Thursday, February 08, 2007

A Violent Frogging

Sara's Pomatomus...




Ugh...


Gasp...


Ack...


Yikes...



Ah, Liberation.



This project was just not being fun for me. It was, in fact, stressing me out. So I frogged it, and never again will the Pomatomus darken my needles! I think I may try instead for the Child's First Sock Pattern from Nancy Bush's Knitting Vintage Socks.


I bought myself two little treats today. The new issue of Interweave Knits and one skein of Artyarns Regal Silk. This stuff is luscious.


No, really amazing:



I thought I might just hang onto this precious little bundle and give it the occasional longing look and tender pat, but then I saw that Sarah's Yarns sells this stuff, priced quite reasonably. So I started thinking, hmmm, three more skeins and I could make a decent-sized and absolutely beautiful Clapotis. Definitely something to think about.


Of course, I would welcome all advice and suggestions on what to do with my beautiful silk.

I have decided it's time for me to give a sweater a shot. Not a sweater for me, but a sweater for Paul, who is seriously lacking in cold weather wear. Of course, the fact that I probably won't have this item completed until the trees are back in bloom and the tar is melting on the road is no deterrant. At least he'll be warm next winter!


We decided on Leo from knitty. I have the yarn choices narrowed down to three options, all of which would likely work equally well.


I like the Rowan Cashsoft Dk because it's washable, and would be so soft. The drawback is the not-so-great color selection, and the higher price than my other options.

ETA: Well, I went ahead this morning and ordered the Cashsoft for the sweater. And in the very same color pictured here! Please, no one come along and tell me how this was a bad idea.



The Peruvian Highland Silk comes in nice colors, and is affordable, but handwash only.

Ditto for the Queensland Uruguay DK.




Suggestions/advice would definitely be appreciated here too. This is my first sweater, ya'll! I have already ordered the KnitPicks Options set just for this very purpose. I am way excited to cast-on.

And in other news, Eric's Tony brought us a phalaenopsis in bloom to enjoy in our office. It's so beautiful. And speaking of Eric, drop by to leave condolences on the death of his cat, Sherby. He was a charming little cat, and I know he will be missed.

18 comments:

Knit and fall back in it said...

Too bad about the sock...that sucks. Leo looks like a nice sweater. I am thinking of doing one for my sweetie. Maybe we could help each other along. I have made a sweater once before, but it was a very small sweater, in a simple pattern, for a little boy.

Sheepish Annie said...

Oh, that Artyarns is just making me drool! The gleam is just too much for one Sheep to bear...

Sorry about the sock, but sometimes we have to liberate the yarn. It will thank you for it in the end!

Anonymous said...

The art yarn is pretty! The only suggestion I have is to not knit anything from the new IK. I thought it was all ugly.

Marianne said...

Emma, I'd go with the Queensland DK, that's a dropdead colour...and so what if you need to handwash? It's really not that big a deal and remember, wool dries fairly fast, really.....(I'm always amazed how fast the wool socks dry, yes, even the heavier ones).
I know, that was sad about Sherby.
Wen, I am so glad to find myself not alone on the Spring IK....
patowamitomitas....heh,ack..o'well, it's alright.
Sarah is a wonderful person to deal with....

Unknown said...

Emma - I'm enjoying your blog. I like your color choice. I know for my Leo the hubby won't actually wear it all that often so handwashing is okay. Also, the girls at my local yarn shop said that if I handwashed a swatch in very hot water and it didn't shrink then it would dry clean okay. That was because of the bleeding the Highland Silk was going through.

The sweater itself is very easy, just knit and purl! The shaping is easy, stitch gauge isn't that important (IMHO - with a stretchy rib pattern) you can block it to get what you need.

Have fun and I'll be following your progress - g

Rhonda said...

The Artyarns is gorgeous looks like Neopolitan ice cream. I think Clapotis is a great idea. Now you got me thinking about the Mobius by Cat Bordhi, it would look wonderful in that yarn.

Tara said...

That Artyarns is gorgeous and is making me wish I hadn't done the Knit from Your Stash thing.

Your first sweater! You are so brave

Cheryl said...

Pretty yarn and I love the new layout of your blog! Very pretty!

Joanne M said...

I love the Leo pattern and the wool seems like a great choice. Good luck with your first sweater - I love making sweaters, myself - be fearless and jump right in!

schrodinger said...

Sorry to hear about the pom, hope the next pattern works out much better for you.

That Artyarns silk is stunning, what a beautiful colour for the upcoming (I'm almost positive of this) spring.

Kathy said...

Your pics have just about convinced me to splurge on some Artyarns Silk. It would make a Clapotis to die for!

Anonymous said...

It's always tough to frog like that but you and the yarn will be much happier with a different arrangement! The silk looks gorgeous!! I can't wait to see what it becomes!

Montreal Mama said...

Gasp! Frogging! I hate having to frog, but sometimes you just gotta do it!

The Lorna's Laces Flamingo is gorgeous - I got it on ebay! I think the guy had only 1 skein left in that color - (though you need 2 to make an adult pair of socks, so I don't know who bought a single skein, to leave him with just one?) maybe he'll get more in soon - just search on Ebay for Flamingo + Lorna's Laces!

Have a nice day.

Brenda said...

That Artyarn silk is gorgeous! The shine and luster are amazing.

I think the violent frogging was called for. Sometimes the yarn needs it.

Thanks for stopping by my blog! I'm glad to have found yours.

Anonymous said...

That Artyarns yarn is absolutely gorgeous!
And good for you ripping when you're not enjoying the knit, it's supposed to be fun after all.

Anonymous said...

I have a secret skein of the silk in my stash also and now I'm thinking it needs friends and Clapotis, too!

Beth said...

I love Sarah's Yarns. That's where I bought my cashmere from to make hubby's scarf. She has great customer service.

Sorry about the sock frogging. Life's too short to knit things you don't enjoy. At least you know you're not alone - you saw my frogging.

BrownPants said...

I've just frogged my Pom too! Just couldn't manage it on double points, so i'm waiting for a circular. Love the silk. I think a clap would be lovely.