My main project these days is not crafty: I've been participating in the Concept2 Holiday Challenge, so I've been rowing much more than normal. Sometimes I feel like it's kind of taken over my life! But in a good way. In addition to raising money for charity with every kilometer I row, I'm also hoping to get rowing firmly back into my everyday routine with this challenge, as I'd fallen off the wagon over the summer with all the goings-on around here. As of yesterday, I've rowed 14 days straight, averaging 6 to 8K per day. I made myself a little button on the right, so if you are interested, go check out the C2 site! This year I'm supporting the NRDC.
In knitting news, I frogged two projects that I wasn't in love with: a pair of mitts, and the Beatnik sweater I'd started about a month ago. But I have almost completed a little cardigan from one of my vintage magazines.
Here's what mine looks like:
I'm using Kidsilk Aura in Forest. I bought this yarn last year in a super sale, and then couldn't find a pattern I thought went well with this color. Until I bought this issue of Vogue Knitting Fall/Winter 1963 a few weeks ago.
This is just a simple, jewel-neck cardigan with elbow length sleeves, but the crocheted buttons are what make it, in my opinion.
I'm almost finished with this one. All I have to do is the buttonhole band, the neck band and then sew the pieces together. I'm also thinking I'll do some sort of facing inside the button band, as the buttons are a little heavy for this filmy fabric.
In the meanwhile, I've started a new Kim Hargreaves sweater . . .
I'm in love with this little cardigan. The buttons are exquisite.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Evie. I hope it looks as good once I've got it sewn up. I'm never 100% sure with these vintage paterns!
DeleteI didn't know you were a rower! That seems so physical and so opposite of what us crafters and homelovers are supposedly all about. I love hearing about other aspects of my favorite bloggers lives. Dig a little deeper and we are all about many different things, but what brings us together is our love of making things. I also have some Aura that I am scratching my head over to find a pattern. I've used it many times and do love it so much. Your new sweater will be perfect in Aura and very cozy and warm. You keep warm rowing!
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm not sure I'm a real rower - I have never actually rowed on water! But I've been "erging" (rowing on a machine) for almost 10 years, and I love it. It's just that sometimes my inherent laziness takes over!
DeleteI agree - I also love finding out more about my crafty online friends!
What? Beatnik got frogged? Why, oh why? Those crocheted buttons are the bomb! Do you know if there are any instructions on how to make them somewhere on line? I'm full of questions today - sorry!
ReplyDeleteBeatnik got frogged for a couple of reasons. Mostly because I just don't feel up to that amount of thinking lately! But also I wasn't loving it in the yarn I chose - its tweediness was competing too much with the cables.
DeleteLooks like there's some interest in the buttons, so I'll post the directions. They're super easy!
I LOVE that wee cardigan. The buttons are perfect. Did they give you instructions for those? I'd love to know how to make them!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Libby! I will post them, although you could probably figure it out. I was all excited to learn something new, but then they were so easy, I was actually a little disappointed!
DeleteLOL! but, aren't they cute! I rather fancy some small ones on a fitted, shortish cardy. Hmmmm.... that's got me thinking :)
DeleteBeautiful cardigan! Is Kidsilk Aura itchy? I'm assuming not since you're making a cardigan with it, but I've never touched it. :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE rowing! One day I want to get a rowing machine for home. Any suggestions?
I do find the Kidsilk to be a little itchy, but I have very sensitive skin.
DeleteIf you want to invest in a rower, I'd say go with Concept 2. The initial outlay of $$ is a little higher, but the machine is such a great quality. We had a different brand of rower for about 5 years before we got our C2, and I HATED rowing on it. I didn't want Hubby to buy this one because I was convinced I hated rowing. That's how much better this machine is! And the customer service, support and online community and tools have really been great for me in terms of keeping me motivated. Ours is an old model that they don't even make any more, but it's still going strong after 10 years!
The buttons are precious little gems, so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm impressed with your rowing challenge - I've got a cross-training machine, but it's usually just gathering dust (shame on me :)
Hehehe! This is a great time of year to amp up the workouts, I think! I tend to go into hyperdrive around this time.
Deletei love those buttons! hopefully this turns out to be a great cardigan, it looks so pretty!
ReplyDeletei find it really hard to exercise during the cold months. i prefer to go running (outdoors) and don't like treadmills. all i have is an exercise bike which is just so boring to use! good luck with your challenge!
I'm the opposite: I get overheated so easily, I find it hard to exercise in the hot months, even with the AC and fans on!
DeleteI frogged some mitts last week too. I rarely do that, but after getting 1 almost done, I realized they just wouldn't work. Too stiff and just plain weird.
ReplyDeleteIt was sunny here today, so I went for a long walk. :-)
I didn't think you guys got sun over there in the winter?! ;-)
DeleteOh the buttons definitely add something special to the project, so cute! I also had no idea you row! It is such good exercise, I was never so in shape than when I rowed for a year in college. Good for you getting back into it and for charity too!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I ought to be hitting the half way mark today - two days early! Yay!
DeleteThis cardigan is darling! I absolutely love it!
ReplyDeleteOMGosh, to knit w/skinny and fuzzy yarn. You are such a pro! The buttons are so cute.
ReplyDeleteHehehe - can't claim too many kudos here - it's actually a worsted weight yarn knit on size 7 needles, and the sweater has very little in the way of shaping! Sometimes I feel a little ashamed of myself for not just figuring these types of things out myself, but hey - if someone else will do the math for me, great!
DeleteOoh, I've been excited to see this project since seeing the magazine photo on your Ravelry page! It's such a classic look, and the buttons are just perfect. Congrats on your rowing! I clearly haven't felt much like writing lately either, although I can't say I'm doing anything nearly so worthy with that time. :-)
ReplyDeleteFinished it yesterday and I like it a lot!
DeleteAnd you have been working on that block-making project, right? That's a big endeavor!
This looks so beautiful. I've never seen crocheted buttons... what a cool detail :)
ReplyDeleteI think so too! I was worried they might look a little clownish, but it worked out OK.
DeleteI'm in love with this cardigan! Especially those sweet buttons. Do you know where I can purchase this pattern? :)
ReplyDeleteI almost always buy my vintage magazines through eBay. You might have to search for a while though.
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