I was bad:
(The scale is a bit messed up here... but trust me, that's a hunka hunka yarn!) It's yarn with a purpose, though I'll admit I was not settled on what the purpose would be this afternoon. What we have here is (... "a failure to communicate." just kidding!) 2.25 lbs. of School Products' Bulky 70% Merino / 30% Cashmere blend in a classy camely / taupey colorway. This yarn is some quality stuff. It is super-soft, of course. But also, they've had the same swatch in the store for years, and despite being fondled many times a day it has not pilled a bit, unlike some other rather pricey cashmere / merino blends coughDebbieBlisscoughcough.
I'll admit that Selfish Jessica originally purchased this with a cardigan for her Selfish Self in the back of her head. But Magnanimous Jess prevailed with a better plan. Chris had suggested that he might like a sweater in this color. And it just so happens that, on 10 1/2 needles, it's just the right gauge for the 3.5 stitch / inch version of the Fishtrap Aran Cardigan, also known as the "January" project from Elizabeth Zimmermann's Knitters' Almanac.
I've always eyed this sweater for Chris, then Sarah (whom I seem to be stalking with my projects, Single White Female style) had the idea of subbing a zipper for the buttons, to give the cardigan an updated look for, you know, today's modern man. My one reservation with this yarn is that it's less rough-hewn and wooly than the original Sheepsdown wool. Once washed it does bloom and fluff up considerably, so I'm reserving judgment.
Tomorrow, I'll start a "swatchcap," or EZ's happy solution to the misery of swatching - you cast on 1/2 the stitches you would for the sweater, and make a hat instead of a swatch. The method is ideal for arans, where you have to swatch out the whole series of cables to get a proper gauge measurement. Aaaaand, if for some tragic reason it doesn't work out, I could struggle to find another use for the poor, dejected yarn.
Thus continues my EZ kick. Speaking of Elizabeth Zimmermann and my stalking of Blue Garter Sarah, we were chatting recently about the potential for a Zimmermann knitalong (working title = "Zimmermania"). Participants could pick any project from any of her books, sharing experiences, questions, and results. It's surprising how many younger knitters don't know who Elizabeth Zimmermann was, or, if they do, assume she's a mid-century relic. But if you've ever seen most other patterns from that era, or even a 1990s copy of Vogue Knitting, you can appreciate just how unique Zimmermann's designs are in their ability to both innovate and endure. A knitalong would spread the EZ love in blogland, and introduce more people to her timeless techniques and patterns and her winning, "pithy" style. Would people be interested in something like that?
Posted by jess at September 13, 2006 8:45 AM | TrackBackThe Fishtrap Aran with a zipper added is right up my husband's alley. I might have to stalk you while you stalk Sarah!
Totally jealous of the cone of taupe goodness.
Posted by: Adrian at September 13, 2006 9:22 AMI was eyeing that merino/cashmere blend last night!
I would be on board for an EZ KAL, I have been flipping through the 'Knitter's Almanac' for a few days and a KAL would be just the encouragement I need to pick something already and start.
Posted by: nova at September 13, 2006 9:44 AMI think an EZ knitalong is just what blogland needs! I am a convert to the pithy ways of EZ, I read Knitting W/O Tears a few years ago and was enchanted with EZ's comfortable manner and easy going ways. Who wouldn't want to knit after reading her freeing book?
I am working on the Baby Surprise Jacket as I type (well not excactly as I type) and would love to participate in more! Let me know if and when Zimmermania starts!
i always have that school products merino/cashmere in my head for a sweater project. I'll be anxious to see how it translates into the Fishtrap.
i'd of course be all over that KAL. i really want to make that aran cardigan from woolgathering that Elli is making. I was thinking about starting an EZ Flickr group, but a knitalong is much more exciting if there is some interest.
Have you spent much time looking through "The Opinionated Knitter?" I loooove it
Posted by: j a r e d at September 13, 2006 9:58 AMthis sounds like something i would be interested in. i don't know much about EZ but with all i've been hearing about her, i think i'd like to know more! does she have any small projects in her books? i'd be hard pressed to find the time to knit a sweater but hats and what not would be good!
Posted by: gleek at September 13, 2006 10:17 AMI'm definately in! Sounds very interesting!
Posted by: Mia at September 13, 2006 10:22 AMI've heard so much about EZ, and yet never bought any of her books... Your KAL would be a good excuse to get one of the books!
Posted by: Veronique at September 13, 2006 10:32 AMCount me and my similar giant wheel of School Products yarn in!
Posted by: MeBeth at September 13, 2006 10:40 AMI'm in, especially after seeing BrooklynTweed's EZ sweater (man, can that man knit!). And as one reader already noted above, this KAL would give me the perfect excuse to obtain an EZ book and start discovering the amazing knowledge of this knitting guru!
PS: Love those recent hats!
Would love to! My dad gave me Knitters Almanac last Dec, and I need a push to try her designs. (Love reading her books, but haven't tried any patterns yet.)Her inventiveness (or unventiveness) is just what I need.
Posted by: Lisa at September 13, 2006 11:23 AMGorgeous yarn for a fabulous sweater. I love the idea of a zipper in the EZ Aran - very updated. I've been meaning to make an EZ sweater, but it keeps getting put off. Maybe the stars will align for this winter.
Posted by: Stephanie at September 13, 2006 11:37 AMSounds like a great idea, Jess! I'd like to participate, but I've never even considering EZ's patterns. I should check it out...
Posted by: Skylar at September 13, 2006 11:52 AMAs I commented over at Sarah's, I would love to join this. Not only do I need a good introduction to Ms. Zimmerman, but I have a thousand or so yards of some Black Cascade 220 that I think this knitalong will really motivate me to put to good use. Great concept!
Posted by: Lisa at September 13, 2006 11:55 AMI agree about the Debbie Bliss - pillpillpill!
As for EZ - it IS strange isn't it how pre-historic her public image is - maybe it's that black and white photo? Anyhow I think a KAL would be great.
Posted by: stephanie at September 13, 2006 12:19 PMI'd be interested in an EZ knitalong. I've never knitted in the round, though, so I'm a little scared.
Posted by: andrea at September 13, 2006 12:32 PM(Delurking)
Yes! EZ-KAL! (Sounds like a diet.)
But where did Razor go? I was thrilled to discover you were knitting the EXACT SAME Razor I am - yarn, shade, and all...I'm anxious to see how mine will look. (And, in the event that I don't ever finish it, I can just point at your photos and say, "it would have looked kind of like that.")
Posted by: Alyson at September 13, 2006 12:54 PMsign me up for the ez-along.
Posted by: marnie at September 13, 2006 2:16 PMyes yes yes! i would love to do an EZ knitalong... i heart EZ. knitting without tears gave me so much knitting courage and the confidence to know that i really could just do it. sounds really cheesy written out like that, but true.
I'm in for an Elizabeth Zimmermann KAL. I write to her nearly every day (see my blog) -- I'm sure she will be thrilled to hear about this idea!
Posted by: Deb at September 13, 2006 2:45 PMI'd be along for the Zimmermainia ride! Keep us posted, I'd love to knit one of her sweaters and I think it's a great idea!
Posted by: Vickery at September 13, 2006 3:03 PMi'm all for the knitalong, fer sure!
i've been thinking lately that i want to buy EZ's PBS knitting series on DVD. I might really have to now. Check this out, I did some googling and came across this:
In one episode, a police officer (and friend of the family) pulled Zimmermann and her husband over for "knitting without a license." (Always knitting, she'd even developed the ability to knit while on the back of her husband's motorcycle). . .
That. Is. Insane. I love it!!
i think i fall into the class of knitters who hasn't shown EZ enough love. i'd certainly be up for giving one of her patterns a go. (and i really need to see the video that sandra is talking about ...)
Posted by: carrie m at September 13, 2006 4:15 PMi am so in for an ez along. yesssssss
Posted by: melissa at September 13, 2006 4:30 PMI need a little nudge towards those EZ resoleable socks. I'm in!
Posted by: Jennifer at September 13, 2006 4:33 PMluv luv luv elizabeth zimmerman - sign me up!
Posted by: gwemlin at September 13, 2006 4:40 PMi think an EZ knitalong would be a great idea. very different from other KAL out there!!!!
Posted by: laurie at September 13, 2006 5:22 PMI was just at School Products for the first time a few weeks ago. I love it! Spent waaaay too much money!
Posted by: Coleen at September 13, 2006 5:26 PMlovely yarn!
i seriously must have something wrong with me. i've been in that store so many times and always walk out with just a pair of needles or a book. should i see a shrink?
Posted by: melissa at September 13, 2006 5:32 PMThat looks like some gorgeous knitting material. I don't feel worthy of such lovelyness... yet.
Zimmermania - LOL!
Posted by: schrodinger at September 13, 2006 6:39 PMLongtime listener, first time caller. ;) I'd be very interested in an EZ along! I've been trying to find her books, thus far without much luck, since I first heard of her. Luckily, Sarah has pointed me in the right direction, so I should be the possessor of my own EZ book soon. Joy!
Posted by: Kristen at September 13, 2006 8:01 PMWhat an interesting stitch pattern *mental note to check out EZ*.
Thanks for the heads-up on the DB cashmere blend. Does that happen with all DB blends do you know? I was about to do a vintage pattern in DB Cathay but if it pills then..hmm...
Just delurking to say that I would totally be up for an EZ KAL! She has so many wonderful patterns that are often overlooked!
Interesting that you mention the School Products blend. I am thinking of knitting Simply Marilyn, and was trying to choose between the Cashmerino Superchunky and the School Products blend you're using. Would you say that you would use the School Products yarn over the Cashmerino if you could do it over again??
Posted by: femiknitter at September 14, 2006 12:32 AMI just picked up a copy of the almanac at the library Tuesday night and thought to myself, "Self, I wonder if there is/has been a KAL for this?" Wonderful idea, I'm there!
How's Catty doing? We had to put our Simon kitty down last week from the same bone cancer - one year after we had to amputate his leg. It came back as tumors on his nose, eyelid and around the missing leg. He had a great year though! Hope Catty is doing well :)
Posted by: Marcie at September 14, 2006 10:00 AMI would LOVE to do a Zimmerman KAL. She was a revolutionary, and so important to today's knitters.
Posted by: meg at September 14, 2006 10:30 AMZimmermania? Yes, please. I've been wanting to knit a few of her patterns (maybe "methods" is a more appropriate term), but other projects just seem to take precedent. A KAL would give me a great excuse to put aside those other silly projects.
Posted by: Toad at September 14, 2006 12:58 PMprecedence. yes, spelling, good.
Posted by: Toad at September 14, 2006 12:59 PMThe Donegal Cardigan is so stylin'! That would be a great alternative. I also like the Fishtrap Aran, so either way you go it's going to look great I.M.O. Too bad I can't participate in "Zimmermania", I have way too many projects in the queue already!
Posted by: Julia at September 14, 2006 2:22 PMOh, yes, yes, yes, please!! An EZ KAL is just what we need!!! I've been thinking about making my next pair of socks a pair of moccasin socks, not to mention the other 20-odd EZ projects I've always got simmering on the back burner.
Posted by: Kate A. at September 14, 2006 2:46 PMI've heard so much about EZ from knitbloggers that I think I'd definitely have to join in something like that -- it'd be the push I needed to finally get an EZ book.
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