I’ve not knit a stitch for the better part of 5 days!
On the flight to IN, I made great progress on the great blue boatneck, only to discover the next day that my gauge had loosened up considerably and it was far too big above the waist. Rip! About 6 inches.
And this is where it’s been ever since…
Part of it was just business, driving, visiting, etc. But on the flight back Monday, I read the whole way, strange as that is. I just didn’t feel like knitting. I think it’s the funk. Today is the day. 10 years. I think these things just put you off your normal day-to-day.
Thank you for all the support, empathy and condolence you gave me in the comments. It means so much to me!
And a belated Happy Mother’s Day to all of you mom’s out there!
While there’s been a lull in the knit action, there has been a fount of pattern action:
The first Verena in english, Rowan Classic Summer Delights, the Schoolhouse Press Spun Out collection, and the 50th Anniversary edition of Wool Gathering. Yummy!
I was quite impressed with the Verena. There were a handful of the 53! total patterns, including some for kids too, that I really liked. But more than that, there was a good size range (starting at 30 or 34 with most to 42 or 44, some larger), every project had a detailed schematic, and where needed, the patterns were charted as well! The measurements were all given as the finished size, which, along with the schematic, allows one to determine what level of ease and fit is desired in selecting a size. The patterns seem to give a knitter everything they’d need to successfully make each garment.
There are also a total of 8 projects aimed at bigger gals, not as much by the size range given but in that the styles would be particularly flattering. I was really impressed with this, as all the American mags and many European ones as well would have you believe all women are under a size 8. There were were a wide range of styles, and I thought they managed to be trendy without being unwearable. It was sort of halfway between IK and Vogue Knitting in this regard. It definitely has a European stamp on it. If you like DROPS, Katia, or Phildar, you might very well like this too. All of this for a modest cover price of $6.99! I snagged my copy at Unwind, who was taking pre-orders. I don’t know if they have any left at this time.
I liked so many patterns in Summer Delights, I ordered it at Knitting Garden without a second thought. That doesn’t often happen to me with the Rowan brochures. Great service from Knitting Garden! She sent me an email when she mailed it so I’d know when to expect it. I really want to make Galette and Glace, and also like Pomander, Fondant, and Macaroon. I like some others as well, but may not actually want to knit them, if you know what I mean. I am loving this trend coming around of loose, slightly geometric shapes and kimoni-style sleeves.
I haven’t had a chance to fully investigate the Spun Out collection, but at a glance there are some gems in there. I can’t wait to sit down and slowly go through them and read some EZ zingers!
I feel the knit mojo coming back. Certainly by this weekend. I always love the first weekend back home after a trip, then it feels like you are truly home!
I hope your knitting mojo comes back soon! My thoughts are with you on this 10th anniversary.
Summer Delights looks so YOU. Great patterns! And have you seen Kim Hargreaves’ book Nectar? Maybe too girly for ya, but I love it. She does peplums. I love me a 40s peplum.
You’re so in the know. I haven’t even heard of Verena, but am interested. Do you think it’s worth a subscription? I’m gonna let my VK sub lapse when it’s done, and would love to replace it with something better.
*Hugs* sweetie. Take care of yourself, and your mojo will return soon.
If you have any mojo to spare, please send some my way.
I’m glad you had a nice trip in Indiana. Thanks for the links to the magazines. I already had my eye on the Rowan book, and now, I want the Verena magazine! I can’t believe you went five days without knitting!! Didn’t you experience some serious withdrawal?
Thinking about you and sending virtual hugs your way
I always think it is a tribute to a person when they are missed so much.
I have no spare mojo right now to send you, as I am seriously lacking in some myself, but I know it’ll come back. Nothing like going over patterns to bring inspiration. I’m glad you liked the Verena. I followed the Ravelry buzz when it first came out. I can’t get it locally, but maybe I’ll order one now that I’ve read your good review.
sometimes we just need a break – nothing wrong with that!!!
Wow, that’s a lot of magazines! I feel very inspired now
And you know what else puts me in a good mood? The silly creatures that appear next to each comment!
Hope the mojo returns soon! And hope you’re having a better day today. I’m sorry about your mom – I know time does heal, but doesn’t make you forget (which is a good thing!)
Thanks for taking us shopping!! Just when I think I’ve decided on my next cardigan I see something else I like! The boatneck sweater is going to be lovely on you – the color is gorgeous. You know, your mom wouldn’t like to think that you remembered her sadly. She, I think, would like to think you celebrated her life by being happy and doing what you enjoy…..
Funny that you should mention the Verena mag – I came across it in the magazine aisle at my grocery store (Giant Eagle) tonight. I might actually knit something from it since I plan on frogging the VK tank top I just finished.
Hope you were able to get some knitting done this weekend…although in that heat, it was hard to feel like doing anything! :p
Sorry your knitting mojo seemed to disappear there for a bit, but it is nice sometimes just to take a break.
Since you wrote about the 10-year mark in your last post, it has really had me thinking and helped me realize how lucky I am. I now call my parents every day to tell them I love them. Thank you for sharing about your mom. {{Hugs}}