Stripes
Monday, 22. December 2008
The second half of 2008 has been very frustrating and depressing for me, professionally. It is one of those times when you’re given a mountain of lemons, and asked to make lemonade. In my case, I was given rotten lemons and um, let’s say, a manual lemon juicer. Given the state of the economy and the rounds of layoffs that I’ve survived, I should be thankful. Yada yada yada.. but in truth, I wake up almost everyday wanting to scream at unnamed individuals and tell them to shove the work to where the sun don’t shine. So here’s to hoping that the next year will be an improvement on the last, and that next year’s end-of-year post will end on a much brighter note.
This little gem was completed in November, made up from a skein of red cashmere that was gifted to me by Joy before she moved to Hawaii, and 3 skeins of leftover Rowanspun 4-ply in the colorway Squirrel. The top-down yoke sweater is inspired by MissLemon’s stripey version, and all it took was just a simple gauge swatch, some head measurements to make sure the sweater will fit through my noggin’, and try-as-I-knit top-down fun.
The edgings for the roll neck, sleeve and the bottom bands were finished off with an applied icord, a la Purl Bee’s tutorial. I played around with jogless stripes and centered the beginning of each round at the center on the back of the sweater (traveling down the spine). It’s not completely inconspicuous, but it’ll do for now.
The result is a feathery-light garment that I’ve dubbed : Candy Cane. If you’d like to knit one for yourself, please drop me a comment and I’ll go dig up my pattern notes. Of course, it’ll only be in the size that I knit, which is 36″ around for 2″ positive ease. (editted to add additional pictures)
Pattern: Garter Sideways Hat from Drops, Sz 58 cm
Materials: Noro Sock Yarn (Colorway S164), 0.5 skein, Sz 3 needles
There isn’t a thing that I don’t love about this hat. The garter stitch, the slouch, the colorway, and the simplicity of the pattern. You should all knit yourselves some. Trust.
Happy Holidays.
Maryse Says:
Not always easy going to work every day… but, we are very fortunate. We are surrounded by fortunate people, I think that’s why we tend to forget it. Hey, on a brighter note, nice knits! I love them!!! They look king of vintage and very comfortable!
mari Says:
I’m sorry the 2nd half of 2008 has been tough for you! Here’s hoping that 2009 will be much better for you (all I can say is, for marirob, 2009 has to be better than 2008! 2008 sucked! tee hee! (except for Obama winning)). But I LOVE both of your projects. Especially the sweater. It’s wonderful to see your refined knitting projects – always inspirational!!!
Nonnahs Says:
I totally love that sweater! No, seriously, LOVE it! The hat, too.
Sorry to hear about work. I am definitely ready for a little time off over the holidays. But yes, also very thankful to still have a job. Sigh. Hope it gets better for you!
Oh and to answer your question about the baby, I think we get to find out in 5 or 6 weeks weeks, something like that. I’ll let you know!
mai Says:
i love that sweater! i love the cowl neck. can we see more photos? i’d like to see the sleeves!
yes, we should be thankful to be employed, but having a shitty job you hate isn’t any fun. i hope that 2009 is a better year for you.
grumperina Says:
Oh, both of your projects are so beautiful! The sweater has a great shape, and the hat is a beautiful color! I’m always hoping that the next year will be better than the last – it’s the only way to live
Manda Says:
Ooo! That hat is the perfect inspiration for a Christmas gift I’ve been trying to figure out. Thanks! Lovely sweater too!
Melissa Says:
Absolutely beautiful sweater! Do send the pattern, please.
Jen Says:
I fell in love with that sweater and its construction when I saw it on ravelry. I love the fact that there are no obvious raglan lines and luckily, we’re the same size. I do hope that your 2009 is better. mentally, i finished with 2008 last week or so.
Asiye Says:
I’ve been admiring the hat the other day on Ravelry … i defintily will make one, it looks like even i could manage it
, really hope it will be better in the new year. which leaves me with saying good bye for now, all the best for the holidays
the sweater,my its gorgeous!!! love it!
sorry to hear about your professional life
and thank you for sharing a glimps of your life with me, i truly enjoyed it- and am looking forward to many more in the new year. Happy holidays and a happy new year!
xoxoxo
asiye
sixoneseven Says:
Your post reminds me so much of how I felt about my last job… but hang in there, it has to get better soon.
Also, that sweater is beautiful!
Jacey Says:
I’m sorry to hear about your work woes-I can relate, and I similarly feel a little guilty for complaining about it when I also feel grateful for the job.
Your Candy Cane is lovely! It’s so vibrant.
Jesse Says:
I do hope next year is better for you… work is one thing, but dreadful, stressful work is quite another. Both your knits are lovely! I’ve wanted a sweater something like that for some time; it’s very generous of you to offer pattern notes.
Cirilia Says:
Dude, your knitting never fails to delight. I would LOVE to see pattern notes for Candy Cane, it’s my favorite: stripes, easy knitting, high impact. As for work woes, allow me to share a mantra I’ve cribbed from my favorite British comedy–”Cool wet grass, cool wet grass.”
Daphne Says:
Aw, I’m really sorry about your work situation. I can’t say I’m unfamiliar with that feeling. I hope things improve for you in the new year.
I’d love to have your notes on the sweater! It’s so gorgeous!
Agnes Says:
Very nice … very chic and the fit is perfect.
lucy Says:
Lovely stripes! Have a joyful holiday season and hope things will work out for the best in the coming year!
mamie Says:
mmm, the knitting is totally delicious. i love the stripey top and the drape on both projects is just right.
sorry to hear you are having upheaval on the job front, here is to 09 being better for all.
i think you are in the l.a. area, right? you should join our little knitting group when we next get together, it would be great to have some new blood, especially as talented as you are.
bobby g Says:
These looking incredible!! Based on 2008, 2009 will be a banner year I am sure of it.
I’m sorry I didn’t get to see these knitted. I miss you so much!! When you coming to DC?
Laura Says:
Both of those projects are gorgeous! I’m a serious Noro-lover, and I really like how the sideways garter shows off the stripes in an unusual way.
Also, I hear you with the job. If only we could sit home and knit, right?
eca Says:
hi, i’d be interested in your pattern notes.
thanks!
Julia Says:
Yay on the sweater and the hat! Boo on work – hopefully the new year will bring ease and happiness at work as at home.
Siga Says:
This is exceptionally cute! Well done! I wish you a better 2009; it’ll be a tough year for us all, but I’m sure we’ll get stronger after that.
Mary Lou Says:
Thank you for the swiss cheese scarf pattern. I really like how it looks. I found your blog via Jen’s and La’s blogs. You do lovely work!
Blogless mary lou
Moni Says:
omg, your sweater is absolutely adorable! I love it!
Here’s to a better year next year. I totally hear ya, sister. I am so done with this year.
Diana Says:
Cute sweater, looks great on you!
Here’s hoping next year sees some job improvements.. I need some too!
Lori Says:
I absolutely love the “Stripes” sweater. Do you have a pattern for it? I would love to have the pattern to it. The shape of your sweater is ideal for me. Please let me know if you have a pattern and how much. Thank you so much.
Lori
lourditax Says:
it’s a very nice striped sweat!
and courage for 2009, it will be a hard but enriching year, I think!
andrea Says:
I love both of them! Very inspiring; thanks.
Lara Says:
With the economy as it is, I am not surprised you are so frustrated with your job. I am sure you have to pick up a lot of slack because of the layoffs.
I LOVE the sweater. I would love any pattern notes you have so I can knit one too!
Karin Says:
I absolutely love the stripey sweater and the slouchy hat…both are so sculptural and look terrific on! Thanks!
june Says:
Your sweater is super adorable. I would love to knit one!
Linda Says:
I love, love your sweater! The hat is great too, but if it’s not too much trouble, I would love your pattern notes on the Candy Cane…If work doesn’t appreciate you, know that we ravelers do!
monique Says:
Love, love, love your knits – they’re beautiful and inspiring … and I so enjoy reading your posts. I hope your work situation has improved over the last couple of months. I’ve been given ‘time off’ so my company can better weather this storm. Downside – no money; upside a stash and time. Are you still willing to share your pattern notes for Candy Cane? I would love to knit that sweater! Thank you!
The real bright side? As long as you and yours are healthy, life is good.
Sara Says:
Love, love, LOVE this sweater – if you still have the pattern notes – I’d love to give this a try. Thanks for the inspiration!
leon Says:
What a beautiful sweater! I love it. Is this pattern for sale? I would love to buy it if it is. I have never made a top, the most I’ve done are hats, scarves and socks. But I would love to try this. Beautiful!
Mama O Knits Too Much • A Few Pic-ies Says:
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