December 06, 2006
Stranded.
I've joined another knitalong. I just can't help myself. It's called Stranded: The Colorwork Challenge. I've been wanting to pick up a little fair isle knitting lately, so this seemed like the perfect time. Plus, Michelle and Wanda are both participating, so that makes it even more fun! My plan was to work on my We Call Them Pirates hat that I am re-knitting. (remember when both Michelle and I made hats last year that were too small?!) But then there is the amazing pattern for the Endpaper Mitts by Eunny Jang, and I have Koigu in my stash to make them. Also, have you seen the Anemoi mittens that she just posted about? So beautiful...I think I need those too! There is also always my Poetry in Stitches cardigan that I need to start over on. So, you see, lots of choices!
What did I do though? I met Michelle yesterday for lunch at the yarn shop. Does anyone else do that? It's the greatest thing. An hour of knitting in the middle of the day. So great. Anyway, laying on the table where I just happen to sit down are the new Noni patterns. Oh. My. Check out the Prism bag. That is what is going to be my December stranded project...it just has to be. I picked out my yarn then and there and brought it home with me.
**I may decide to use a different accent color, other than the brown...what do you all think? Should I stick with the brown and pink, or go with pink and another color?**
Here are a few answers to the questions that they posted over on the knitlong blog:
What are your projects for this knitalong?
•Well...I'm going to work on 2 projects, the first being the large Prism bag from Noni Designs (it's pictured under the Fall 2006 collection) The second project is the We Call Them Pirates re-do.
Is this your first colorwork project? If it isn't, what was your first, and has it survived the test of time?
•No, this isn't my first Fair Isle project. My first was a Poetry in Stitches cardigan/class that I took about 3 years ago. I made a nice little sleeve, and then stopped, because my tension was too tight. I have since then knit a number of projects with smaller fair isle sections in them. I feel like I have a better handle on my tension now. I'm ready to tackle this stranded knitting head on! (it kind of helps that it's felted though! That's not really cheating, right?)
I love the brown. But we are the queens of brownand. I hadn't seen that pattern, must have it!
Posted by: Vicki at December 6, 2006 12:34 PMYour tree looks beautiful! I'm dying to get a white tree. And I can't wait to see your bag. I keep resisting the urge to buy all of their patterns. :)
Posted by: Laura at December 6, 2006 01:20 PMThose bags are to die for!
No wonder you couldn't resist.
I like the pink and brown. They'll go great together in this pattern. The other mitten in Eunny's blog is gorgeous, too. I've been knitting mittens from Robin Hansen patterns this year. I really thought I didn't like Fair Isle knitting all that well, but now I'm really enjoying the whole process. I've done other projects before, but none quite so intense as mittens where the pattern is all over. The first mitten turned out too big, it's a classic black and white north star pattern--the next ones are in progress(they are for my Mom). They are both posted on my blog. Good luck with your Fair Isle fun!
Posted by: Danielle at December 6, 2006 03:39 PMYou cheat? Never! You are broadening your horizons. Have the pink for fun and just for a little bit of seriousness, the brown is a beautiful touch!
Posted by: Julie at December 6, 2006 06:03 PMPink and brown--classic! Go for it.
Posted by: Valerie at December 7, 2006 01:45 AMI like the brown with the pink. They compliment each other nicely.
Posted by: Leisel at December 7, 2006 06:50 AMI'm doing some Latvian mittens for the KAL. That bag is great and you chose perfect colors--I can't wait to see it done. I've wanted to try one of the Noni bags but I think I'd lose interest when I got to all the finishing.
Posted by: Kim at December 7, 2006 10:10 AMLove that Prism bag and I like the Adventure bag too. Might have to check that out. Glad we converted another one over to the KAL! What about Fair Isle Jazz? Aren't I evil? ;-)
Posted by: Wanda at December 7, 2006 10:23 AMOh those bags are so cute!!! Maybe felting is in my near futre!!
I think you will really like the pink and brown, what other colors are you thinking?
Posted by: Jeni at December 7, 2006 01:02 PMPlease visit my blog before you felt that bag. The brown completely faded on the pink & it was heartbreaking! One of my friends found this post on your blog today & told me I had to warn you.
http://bijouxmaster.blogspot.com/
You know, now that I'm looking at that color combo again and am picturing the bag I bet pink and orange would look incredible! Do you have a good orange in your stash already?
Posted by: Michelle at December 12, 2006 10:52 AMSo are you going to finish that Poetry sweater?
Posted by: Wendi at December 15, 2006 04:06 PM