Couple that with a serious lack of both knitting and sewing mojo the last couple weeks, and you've got the perfect set-up for a great big 'ol frog. And frog I did.
BUT! All is not lost! Because on Thursday, Kim Hargreaves released her new book, which of course I ordered immediately. And Kim just as immediately sent it to me - I received it on Monday! I always order my books directly from Kim's website for just this reason.
The book is so spanking new I haven't even been able to add it to my Ravelry library yet! I love all Kim's books, but this one: ZOMG. She has really outdone herself. Of the 21 designs, there is only one I wouldn't consider making.
One of the members of the Kim Hargreaves group on Ravelry very obligingly posted the gauges of many of the sweaters before I'd gotten my book, and I had a notion that my yellow Calmer might work for the cover sweater, Pip.
(BTW: pretty sure I need those exact pants.)
Yesterday I had some time in the afternoon to sit down and swatch. The pattern is written for Rowan Handknit Cotton DK using a size 6 (4mm) needle. Knowing that I get about the same gauge with Calmer on a size 7 (4.5mm) I tried it out, and . . . perfect! I got started right away:
I'm enjoying this so much more than the plain stockinette of Lou, and I think this texture really suits the sunny yellow color.
Any other Kim fans out there? Have you gotten the new book yet? This one is a later than usual release and has been highly anticipated in the group. It did not disappoint!
Sadly I'm not quite such a good knitter, but that book looks amazing. I agree that the stitch looks great with the yellow.
ReplyDeleteKirsty, you could certainly make a simple sweater like this! You're a better knitter than you think you are!
DeleteI agree, although I thought the other sweater was lovely, but this stitch in this color is just so lovely and interesting.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think I made the right decision!
DeleteOh I like this sweater too! Wonder if you'll ever return to the stripes ... Regardless, can't wait to see how things turn out. That book looks dreamy!
ReplyDeleteThe book is amazing! And I would like to still do the Lou sweater at some point - just have to find the right yarn.
DeleteWhat a great color to use in such a classic cardi!
ReplyDeleteSo, I didn't even know who Kim Hargreaves was until I started reading your blog, but I have to agree that she seems to be the most awesome knitting designer ever... It's gotten to where if I see a pattern I like, guess who designed it? Might need this book. :)
ReplyDeleteI'd say buy sooner rather than later - these only have one run. When they're gone, they're gone!
DeleteYou already know I'm a huge Kim Hargreaves fan! I haven't got this book yet but I'm hoping to get it this weekend. I agree, I love nearby every design. The one I'd like to start with is the little peplum top- in the hope that we might soon get some nice weather!
ReplyDeleteOh, I love that one! I'm hoping to do that one too! I have been wanting to use Panama and was waiting for the right pattern to come along - that one is it!
DeleteLovely colour! I am coveting those pants too! Tis the season.
ReplyDeleteI ordered Spirit the moment it came out but it hasn't arrived yet. I think our customs agents are perhaps a tad too thorough. *sigh*
ReplyDeleteI'm always kind of shocked when they arrive so quickly. When I order from Phildar it usually takes about 3 weeks, although they always say it will be 5 days - I'm sure customs holds it up.
DeleteYou know, I may need to look at Kim's books a little more closely because I love all the sweaters that you knit from them. And yes, you should definitely make yourself a pair of yellow trousers!
ReplyDeleteI love how it's like a jacket cardi. The yellow will be terrific in it.
ReplyDeleteOoh, this sweater pattern is so cute! I love it! And you definitely need yellow trousers like that!
ReplyDeleteI sooo wish I'd discovered your blog sooner :) I'm a real Kim Hargreaves fan, although I haven't looked at her latest book. I'm knitting Bud from Misty at the mo - it's a bit boring with the 'ol stocking stitch but at least that makes it relatively quick - ish!!
ReplyDeleteI love the definition on Pip - it looks to be turning out well :-)
I'm off to check out your other posts!
Thank you, Louise! I love the Bud sweater, and Misty is one of my favorite books. I wish I could knit all the Kim sweaters!
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