Tuesday 27 April 2010

An Inspirational Pattern

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Day Two: Blog about a pattern or project which you aspire to.

To be honest, there are many patterns I daydream about having the time to complete. It seems I am rarely actually knitting for myself these days. In terms of skill, I always enjoy those which pose some kind of challenge, for example an intricate lace pattern. I love most lace patterns because they are truly something to get your teeth into, and I enjoy the almost meditative focus they require to successfully complete.

This particular pattern is one I have wanted to make for quite a while now. I have had the pattern book - Rowan's Magazine 42, which is one of the best Autumn/Winter ones - for a good couple of years. Choosing a single pattern from it is difficult enough! I also have a bundle of the yarn required...cosy Cocoon, a lovely and soft Merino/Kid Mohair blend, which looks as though it will be wonderfully warm too. I chose a neutral colour so that it would work with different ensembles (and my skin tone). Since I bought the yarn when it first came out, Rowan have introduced more colours in the range, including a gorgeous teal. I always find that choosing the colour in which to knit my pattern the toughest part, can you tell?

Rowan's Iceland
It was the slightly unusual construction and lacy cabled leaf or wave motifs that drew me to 'Iceland' (ravelry link) - I like the fact that it's knitted across the way and the almost kimono style batwing sleeves. The deep rib also appeals, although I did start it and lost my way (and my cable needle) a little. I have since ripped it back / frogged it as I felt it would be better to start afresh with renewed vigour. Plus, it means I'll know where on earth I am in the pattern!! Hmmm, must remember to make better notes this time around.

Cables are not something I have tackled very much at all really. I have done a bit of playing about, swatching sections of a pattern before but never an entire garment. Coincidentally, here is my swatch of cabling in Cocoon:

cocoon cable
Yummy! I really look forward to having another go at cabling.

I can see the relaxed style of 'Iceland' becoming a great addition to my autumn or winter wardrobe, that is, if I ever have the time to actually complete it. I'll be sure to add it to my ravelry projects.

9 comments:

ieva said...

The piece of cabling looks good. It's time for something bigger now. :)

Anonymous said...

You've made me want to go and spend all my savings on Cocoon, it looks lovely in your swatch!

LazyTcrochet said...

Iceland is beautiful. I see lots of us are blogging about cables today!

* said...

That's really beautiful! Weaving within weaving...I love it. x

Anonymous said...

Mm, that looks cozy!

AC said...

Love. To. Cable. Go for it! You've got a lovely swatch, it could translate easily into a lovely garment.

yarnpiggy said...

I have a hard time choosing project colours, too. :o)

I hadn't come across Iceland before...it's a lovely pattern.

~RaenWa~ said...

I have only made one thing that had cables on it but I was so in awe of watching how the cables took shape into something so intricate just by moving around a few stitches.

Cat McLaughlin said...

Wow! Thanks for all the lovely comments everyone :) I will be sure to post my WIP as soon as it's started.