Let's play Sweater Jeopardy!

"I will take 'Fun Friday Evenings' for $100, Alex".

"And the answer is: A pair of twins, a bottle of wine, a partially knit sweater and 500 T-pins."

[A double chime sound effect here]

"What is a block party!"

Yes, fun was had by all last evening! My knitting sister is knitting her first sweater, from the book, Textured Stitches by Connie Chang Chinchino. As this is her first project that requires blocking she wanted me to walk her through the process. (That is called the blind leading the blind.) Even though she has not yet finished the sleeves, she only gets to my house every month or two, so we decided to block the back and two halves of the front as a lesson.

I think the pattern is a rather difficult pattern for a first sweater, but Lisa never was an "easy" person. (She has always jumped all the way in the water then looks to see how deep it is.) With its Cowl neckline and asymmetrical front, the Albero Cowl Jacket would be a challenge to many knitters.

Reporter: Why this sweater?

Knitting Sister: Because it is asymmetrical and I like the way it looked with the moss stitch. I dislike sweaters that you have to pull over your head.

Reporter: After so many socks, what made you try such a long project?

Knitting Sister: I wanted something more challenging -- something that people would see me wear -- socks kinda hide.

Reporter: You picked the same color yarn as what is in the pattern. Don't you have any originality?

Knitting Sister: [Incredulous look]

Reporter: Well, I'm just saying. . . So how do you like the Lamb's Pride Worsted that you are using?

Knitting Sister: It actually knits up really well. It has a somewhat uneven twist to the strand and it seems to hide mistakes well, yet the heather in it shows up the stitches very nicely. The best part is that the label on the skeins is 100% recyclable.

Reporter: [Incredulous look]

Knitting Sister: Well, I'm just saying. . . [Can you tell we're twins?]

Reporter: Have you got your next sweater pattern lined up yet?

Knitting Sister: No, I am actually going to try a shawl next. Not anything really lacy like you like.

Reporter: Oh, yes, those 4 skeins of worsted you bought today in the bright (ghastly) shade of orange.

Knitting Sister: But at least it isn't the same color as the picture of the shawl.

Reporter: Whatever! [Talk to the hand, Sister!]

Twins will be twins. . .

Happy knitting!

Wrist warmers are finished. . .next sweater decided.

These were a quick knit! I finished them just a few minutes ago and am wearing them now as I type up this post. I think that they will be plenty warm for work and I love the color. They are a little snug around my fingers so I hope that they don't interfere too much with my typing.

Now I have to find another project to keep me busy for a few days as I don't have the money to buy the yarn for my next sweater.

My next sweater comes from the newly released book by Connie Chang Chinchio, Textured Stitches. This book is stuffed full of wonderful patterns which are beautifully photographed and well illustrated. It was hard to choose, but my choice for the first sweater from this book is the Raindrop Cardigan.

This open, buttonless jacket style sweater is simple and elegant. The front is plain stocking stitch with ribbed collar. But the best part of the sweater is the back panel. The "bud stitch" on the back is striking and resembles a cross between a pussy willow and the eye on a peacock feather. I think that I am going to try to knit this sweater in a silk blend. I'm going to have a hard time waiting to order the yarn. Oh well, I will just have to get a couple of quick stash busters made.

Happy knitting!