Tuesday, May 31, 2011

A charming puzzle


Last night, with my feet up and the television providing soothing babble in the background, I finished the body of the Icelandic sweater. Placing the fronts and back on hold and completing the cast offs for armhole stitches, I turned my attention to the sleeves. While I plan to knit them side by side, I only have one set of US size 6 double points, so I have to knit them one at a time until I reach the end of the first pattern repeat and I'm able to switch to bigger needles. Knitting them side by side assures they'll be as close to identical twins as I can manage. Once those are done, I'll knit them into the waiting body of the sweater.

And then the real fun begins...

There is a certain amount of charm associated with this type of knitting. The boring parts, which are the necessary puzzle pieces, will be done and by week's end, I'll start the yoke. The excitement of working with all of the colors and watching the patterns emerge as I take what's on paper and apply it to yarn, will be enough to see my needles flying through this portion of the sweater. Working with color always leaves me saying, "just one more row." Soon, another gorgeous and cozy cardigan will be done.

Just in time for the 90 plus degree weather.


15 comments:

The Bug said...

Oh but you (or whoever the lucky recipient is) will be glad to have it come winter :)

Jane said...

This looks so inviting, and it will be there for when you need it. think of the hours you can spend just enjoying the sight of it

Unknown said...

It's looking great. On a cold day the one wearing it will appreciate all the hard work. That's what I tell myself when I'm knitting during the three months 100F+ degree temps.

SkippyMom said...

In awe. I have no idea, but the boring parts certainly accentuate the hard parts and you are creating beauty.

I could look at this all day.

Rose said...

Gorgeous!! We're having the same heat here and our ac isn't keeping up. I've been trying to finish the Tulip sweater all weekend, but the wool is too hot!!

Silliyak said...

If you look outside, and not at the calendar, it looks like winter is on the way.

Jane said...

Oh, I love it! Who cares if it's 90 degrees outside. You're the one who will be warm when it's not.

Gail said...

Your talent is amazing and I love the pattern.

Mimi said...

Lol at the last, weather bit, it's always the way, isn't it?
Your knitting is beautiful, Rudee, so neat and even.
I've abandoned knitting (and blogging and God knows what else!!) at the moment- life is hectic with other stuff.

Brenda said...

It looks gorgeous...but very hard to do. Looking at your header photo makes me want to go to Florida. The color of the water is really pretty.

Stephanie V said...

Ooh...there will be a cool day when you can wear this beauty. I love the colors and the pattern.

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

i look at something like this and think how in the world can anyone do that? it is amazing to me. good for you!

smiles, bee
xoxoxoxoxo

NCmountainwoman said...

It is going to be gorgeous! I love it.

Unknown said...

You are more happy in this post than the one before it. Man we went through that basement thingie and it was torment. When we bought another house, no basement was rule number one. However it did come in handy for spring winds like we just had.
QMM

Anonymous said...

I promise to wear the cardigan through the summer months, when the AC is blasting in my office. :)