November 9, 2006
A Few Beginnings

I've decided to use my Tahki Donegal Tweed (color 862)to make the Knitting Pure and Simple Neck Down V Neck Cardigan. This is a wonderfully simple pattern - and I think the perfect sweater to wear with jeans. My only decisions will be what stitch to use for the ribbing and button bands....I'm leaning toward garter ridges or seed stitch, but I don't have to make that decision quite yet. My gauge seems to be close using a US 7 (4.5mm) needle (4.5 stitches/inch. I didn't swatch - just using the beginning of the sweater as a swatch) and I'm getting a nice dense fabric which is just what I wanted. The Tahki Donegal Tweed is strange yarn - It's almost like the yarn strand is felted. It has taken awhile to get used to the feel of it. I really like the color...a denimy blue with flecks maroon, navy, black and cream.

Next up is Dave's hat - he wants a soft plain hat in a natural color.....so I'm using some ultra soft Morehouse Merino 3 strand in "oatmeal" on US 6 (4.0mm)needles for a warm hat (there won't be any air holes in this hat!)I'm making it 100 stitches around with an inch or so of ribbing and a smooth top. Sorry about the blurry picture.

After starting this hat, I realized that all my current projects are mindless knitting -which, don't get me wrong, I LOVE at times (even the Traveler's Stockings have become easy now that I'm on the foot - easy, not fast!). But last night I was craving a chart...something stimulating for those times when I want to be challenged. I didn't feel like making lace and I'm waiting for a needle I ordered to make Shedir - SO I decided on these beautiful socks in Knitters Fall 2006 issue. Austrian Diamonds by Candace Eisner Strick. It is a twisted knit pattern on a field of reverse stockinette.