sweater

Handknit Sweater Destash

Posted on by Dan

As the closets begin to fill with more and more of our handknit stuff, some things have to go. Virginia is letting go of three fabulous vintage handknit sweaters (from Norway) that have hardly been worn. In fact, in the time that I’ve known her (closing in on 10 years), I don’t think I’ve ever seen her wear any of these. They have been carefully stored (in a smoke-free and pet-free environment), are in close-to-new condition, and are for sale in our Etsy shop. Details are all there, including sizes and more photos.

Here is a just glimpse:

Project Catch-Up (Sweaters)

Posted on by Dan

After this post, I believe I will have caught up with posting all of Virginia’s scratchcrafty goodness that she’s made over the last couple of months. There are three sweaters, two from patterns, and one of her own design. The following sweater was designed by Kristeen Griffin-Grimes for the French Girl Knits book. Virginia knit this using Rowan Kid Classic.

Niobe

Next, this original sweater was knit using Rowan Yorkshire Tweed yarn.

Sweater

Sweater

And, hot off the needles, this cardigan, called Muse by Martin Storey (from Rowan Classic Reminiscence), was knit using Classic Elite Soft Linen.

Muse Cardigan

Muse Cardigan

Muse Cardigan

I think I’m all caught up, for now. Now that life is beginning to return to normal, the focus of this blog (thank goodness) will return to its original purpose. I hope to post less and less of illness and more and more of all the things we like to make… and, hopefully without cramming so many projects into one post.

5 Comments

Look! Knitting content ahead

Posted on by Dan

I am, as usual, behind in getting projects posted to this blog. I think I have a legitimate excuse for the most part, but on this lazy Sunday morning I’m going to try to get caught up. Virginia, with lots of time to knit (usually watching me sleep in my hospital bed), has finished quite a few projects—lots of socks, some scarves, a couple of sweaters and a blanket or two (some of these are still on the needles).

I won’t post everything in one post, but will start with two of the finished projects.

Glace Bits ‘n’ Bobs
This sweater was improvised by Virginia using some leftover Rowan Cotton Glace. It’s actually been finished for a few weeks, but as anyone who’s tried to take a picture of themselves will understand, had to wait for my arrival back home to make a photographic record of it.

Glace Bits 'n' Bobs

Glace Bits 'n' Bobs

Glace Bits 'n' Bobs

Another perfect summer top… although I’m partial to stripes.

Baby Log Cabin Blanket
Some friends of ours are due any minute to have a baby boy. Virginia knit this log cabin blanket using Fleece Artist Merino 2/6… soft, cuddly and machine-washable.

Baby Log Cabin Blanket

We are looking forward to meeting Baby B!

5 Comments

Cable Sweater

Posted on by Dan

Virginia loves Rowan’s Scottish Tweed Aran, and lucky for me she found a sweater pattern (from Rowan’s “Knitting for Him,” by Martin Storey) that provided ample opportunity to work with the yarn… both ample in time and yarn. I think she’d be able to make two sweaters for herself for every one she makes me. So I doubly appreciate it when she does make one for me.

Cable Sweater

This is also the start of her renewed goal of finishing a big project a month. This counts for January.

Cable Sweater

I love the cabley texture. It’s also the perfect weight for me–not too bulky, not too fine.

Cable Sweater

3 Comments

Diamond Gansey

Posted on by Dan

I usually consider myself a lucky person, having home, hearth and health all in good supply. But, there is no question that the benefits of being married to someone who knits (among the other countless attributes that Virginia possesses) is something I am always grateful for.

Recently, she finished knitting and seaming the Diamond Gansey (by Martin Storey, from Rowan’s Knitting for Him). The yarn is Rowan’s Wool Cotton, which provides the perfect weight and drape for a garment like this. It also (as shown by the photos) does a very nice job of showing the stitch pattern detail.

Diamond Gansey

Diamond Gansey

I think I’ve mentioned before that I have unusually long arms, so finding a sweater that has long enough sleeves without being so huge around the body is difficult. Obviously, I’ve stopped worrying about it since most sweaters in this household are now custom made.

Diamond Gansey

Diamond Gansey

I’m allowed to boast a little since I didn’t do the work — I think it’s perfect.

5 Comments