Monday 4 May 2009

Joy in the Morning

I've called this post Joy in the Morning for a few reasons.

First, it is indeed morning as I compose this blog entry. (And heh -- given my recent posting activity - just posting should be a cause for joy!)

Second, it is a Bank Holiday here in London and it is NOT raining.

Finally, and most importantly (at least as far as this blog is concerned) I present Joy, a summer cardigan from Kim Hargreaves Nectar collection.


This cardigan was the latest project in my 'working through the stash' drive. I bought the yarn (Rowan Luxury Cotton DK - now discontinued) last summer at the Liberty sale and decided it was time to get it worked up into....something.

The usual aimless flicking through books and magazines followed until I stumbled across this pattern. I decided to make it for my younger sister (surprise!)(I'll find out now if she actually reads the blog or just looks at the pictures) which is of course always a bit of a knitting risk. But I figured I could probably find another pair of shoulders if she decides it isn't quite right for her.

I love Kim Hargreaves style details and the attention she gives to things like lining up the pattern in the sleeves with the body of the cardigan and the scalloped cast on edges.

The pattern is clear although the text for the 'Eyelet Ridge Pattern' could put beginning knitters off - it shouldn't. I think a chart would have been a lot clearer but for some reason they don't appear a lot in Hargreaves' books.

The pattern calls for Rowan Denim yarn - which shrinks (lengthwise) when washed so you may have to do some adjusting to the pattern if you are using something else. Miraculously (more joy!) I just knit and managed to get the right row and stitch gauge without any changes. (I still don't quite believe it myself.)

PS - Apart from being a convenient blog post title Joy in the Morning is a very funny book by PG Wodehouse. If you haven't read any of Wodehouse's Jeeves and Wooster stories do try one. I can't really pick one out over the others as to be honest the plots are all pretty similar -- but that is in no way a criticism. I've read them all more than once and expect to read them all again.

And if you are a fan of Hugh Laurie in House - but haven't experienced the delights of the British series of Jeeves and Wooster from the 90's check out this clip for a bit of House like you've never seen him before!




PPS
- In the interest in Truth in Blogging I should confess it is now well past noon (got a bit distracted) and it is now raining. But there's no way I'm changing that title now.

16 comments:

Gale Bulkley said...

Nice sweater. Too bad about the rain.

fleegle said...

Handsome!

the Lady said...

Hody Hody Ho!

Shirley Grant said...

I love the cardigan! It rained here in Scotland too

Batty said...

It's beautiful! I love the stitch definition and the color. And I'm also about to start a cardigan for my sister. Have to wind the yarn. I hope yours loves her gift.

cici said...

Very nicely done. I like the lace. I am sure she is going to love it♥

Linda said...

Joy looks lovely, I like KH designs too but haven't knitted as many as I would like.

Anonymous said...

Soo's older sister also thinks the sweater is terrific and is sure the younger, lucky sister will love it!! Kim

Anonymous said...

hmm ... well - I read most of it - just not the parts I think are related purely to knitting. I do however read all the comments - thanks for the heads up Kim!

For what its worth I did watch the video also - which I realize is more like just looking at the pictures than reading - but it did involve listening as well.

Thanks for the sweater! (-:

Sherilan said...

I love Jeeves and Bertie and was delighted to find them in video several years ago. Fry and Laurie are wonderful. Sometimes I think I should write down some of Jeeves' observations. Glad to see you back.

Opal said...

i love the cardigan! it's too bad about the rain. :(

Anonymous said...

We all now know for sure which sister actually reads your blog and which one just quickly skims over it!!! I guess you're welcome for the heads up, just the big sister's job looking out for the little ones, it never ends! Kim

fleegle said...

Well, I had to work down to it, as it were. In the end, there were about five fibers in the thread. I kinda doubt I can even approach that mark again. Or want to. I can buy that stuff from Colourmart :)

florencemary said...

That's a really nice-looking cardigan, Soo, so I'm going somewhere to having my faith in KH restored!

ps very interesting this 'sisters of Soo' haggling/conversation!

fleegle said...

Given your past knitted triumphs, I can't wait to see your adventures in cables!

trikada said...

Tre bela bluzeto.