Happy Monday Everyone ~
After my last post, I am going to take a turn off my journey down Sentimental Road. I may come back to it soon, because I had several people comment that now they know where the name of my business came from (I mentioned that my first sewing machine being a hand-me-down from my Great Grandma Anka). If I haven’t shared about my Great Grandma Anka yet, I need to take the time to do that. I know there are lots of you who already know, but I happen to think it’s a story worth telling again.
My brain isn’t quite up to the challenge for creative writing this morning. Maybe after my quilt market deadlines are done – So I think I will just share a few knitting pictures. Several of you asked why I didn’t show all the knitting that I got done in Florida (after this post). One of the projects is still unfinished, so I will hold off on that one, but here are the other two that I worked on:
#1. Every Last Yard by Amy Swenson of Indi Knits. 
The yarn is Dream in Color Classy in the Bermuda Teal color. I made this project out of their sock yard and wanted to try their heavier yarn. I didn’t really care for it as I was knitting this project up. It felt really stiff, but as soon as I blocked it, it relaxed and felt like a totally different yarn. I cannot stress the importance of a good blocking! I’m not talking about a block using a little steam. I used to do that but it doesn’t compare to a good wet block. I give my sweaters a bath in the sink, blot out the excess water, then pin to size on a blocking board. It takes a bit of time, but it’s totally worth it. It has saved many projects for me.
I had to make this project because of the lace detail along the cuffs and bottom of the sweater.
I’m having a little trouble with the whole open cardigan thing. I spend my day going like this:
And trying to hold it shut. I may need to adapt this, but I just haven’t figured out how. I might need to look for some buttons, unless anyone else has any bright ideas for me?
#2. Calluna Cardigan
I wasn’t totally thrilled with the fit on this one either. It turned out too small, but again, with a good wet block, I was able to get it buttoned.
Ah, buttons. Much better. It just seems like having the buttons gives the cardigan a better shape for my body type. I think it would help to be busty when trying to wear an open cardigan. That way you have something to hold the cardigan out in place so it just doesn’t fall to your sides and hang way open. Lesson learned.
( By the way I’m just speculating with this opinion. Without ever having had a large chest, it is hard to know for sure 😉 I’m just saying it isn’t the pattern design, it’s my issue of not knowing what is best for my body shape.)
You know how I love cables . .
The cables continue around to the back.
The yarn is Angel’s Kiss. It’s a worsted weight alpaca-merino blend.
It’s another one of those hand-dyed yarns that needs to be worked 2 skeins at a time. I did the same with the DIC Classy in the first project I showed. I can’t imagine what would have happened if I didn’t do that, as all my skeins looked quite different. I think it was worth the extra effort though, as I love the subtle color variations in the yarn.
I’m hoping that the next knitting that I have to show will be a spring project. I am truly sick of winter and ready to try something other than wool! BTW, my Ravelry link to these projects can be found here, if you want more info.
Back to work for me – I have new fabric showing up today. More on that soon . . . . .
Trends and Traditions 
New fabric? How fun!
I think I would try wide hooks and eyes (sewn to the inside) that would hold the edges together but remain unseen. That would add the element that would make the sweater more comfortable for you but the sweater would remain very close to its design roots. Very pretty!
I think we are all more critical of our own work, but truly, these are gorgeous. If only I could get 2 needles to work with me like this.
These are cute. I just don’t know how you get it all done!!!!
These are both beautiful sweaters. I love the second one that you have laid on the quilt – they match perfectly. I love looking at others knitting, because there is no way I will ever be able to do that! Thanks for sharing!
Heather, Your sweaters are always so beautiful. On the one with the lovely lace detail that you have to hold closed…would something like a small simple chain stitch loop that hooked over a small button on the inside work. It could be long enough, about 1 1/2 inches of the loop showing so that it won’t tug it tightly closed. Just hold it so that it lays nicely with about the same size gap in the opening that you have when you hold it down. Of course, a pretty button on the outside would look nice too, but I like the way a closure being underneath won’t draw the eye away from the lace detail. What ever you decided, it will be great. Hugs…
I love your button choice on the cable sweater! It’s a small detail and very delicate. 🙂
Kind of similiar to the hook/eye suggested, there are some unique closures for sweaters @ ingebretsens that you typically see on some of the norwegian sweaters. (and they are usually a nice pewter color) Good luck!
Here’s the link to their website if anyone else wants to look at their closures: http://ingebretsens.com/knitting/clasps-buttons-braid?limit=all. They are really beautiful!
The colors on those yarns are great. I wonder if you could find a cool chunky bead or button and do a knitted or crocheted loop to keep it closed. It might add an interesting touch to it as well, not that it isn’t interesting on its own. A neat brooch might work and then you could always take it out when you don’t want it. You could even crochet/knit two ties. Lots of possibilities!
Very nice knittings!!
Greetings from Belgium
I wish I could knit like that but alas it’s not meant to be, but I can still admire the skill others have though!
Not sure if it would work, but maybe you could try a pretty brooch to hold the first cardy closed, or if you wear it enough you may find yourself getting used to it!
Beautiful!! Maybe a single decorative frog closure. I agree with bringing on the the spring!! Can’t wait to see what market with bring out!!
Yes, I do know of your Anka heritage, been following for quite a while, you are truly blessed to be given such a loving family, and you are passing it along!!
I think both projects are beautiful. Why not get one of those clasp things that you can hold your sweater closed with? Wished I knew the proper name. No, I have a larger bust and I don’t much care for open sweaters either. I have a few and they drive me crazy pulling them closed.
I too recently knit something with Dream in Color (Mondo Cable Cardigan~which I adore!) and I thought while knitting that I didn’t understand the rave about it. It WAS very stiff feeling. After a good soak, spin, and block though, a whole new creature emerged and now I love the yarn! It does pill a little though. I am finding, and I can’t believe I discovered this because I have never been able to wear wool before, (or so I thought) that you just can’t beat good old classic Cascade 220. That stuff is tough. It knits up beautifully, it is light and springy, warm, the colors are wonderful, and after several wearings no pilling at all. I have not used another yarn, besides cotton which I don’t like the heaviness of, that didn’t pill. I wouldn’t knit something next to the skin with it, but for cardigans, it is great! IMO 🙂
I would sew some pretty grosgrain ribbon on the inside of the front bands and use hook and eyes to keep it open/closed as much as you prefer. And, by the way, both sweaters are beautiful! Love the color on the first one.
I don’t knit and am in awe of your sweaters. These two are beautiful. Love the colors. I think a small brooch with the same color would work nicely. A little bling and will not detract from the lace work. What new fabric????
Your sweaters are stunning!
Here is another link to other clasps http://schoolhousepress.com/buttons.htm . A knitter on Ravelry used these instead of the ties on the Tulip baby sweater.
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