A Needled Spirit
28 Nov 2012
“Properly practiced, knitting soothes the troubled spirit, and it doesn’t hurt the untroubled spirit either.” ~ Elizabeth Zimmermann
The knitting alarm is ringing. Can you hear it? If you’re a knitter you can. It’s starts when the outdoor world gets tinged with variegated hues and winter whites, and shuts off when the temperatures rise so high your hands can’t stand to touch wool…not even the softest cashmere. The flakes are falling and it’s finally what my my mother calls, “sweater weather.”
For me, knitting inspiration climbs to new heights each time I step into Pinterest. It feeds my troubled or untroubled knitting spirit.
So, direct from Econesting’s Knitting Pin Board, here’s a few projects of the season–the knitting season:
The easy Redy Sweater by Ankestrick is sweet because there is almost no shaping…no fussing with collar decreases and no fumbling with stitch pick ups. Sweater perfection. Now, what color?
Have you seen those new gloves created for touchscreen texting? No need to wrap your hands in those polyester numbers when you can knit fingerless gloves. Here’s a fun snow-tipped pair: Hege Mitt, by Michelle Wang.
When I look back at items I’ve knit, memories of time, tranquility and toddlers come gushing in (I knit furiously throughout my kids’ childhoods). I adore an ongoing project for all those nostalgic reasons. This comfy, Slip Stitch Sampler perfectly zaps up left-over yarn and will keep the knitting fires burning all winter long.
The creative sideways construction of this knitted poncho/cape intrigues me. Is it knit like a baby blanket and sewn up one side? Don’t know because the pattern is French to me…literally.
I am rarely surprised by ingenious knitted creations, but I nearly fell off my chair when I saw these Knitted Yoga Balls. I sit a lot and like to break up the long hours by unchaining myself from my ergonomically-designed Aeron Chair. Sometimes I bounce and stretch on an exercise ball. I’m toying with the idea of jeweling up a lowly specimen using this Knitted Yoga Ball pattern.
Illustration: Edel Rodriguez
Photos: Ravelry, Brooklyn Tweed, Knitting Warehouse, Thread and Needle, Better Living By Design
Judith
Nov 28, 2012 @ 18:53:22
I’m ordering the pattern for that Redy Sweater ASAP! Have you made it? I want one!
Ronnie
Nov 29, 2012 @ 16:28:22
No, I haven’t made the sweater yet. It’s on my ‘after I finish knitting holiday gifts’ list! What color are you going to use?
Dominique
Nov 30, 2012 @ 08:40:29
Love this post, Ronnie, and I am hearing the knitting bells…is it the weather? all the gorgeous new yarns around? However, I’ll have to come over for a tutorial as I don’t even know how to read patterns….Many thanks. And ideas for leftover wool are brilliant because there is SO MUCH of that in my life, as I’ve found while packing. Does bring back memories of all the scarves I made for friends and family….
Ronnie
Nov 30, 2012 @ 19:08:34
Thanks, Dominique. You know I will teach you read patterns whenever you want!
Lori Popkewitz Alper
Dec 01, 2012 @ 08:23:02
I wish I remembered how to knit. My grandmother used to sit with me for hours, patiently teaching me to knit and pearl. Unfortunately I didn’t keep it up and now the knowledge is long gone. I love the Redy Sweater. So my style. I’ll have to knit vicariously through you Ronnie.
Ronnie
Dec 01, 2012 @ 14:56:00
Lori, I’ve been toying with the idea of having a knitting retreat at my house. And now that National Geographic named the Hudson Valley one of the 20 must see places in the world in 2013, my nest might be the perfect destination to learn how to knit: http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/best-trips-2013/#/internatinal-art-center-hudson-valley_61101_600x450.jpg
I’ll keep you all posted!
Judith
Dec 03, 2012 @ 17:11:00
I’ve been wanting to visit the Hudson Valley for years now. My son has played there many times with Raya Brass Band — so I love the idea of a knitting retreat!