New Year, New Project

I got a bit of a shock when I realised about a fortnight ago that I hadn't actually done *any* knitting yet this year! (gasp!)

Not like me at all...but I have been enjoying reading "Knit the Season" - the third book in the Friday Night Knitting Club series by Kate Jacobs. Always nice to revisit favourite characters and it's a lovely seasonal tale of their continually intertwining lives. So this has acted as a kind of substitute in a way. I'm so glad someone finally got me it for Christmas (my other half, he rocks), as it's been on my wishlist for a while.

Anyway, it got to the point where enough was enough, I had gotten pretty far into the book and my fingers were itching to do some real-life knitting, instead of just reading about it! I decided to start a brand new project, one I've been thinking about for some time. It's a beautiful lace shawl (or wrap) design which I previously designed and created for a commission using a silvery-white yarn, Rowan's Kidsilk Night in Starlight [Ravelry link].

I am making this year's version based on my notes and pattern from this - it's been adapted from two different lace motifs I liked, a chevron one from a pattern library which forms the border of my design and one which borrows a section of the lacework from the beautiful Anice Shawl in Rowan Magazine 41, which was out around the time I was working as a Design Consultant for Rowan yarns. (Yes, I'm still a Rowan addict!)

I've made some progress on it so far and have named this incarnation the
Goddess of the Night Shawl. A fitting name for its inky plum purple darkness with a shimmering glint of silvery thread.

I don't have a particular recipient in mind, I simply decided to work on this piece for the sheer joy of having a nice cerebral lace project on the go, not to mention something visually stunning developing before my eyes as I continue to work on it.

No instant gratification here, I'm in this for the long haul. I've realised over the years that there is indeed merit in quick, simple projects, which can be easily completed in a short space of time but somethimes you need something a little deeper to get your teeth into. Did I mention it's a bit like therapy? (albeit generally* a lot cheaper!)

* depending on your yarn habit...

An Inspirational Pattern

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?


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:


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.

Inspiration

I was just browsing Vogue online and then WomensWear Daily, doing a little research on the Autumn/Winter 2009 season, when this beautiful Alexander McQueen dress caught my eye and completely stopped me in my tracks.



I don't think words are quite enough to do it justice, but I absolutely love the juxtaposition of the delicate lace carefully draped and layered over the strong yellow colour underneath. The patterning reminds me of the veining on the gossamer wings of a dragonfly. To die for!

Did I mention I have an obsession with lace? I suppose it also helps that I hold the work of Mr. McQueen in such high esteem.

Incidentally, I may be getting a *little* ahead of myself as it's for the 2010 resort collection...

See the article here: Alexander McQueen Resort 2010 - Fashion News - WWD.com.

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