And so it continues! Every time I think I’m headed in the right direction there’s something about the swatch I don’t like. Back to the books of cables. Back to the gauge swatch for a child-sized Gansey. I guess this is moving forward, but it seems more like an endless circle.
The past week has given me ample time for swatching…my computer and mail program both have been acting up, and I’ve nearly thrown the entire thing in the lake more than once. Bruce had to stop my tirade, although I think he secretly was hoping that I would go through with it. Things have settled down (somewhat), so if I don’t try to access anything on my phone, the universe continues to spin in the right direction.
I thought this one was going to do it. It’s one of the Viking cables from Elsebeth Lavold’s books. I’ve always found her designs a little intimidating; particularly these with the sharp turns. This is one in the series of “S-hooks” and I’d nearly convinced myself it would work for the back of the sweater, particularly if bordered by two or 3 rows of 2×2 ribbing continuing up the back.
I really like the rice stitch (left) for “fillers.” I don’t actually know if I’ll need that (I haven’t really done anything yet with the layout and smaller side cables), but it’s the best of the mindless ones other than reverse stockinette. I was seriously considering the basket-weave for the “skirt” and cuffs, but given how much it draws in I’m reconsidering. I think it would just suck up so much yarn that it might not be worth it.
Eureka! I think I found it! This is another of Elsebeth’s cables, but from a stand-alone pattern that I’d forgotten about. This is the smaller version (a 20-stitch panel) that will be great for the fronts. There is a more dramatic version at 40-stitches that I think will be perfect for the back.
That means ditching the basket weave in favor of something less dense. I think I’ve found that as well. This should work for the skirt if I do a provisional cast on for the fronts and back, and then after sewing them together pick up those stitches so that the cable will be unbroken by the side seams. I know I’ve travelled way far away from the Aran style, but that’s ok by me. I’d rather be happy with the result than knitting something just for the sake of fitting within certain boundaries.
This is the gauge swatch for the junior Ganseys. The pattern will be a small homage to the Eriskay style. Those are certainly the most decorative of all Ganseys, but for children I wouldn’t want the style to overwhelm the size. I’ll use one main element in the yoke (tree of life), bordered by simple bars or diamonds, with a plain stockinette body.
I’ve looked at quite a few patterns for Ganseys for children, and few include the underarm gusset. I like the fact that the gusset gives the wearer more freedom of movement without the bottom riding up. It’s a little more work, but at such a small scale, it should’t add much to the knitting time.
The yarn is traditional 5-ply from the UK (Frangipani), and I love their range of colors. Now that Jamieson and Smith have started making 5-ply, I’ll want to give that yarn a go as well.
My thanks to all of you who have volunteered for test knitting duty. I still need a few more, so if you were wavering, now is the time to jump in. Pattern editing won’t be done for a while, so this isn’t a rush thing.
Meanwhile…
Computer issues also have freed up time for more work around the house. It is that “winterizing” time of year where it’s getting a little chilly in the house but still too early to turn on the heat. Our walk-out basement has a screened in area that the cats love for watching wildlife, and the screen covers need to be replaced this year. We’ve upgraded the material from polyethylene to vinyl, and the edgings require actual machine sewing to attach. That has been a learning curve! I have to sandwich the whole thing between sheets of tissue paper to allow the vinyl to move across the stitch plate, and even so, it sticks every few inches just to test my patience (the amount of which seems to be shrinking considerably).
There still is outside work to do (why did I think I wanted to plant 150 bulbs this fall?) including a final coat of paint on the deck and raking up the billions of acorns that have fallen on the driveway. I suppose I should be happy that the squirrels will have adequate food this winter so I won’t have to buy pounds of peanuts to keep them happy.
Another Recipe to Try
For all of the pumpkinistas out there, I came across this recipe the other day for a very delicious soup I hope you’ll enjoy. It has been modified a bit from the original because I didn’t have the right peppers in the refrigerator, but it’s warm and warming with just a smidge of spice.
Pumpkin/Black Bean Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 ½ cups chopped red onion
- 1 ½ cups chopped poblano peppers (I substituted 2 tsp. roasted paprika + 1/2 tsp chili powder)
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 T Garam Masala (or curry powder)
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- 3 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 (15 ounce) cans unsalted black beans, rinsed
- 1 (15 ounce) can unsalted diced tomatoes
- 1 cup unseasoned canned pumpkin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 (13.5 ounce) can light coconut milk (well shaken), divided
- 2 tablespoons lime (or lemon) juice
- 6 tablespoons roasted unsalted pepitas
- Handful of chopped cilantro (optional
Directions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and poblanos; cook until the poblanos start to brown and blister, about 6 minutes. (If using the paprika/chili powder wait until the onions have softened and stir in). Stir in garlic, curry paste (or Garam Masala) and coriander; cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in broth, black beans, tomatoes, pumpkin and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to medium to maintain a simmer. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Pour the coconut milk into the soup. Return to a simmer; cook for 3 minutes. Stir in lime juice. Ladle the soup into 6 bowls. Garnish with pepitas and cilantro (optional).
So that’s my take on life for the week. I hope yours is a good one. Meanwhile, stay calm and craft on! And for those with the opportunity to do so, vote early!
Your swatches are beautiful. I can’t wait for the pattern! My knitting has slowed considerably…bad hands. I would love to knit another cable sweater so let me know when you publish the pattern.
I remember all those acorns in your driveway. The squirrels will thank you.
Miss you my friend. Hugs. Suzanne
Your swatches are beautiful. I can’t wait for the pattern! My knitting has slowed considerably…bad hands. I would love to knit another cable sweater so let me know when you publish the pattern.
I remember all those acorns in your driveway. The squirrels will thank you.
Miss you my friend. Hugs. Suzanne