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Wednesday, May 02, 2012

Finishing and Beginning



It has been both a good knitting and reading week. I finished my very squishy, cozy sweater on Saturday morning. The weather was cool, so I immediately donned it without waiting for blocking. Slightly oversized and boxy it fits great and feels so comfortable. The pattern was Bedford, and I will take some photos to share this week if we dip back down into cooler temperatures. For now here is a mirror self portrait in bad light.
The sleeve are knit in reverse stockinette. I had planned to do them in the round inside out, but I over thought it and ended up knitting them right side out. I must say that after purling two sleeves in the round, I am a much faster purler. Lots of practice, I guess. The sleeves are a little long which is perfect for cold days. I used just shy of 10 balls of Rowan Purelife Organic wool. I still love this yarn and am sad it has been discontinued. It is quite soft.
After finishing the sweater I immediately cast on for a baby gift. My youngest brother and his wife are expecting their third little girl any day now. I am behind the game as far as gift giving goes, but hope she holds on a bit longer. Of course, my sister in law is not loving that idea. I am knitting with a gorgeous blue cotton yarn which should work for baby and mom.

My reading success includes finishing My Name Is Mary Sutter. It was the May pick for my book group at home. The main character is a midwife during the time of the Civil War. She yearns to become a doctor/surgeon, and the book chronicles her life and challenges. It was especially timely since many of the sites mentioned are in our area - Arlington, Alexandria, Long Bridge. Like most historical fiction, I am drawn to learn more about the period of time.

I am also referring a lot to Naturally Fun Parties for Kids; Creating Handmade, Earth-Friendly Celebrations for All Seasons and Occasions. I was given this book by the publisher to take a look at and review. I was eager to get it, since I really like Ice Pop Joy also by Anni Daulter. I will be reviewing it in full later this week, so stay tuned.

What have you been up to this week with your knitting and reading. As always I am reading and knitting along with Ginny on this Wednesday.

23 comments:

  1. love the reverse stockinette feature. I really need to get on top of purling. its so hard!

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  2. Would it be wrong of me to say I wish I could pet your sweater? LOL It looks so soft and snuggly. Lovely work on the sweater -- I'm bookmarking the pattern so I can show Mom. It might work for her!

    I just send a request to the book store for Mary Sutter. It sounds like a wonderful book and I really would like to read it.

    Good luck with the baby knitting!

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  3. They discontinued that yarn? Well shoot, I would have ordered some. Your sweater looks fantastic and I am a little envious of you getting cool weather, so different from AZ huh? :)

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    1. The good thing is that you may find it on clearance. Little Knits has it on sale : http://www.littleknits.com/products.php?cat=10

      The cool weather has gone; today will be high 80s and 90 into the weekend. The humidity is a big change for us. We are loving it though.

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  4. Organic, cosy, creamy wonderfulness- I love it, and I am in for friendliness... :)

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  5. I love the sweater. It came out gorgeous!! And I'm with Emily...I'd love to pet it! I was given the Naturally Fun Parties with kids to read & review as well. Except it's around here somewhere and I can't find it :-/ which is bumming me out because I can't wait to read it! I guess this means it's time for spring cleaning!!

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  6. The sweater is oh so lovely and it fits you beautifully! Congrats on becoming a faster purler :)

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  7. Anonymous8:33 AM

    Love that textured pattern on the front. Yay for finishing!

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  8. Beautiful sweater! I really enjoyed My Name is Mary utter.

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  9. Anonymous8:43 AM

    great sweater---no doubt that will be the go-to sweater!!! Fits great! Had to queue Mary Sutter....the list grows! Love Wednesdays!!!!

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  10. Your sweater is lovely. That looks like a soft and comfy yarn. I can't believe it was discontinued!

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  11. What a great sweater! I love the texture on the front.

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  12. Anonymous9:20 AM

    That must have been such a great lesson in purling, well done. The sweater looks fab! We're having cold weather too, I just ordered some yarn to knit a cardi for myself! :)

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  13. Love the jumper. It looks so toasty. It is a shame about the yarn...except that it's half price near us at the moment...but not in the colour you used...which I really like.

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  14. I love your sweater- it looks so soft and cozy. I bought the pattern a while back and now I am defnitly getting my knit on.

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  15. two whole sleeves purled? you shall now forever be goddess purl divine (because it would have driven me crazy). and yes, your sweater looks fabulous and so soft!

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  16. Beautiful sweater. I have only ever made a sweater for myself once and it was quite the accomplishment. Yours looks so soft and cozy!

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  17. That sweater looks awesome-super soft too! I absolutely love the party book-wonderful and fun ideas in it.
    xo,
    ang (peach coglo)

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  18. The sweater is gorgeous! Looks so comfy...perfect for a cold day!
    That book sounds great...something I myself would be interested in reading!

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  19. sweater looks beautiful and very soft! i have seen that book on other blogs and it looks like a fun one. how fun you get to take a look and review it :)

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  20. Congratulations on completing your sweater! It looks wonderful! I've put that book on my library list, sounds very interesting and I'm always into historical fiction!

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  21. Oh! Lots and lots of purling. Your sweater looks fabulous. Just in time for your weather too! Good timing!

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  22. Those are both books I am thinking of buying (on my wish list) so I am eager to read your review. I am slow at purling so should look into that pattern.

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