changes for airplane knitting, but I'll work on him once we arrive.
- Frostline – I had to set this Plucky Knitter project aside while I waited for Dandy Lion and Sticky Toffee, the next two colors I needed, to arrive. Ultimately, I decided to substitute a skein of Cornucopia for Sticky Toffee, but now I'm all set to go.
- Drachenfels – I don't expect to make lots of progress on this, but brought it along for "insurance" knitting (I know, I know).
- Vodka Lemonade – I'd like to finish the shoulder increases, so I can work on the body on a long flight later this month. I love this sweater! The color, the yarn (Plucky Crew), just everything about it is wonderful. At the lighter dk gauge, it has been a slow, but very enjoyable, knit so far.
- Tipperary – I had hoped to finish this, but a couple of busy weeks mean I haven't had much time for knitting, so I'm still a few rows shy. This is first up for airplane knitting, and hopefully I can finish it by the time we arrive.
- Antarktis – The Adventurous April KAL starts on April 1, so although this yarn is currently tucked away in my suitcase, I can't wait to get started! I may even stay up late and cast on at midnight, because after all, that's what spring break is for.
Expect a few quick pictures and updates on knitting as the week progresses.
Clapotis: An Old Knitting Favorite
In 2009 I knit a Clapotis out of linen. To be precise, that is Elliebelly Chemise in the Nassau Colorway.
Every year, around this time I take my summer clothes out of storage, and fall in love Clapotis all over again. Kate Gilbert's brilliant pattern stands the test of time. And, in linen, Clapotis is decorative, protective from the sun, a little bit of extra warmth – all as needed.
It's interesting how some knits remain favorites for ever. This Clapotis, my second one, knit up much more quickly than the first. It's much smaller and I understood the pattern going into it. It's very simple. And yet, I reach for it constantly.
What knits have stood the test of time for you? What patterns do you see out there that you think could achieve that status in your knitting? My other knit in this category is Lida, which I finished just last year, and which I wear constantly.
Elliebelly’s Adventurous April KAL 2015 Begins
The Knit Along isn't actually beginning just yet, but I'm winding my yarn and gathering my notions so I will be all ready on April 1. Looking for a KAL to join? Our pattern, Antarktis, is a one skein project that is beginner appropriate and we are lots of fun to knit with! You can use any yarn you want, and, if knitting a scarf/shawl isn't your thing, we also have a stuffed animal and a "learn a new technique" category. Sign up for the Elliebelly group on Ravelry here, introduce yourself in the threads and feel free to join in with us!
I've selected my yarn after lots of back and forth. It's Elliebelly's MCN (merino/cashmere/nylon) High Twist in a fingering weight. It's a pale robin's egg blue called Lady Mary (if you watch Downton Abbey, you'll remember the dress that inspired the colorway!)
My runner up choice is this Elliebelly Seasilk in Jabot. I went with the Cashmerino blend because the Seasilk doesn't grow as much when blocked, and pattern designer Janina Kallio stresses the importance of selecting a yarn that will block well.
I'm all set. I've got my new Darn Pretty Needles all ready to go, along with my yarn in a pretty linen bag from Churchmouse. See you on Wednesday for the start of knitting nirvana as we all cast on.
Counting Down To Knit Along
We've only got ten days left before the Adventurous April KAL starts. Please come sign up to knit with us if you haven't already. Everyone is welcome. We will be knitting Antarktis and stuffed toys, and trying out new techniques.
We have two last yarn giveaway winners, Susie and Sparkynfeisty. I've messaged you both on Ravelry. As soon as we can discuss colors, there will be yarn on the way to you!
After a few hours in my office, I'm clearly going to have to finish my Tipperary Shawl. Harry is not understanding about it still being on the needles and wants me to finish it so he can claim it for himself. It's divine. It is knit from a cashmere, alpaca, and merino blend. He's going to have to fight me for it.
Unfortunately, my money is on the cat.