Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Lou becomes Pip

Remember last week when I showed you the sweater I'd just started?  I did a fair amount of knitting over the following days, and just about finished the back . . . and really felt kind of meh about it.  All that stockinette . . .

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!

19 comments:

  1. Sadly I'm not quite such a good knitter, but that book looks amazing. I agree that the stitch looks great with the yellow.

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    1. Kirsty, you could certainly make a simple sweater like this! You're a better knitter than you think you are!

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  2. I agree, although I thought the other sweater was lovely, but this stitch in this color is just so lovely and interesting.

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    1. Yes, I think I made the right decision!

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  3. Oh 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!

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    1. The book is amazing! And I would like to still do the Lou sweater at some point - just have to find the right yarn.

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  4. What a great color to use in such a classic cardi!

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  5. So, 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. :)

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    1. I'd say buy sooner rather than later - these only have one run. When they're gone, they're gone!

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  6. You 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!

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    1. Oh, 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!

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  7. Lovely colour! I am coveting those pants too! Tis the season.

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  8. I 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*

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    1. I'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.

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  9. You 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!

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  10. I love how it's like a jacket cardi. The yellow will be terrific in it.

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  11. Ooh, this sweater pattern is so cute! I love it! And you definitely need yellow trousers like that!

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  12. I 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!!
    I love the definition on Pip - it looks to be turning out well :-)
    I'm off to check out your other posts!

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    1. 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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