Hiya all, just wanted to drop by and let you know that I am alive. I have several knitting projects on the horizon, but have not been able to start any of them because (a) wedding planning and (b) trying to stay employed keep getting in the way.
Sigh.
How about those projects?
First, my friend Jessica a/k/a Jolt! of Something Blue fame is not just married now, she's a mama. The baby's bottom needs a-covering, and is crying out for some sassy longies similar to these, from Crankypants. I'm thinking of using Mission Falls 1824 Wool, since it's machine washable and squishy. And design-wise, perhaps a lighting bolt on the bottom, in homage to mama's nickname?
Next: wedding knitting! Yeah, yeah, so shrugs are like oh-so four years ago, but I also know that I am more likely to keep a shrug on than a shawl, and that a shrug will provide more actual warmth if our September wedding turns chilly. In keeping with the four-years-ago vibe, I have settled on something that's been on my to-knit list since then, the Viennese Shrug from Interweave Knits Summer 2005:
For a good view of the back, check out this lovely FO from overanalyzer on Flickr. I am a little stumped on what yarn to use, however. I do not yet have a swatch of my dress, which makes choosing one a bit difficult. Plus I am torn between using a more "bridal" color / texture (i.e., in the white family / more refined or fancier fiber) and making it in a more wearable, more versatile yarn and color.
What else? Hm. I won my little wager with Virginia, and now she owes me a chicken pot pie. But at least she's got a lovely vest for comfort!
So that's all to say: hi. I hope everyone's well. Fig and Plum is not going anywhere (for those who have asked), but Fig and Plum is stretched a little thin right now. I'm hoping to post a little more regularly over the summer - fingers crossed :-)
Posted by jess at April 7, 2009 9:39 AM | TrackBackBusy, busy! I like the shrug idea a lot. Trying to keep a shawl on and properly arranged for the whole course of a wedding is more work than you'd think.
Posted by: Jodi at April 7, 2009 10:20 AMLove those Crankypants! If your friend is going to use your pants as a traditional longie (aka cloth diaper cover), machine washable wool won't work- they need to be made out of the real deal :) Of course, if she just uses them as pants, then washable wool is the way to go!
xox, K
Posted by: Kyrie at April 7, 2009 10:25 AMNothing wrong with a shrug! Especially when it's so cute :)
I have to admit that I like Virginia's idea of using color, rather than white, for a knitted wedding accessory. It's a little quirky, sure! Although I do like the traditional elegance of all white...
I still like shrugs. Does that make us both retro? :)
What about silky wool? That would be a great yarn for this I think.
Posted by: Carol at April 7, 2009 1:10 PMThe shrug seems like a fine idea, much more elegant than a sweater. A color might be nice from many points of view. Do you know what color your flowers will be or your attendants' dresses? You could go with a shade of that so it doesn't look too matchy-matchy. Happy planning.
Posted by: Luise at April 7, 2009 1:46 PMNot that I have a fiance or even a boyfriend, but I've already decided on a knitted shrug if I ever get married. I have shoulder and arm tattoos that would look buttockular in a wedding gown, so it's partly necessity. My thought was to knit one in white or off-white and then dye it afterward to something more practical for everyday.
I'd say go for some color with the shrug--I sort of regretted not having knit my wedding stole in a color. I knit the Viennese shrug with Noro Cash Iroha (WAY off gauge; it took me three tries to make the sleeves work), but since you're knitting it for a formal occasion and the lace pattern comes out pretty three-dimensional/textural anyway, I'd recommend a sproingy, multi-ply, smooth yarn that will produce an even fabric. Mine definitely looks rustic in the Noro.
Posted by: Sarah at April 7, 2009 1:59 PMThanks for the shrug love! I wish now that I'd knit it in something silker. Maybe Frog Tree Pima?
As for color, I think yours would look lovely in a color other than white (I'm assuming your dress will be white/ivory?) Anywhere from a pale blush/nude color, to whatever your theme color is...
Posted by: Yvette / overanalyzer at April 7, 2009 2:49 PMyay that fig n plum is still kicking. glad to hear wedding knitting shall commence. i love the shrug, it is such a fresh non-shrug like construction. i knit s wedding shawl for my friend and loved the weight of the yarn, she had a september wedding also...http://www.ravelry.com/projects/mamieknits/summer-lace-shawlette...silk wool, all i seem to knit with lately.
and if you need lighter, the blue sky alpaca silk yarn is heavenly.
hope we hear more soon.
Posted by: mamie at April 8, 2009 12:27 AMAw garsh, I missed your voice on the internets, but I totally understand how hard it is to find the time to post.
I'm so psyched you picked the Vienna shrug, it's totally you.
maybe a bamboo blend?
any deep, rich color would look gorgeous on you. how about a deep wine color (now that would definitely be non traditional)?
can't wait to see what you pick!
Posted by: kym at April 8, 2009 4:23 PMHey, What Housework? is stretched a little thin these days too.
Hang in there!
Posted by: jessie at April 9, 2009 7:11 AMI think I am going to have to learn to knit because those crankypants are soooo cute!
Posted by: Karen at April 12, 2009 1:55 AMIt is absolutely gorgeous!
Posted by: riotyarn at April 14, 2009 2:45 AMwelcome back to the knitting world! i haven't seen you in so long :)
Posted by: gleek at April 19, 2009 11:35 AMA shawl sounds like a lovely idea!
Posted by: emy at May 12, 2009 3:54 AMI love the idea of a shawl, and the idea of either making it a deep color, or doing white and then dyeing it later to something you can wear often. I wish I had an accessory on my wedding day that I could have converted to daily use afterwards, just think how it will make you smile every time you put it on.
Posted by: Kate at May 13, 2009 3:40 PMI would like to propose not to wait until you earn big sum of cash to order goods! You should get the mortgage loans or just sba loan and feel yourself fine
Posted by: MclaughlinSARAH at April 4, 2010 9:06 AM