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February 27, 2006
It's only rock n roll
Thank you for your condolences. A favourite uncle; utterly devoted to my precious aunt; forester; mountain rescuer; climber; farmer; rocker; occassional city whiz-kid; believer beyond reason in his wayward niece (me); died on Saturday after an unfairly-weighted fight with an aggressive brain tumour. His death leaves a gaping hole behind. I'll be away to Scotland for a few days, doing what I can to help with feeding animals, walking dogs, etc. Back after the proper and appropriate observances and rituals of farewell.
Posted by Amelia at 01:26 PM | Comments (54)
February 25, 2006
The end of the Olympic dream
A bereavement in the family means continuing coverage is inappropriate. If you have emailed recently with questions and requests for information, may I count on your patience for a few days? Thanks.
Posted by Amelia at 03:30 PM | Comments (38)
February 22, 2006
Can you bear any more Olympics?
“It’s day 12, I’m Clive Steek, with me is Ron Fairisle. Ron, just four days of competition left – are we looking at the possibility of a British medal?”
“This much I will say, Clive. We’re looking at a front, a back and a sleeve by the British contender Amelia Raitte. And that’s just part of it, she’s got the second sleeve on the needles even as we speak. Whatever happens now, that represents a good performance at this stage.”
“So Ron, if she’s almost to the sleevecap shaping on that final sleeve, isn’t the competition almost over for her? Can’t she take it easy and cruise for the finish?”
“Not so Clive. Don’t forget the critical finishing phase of the event. We’ve all seen brave attempts go belly-up at the finishing. That is the real test of all the pullover events: you’ve got to hold back enough stamina and strength that you can show a convincing, technically perfect finish. Competitions are won and lost on it Clive.”
“That’s got to be a challenge Ron, after literally days working in the same stitch pattern, concentrating on covering as much ground as possible, to suddenly change pace like that.”
“Clive you’re absolutely right. And let me tell you, at this standard of competition the judges will not give an inch. They will be looking for the compulsory elements of blocking, seaming, neck edging and sleeve setting, with another set of marks for artistic expression.”
“And how do you rate Raitte’s chances, Ron?”
“She’s timed her performance nicely, Clive. We saw a false start, and the programme change was a risky tactic but, give her credit, she’s come back well. Her coaching squad will be pleased Clive, and rightly so. As I’ve been saying, she must keep that focus, get the knitted section completed efficiently and then straight into the finishing, and give it everything she’s got.”
“Let’s hope she does, Ron. This is Clive Steek, with Ron Fairisle, giving all we’ve got at the 2006 Knitting Olympics.”
--
Patience... soon it will be over.
Posted by Amelia at 10:39 PM | Comments (21)
February 21, 2006
Bridie pattern
Available autumn 2007
Sizes to fit bust 32 [34: 36: 38: 40: 42] inches
Finished size 34.5: [36.5: 39: 41: 43: 45.5] inches
A classic cardigan updated with an asymmetric opening, which always draws compliments. The lattice stitch pattern shows off a luxurious yarn and pearl buttons are the final accent.
Knit in Karabella Margrite - a wool/cashmere DK blend - 50gm (140m [154 yards]) 7 [8: 8: 9: 9] balls
Gauge: 22 sts and 34 rows in stitch pattern to 10 cm (4 inches) using 4mm needles.
Skills: Ribbing, stocking stitch, increases, decreases, knitting through the back loop, wrapped stitches, short rows.
Posted by Amelia at 08:24 PM | Comments (26)
February 17, 2006
Your advice again, please
As you may remember, the idea is to reinforce the length and the pockets of this jacket with a braces- like (suspenders for our American cousins) construction: the earliest sketch is here. I’ve sewn a buttonhole into some grossgrain ribbon, but the more I consider it the more it seems too acrylic and ‘not right’ against the wool, cashmere, silk blend. I had gone for blue ribbon and buttons against the porridge because it made me think of Christopher Robin, in those delightful little smocks worn in times gone by by boys and girls alike, along with bobbed hair.
My other choice is 100% Rufflette polyester tape (I love the name) but it has the look and feel of cotton and a neutral colour. Do you prefer it? I need to find neutral buttons don’t I, if I use this tape?
Posted by Amelia at 06:49 PM | Comments (56)
"Do not adjust your sets!...
“Ladies and Gentlemen, your eyes do not deceive you! I’m Clive Steek and I’m here with Ron Fairisle, himself three-times Stranded Colourwork bronze medallist, on the seventh day of competition here at the 2006 Knitting Olympics. We’re following the progress of English hopeful Amelia Raitte. Ron, would it be fair to say that her progress probably isn’t going exactly to plan?”
“I think that would be fair to say, Clive. She must have been feeling very uncomfortable with her previous programme to change like that at so late a stage: she’s certainly given herself lots to do.”
“Has she thrown away the chance to bring home a medal, Ron? We’ve seen high drama in her home town, where the local community have been gathered in the pubs, watching the progress of the competitor they’ve done so much to support. It would be an awful shame if she let them down.”
“There is a lot to do, Clive, and no escaping that reality. Remember, it’s about finishing, but it’s also about so much more. These competitors, they’re being tested not just on their speed and technique, but their stamina, their emotional strength, their focus, courage, control.”
“So she’s still not out of the running Ron?”
“Clive, in this event they have a saying: “It’s not over till it’s over.” Maybe it’s a cliché, but at the end of the day, it’s true.”
“I hear she may be nursing an injury too. Word on the street is that she’s suffering ‘searing, stabbing’ pain through her right shoulder. I’ve got to tell you that doesn’t sound good, Ron. Is that going to slow her down?”
“You can’t tell a knitter to stop knitting, Clive. You might as well tell a fish to get out of the water and ride a bike.”
--
(No, honestly, I’m fine. Going to see a back person on Wednesday (apparently he is very good, and so very popular). And much happier with my Olympic entry.)
Posted by Amelia at 11:34 AM | Comments (20)
February 16, 2006
Jess errata
It has come to my attention that there may be an error in the instructions for the basketweave stitch pattern. I will check the pattern and send out an amended version at the weekend, but in the meantime, here is a correct version of the stitch pattern. I hope it hasn't caused any inconvenience.
Basketweave pattern worked over 4 sts and 8 rows
Row 1 (RS): K all sts
Row 2: P all sts
Row 3: (P2, K2) to end
Row 4: As row 3
Row 5-6: Rpt rows 1-2
Row 7: (K2, P2) to end
Row 8: As row 7
In other words, on rows 4 and 8, you purl all the purl sts as they face you, and k all the k sts as they face you. I think this is fairly clear from the photo of the stitch pattern.
Posted by Amelia at 09:23 PM | Comments (2)
February 13, 2006
My colours for spring
Hipknits cashmere and silk.
Posted by Amelia at 05:27 PM | Comments (11)
Thanks
Gracious thanks to everyone who voted, and of course to the judges.
Posted by Amelia at 05:08 PM | Comments (23)
February 12, 2006
Solid Progress by British Knitter
“Good evening! You’re joining us after just one full day of competition here at the 2006 Knitting Olympics, and we’re checking on one Amelia Raitte, a young British competitor who we think might be in with a chance. Isn’t that right Ron?”
“It is Clive. As you can see, she’s made a really solid start in her Stranded Colourwork event with a tightly-executed houndstooth check. She’s found a swinging rhythm and settled into it nicely.”
“Will she be pleased with her progress at this stage of the event Ron?”
“She will Clive. There’s still a long way to go though, and one thing we know about the Olympics – there are always surprises!”
“How right you are Ron. I’ll be joining Ron Fairisle for more comment regularly throughout these games, but for the moment this is me, Clive Steek, handing you back to the studio where I believe they have some stunning news from the Pairs Cable event…”
--
I planned on hearts, changed my mind, consulted extensively, changed my mind back to hearts, then, predictably, changed my mind once more.
(That’s deep red, not fuscia - gloomy February light.) I’m not sure that I like it… although I think it would look quite lovely in black and white, with an orange trim.
Posted by Amelia at 07:16 PM | Comments (17)
February 09, 2006
Sports report
“Good evening! My name’s Clive Steek, and I’m delighted to be reporting to you live from the Olympic village tonight. It needs no introduction: the single most important date in any knithlete’s life. With me is Ron Fairisle: Ron, you’ve spent the day with British Team as they make their final preparations. At this point, I imagine it’s all about maintaining focus?”
“Definitely Clive. These knithlete’s, as you can imagine, they’ve been working towards this for years – it’s the culmination of all their hopes and dreams. And I tell you what, there’s one who could do with a little focus if she’s going to come through this with her dreams intact.”
“It’s been a rollercoaster ride to the Olympics for this particular English hopeful, wouldn’t you say Ron?”
“Certainly has, Clive. As recently as four days ago, Amelia Raitte wasn’t even confirmed on the team! Her coaching squad were obviously unsure of her place, and they’re not giving much away about their reasons. She arrived just this evening to join her team-mates: now that’s what I call cutting it fine!”
“So what do we know about this competitor Ron? Is she one to watch?”
“She’s shown some ability on recent outings Clive. On paper, she’s in with a chance and there’s been some buzz about the British team this year. But to be honest, I’ve still got questions about her stamina.”
“Tears before bedtime, Ron?”
“It’s a distinct possibility Clive.”
----
Thank you there is no need to point out the mistakes.
A slight departure this from all the recent trim shapes. An easy fitting jumper to wear on the beach in summer (anyone who has holiday'ed in England knows that beach days often end with goosebumps and blue lips). I was forced to swatch with this teal colour due a scare over supplies: but an emergency sprint to Peter Jones nabbed the last six balls of Rowan Wool Cotton in shade 911 Rich in London. There is such thing as too much cheese... I am withholding judgement for now.
PS: The invocation of 'sleek hair' in my recent post was entirely from the fash mag, not me. I say, let your locks flow wild and free, and hang the consequences.
Posted by Amelia at 09:30 PM | Comments (9)
Tiggy progress
Precious!
Posted by Amelia at 09:13 PM | Comments (15)
February 07, 2006
Sleeves and
Your input on on the Tiggy sleeve was priceless - the general feeling was definitely towards a three-quarter- or bracelet-length sleeve, a number of you mentioned fullness echoing the pocket, and Annie said ‘belled’, which stuck in my mind. Genny (blogless), Deb and Angela also queried the wisdom of a deep cuff, and I concur.
Then on Sunday I was flicking through a fash mag and came across this:
Sleek hair! Sleek hair is what this cardigan needs! But notice the sleeve...
In fact the sleeve is finished now (marvellous - shortish sleeves are so quick (comparatively), and this one is decreases all the way after the initial puff – one long sleevecap).
I'll pin it in place on the dummy with the front and back this evening to see how it looks, and report back.
In other knitting news, late to the party, I have been and gone and entered The Olympics. Honestly, I am an incorrigible joiner, this was really very bad of me: I have a backlog of projects already without taking on anything else. However (in my defence) none of my existing commitments have deadlines attached, the new project is time-limited, and when I described my entry for the Stranded-Colourwork event to darling Anoushka at Knitting Hill last night, she told me it sounded lovely. How weak I am, that was all the encouragement I needed.
Posted by Amelia at 08:32 AM | Comments (18)
February 05, 2006
Bridie
Sweaters
So many charming sweaters are made today that it would be quite possible for a woman to be elegantly attired from morning till midnight in a wardrobe entirely composed of different sweaters and skirts. Few women can resist the temptation of a soft new pullover in a luscious shade, and how right they are (unless they are afflicted with a very large bust), because it provides them with an inexpensive way of renewing their wardrobe. Besides, a beautiful sweater is always more elegant than a nondescript dress.
But you should not abuse this useful garment. In particular, you should realise that a sweater can also be the contrary of elegance if you have neglected to respect one of the following rules:
- Only solid-coloured sweaters of cashmere or silk (or of similar synthetic materials) are elegant in the city.
- The open neckline of a V-neck sweater should always be filled in with a scarf unless it is worn over a blouse or pullover.
- Only one kind of embroidery or appliqué is chic in the daytime: naïve or Tyrolean-type trimmings on winter sports sweaters.
- Heavy knits, stripes, cable stitching, Jacquard patterns, and all kinds of eccentric designs should preferably be worn only with trousers.
Guide to Elegance: For Every Woman Who Wants to Be Well and Properly Dressed on All Occasions - Genevieve Antoine Dariaux
------------
The point is made well enough, despite the assertion about women with big busts (an affliction I have often wished for a bit of). We all know that to be untrue, it’s simply a question of getting the neckline right. Despite the rustic styling here, I think this qualifies as sufficiently elegant ‘for the city’.
Bridie, started 30 Dec 05 finished 2 Feb 06
Pattern: My own
Yarn: Karabella Margrite
Posted by Amelia at 08:13 PM | Comments (59)
February 04, 2006
Tig
I've done quite a bit on Tiggy, the below stairs jacket I introduced you to a fortnight ago. I like the way the gathered pockets give a little kick from the hip. Today I went shopping at VV Rouleaux and The Button Queen for grossgrain ribbon trim and (surprise!) buttons for Tiggy, all in a clear pale blue.
Tell me what you think about sleeves: how about, three-quarter-length or slightly longer, quite wide, maybe with a deep cuff? Do you have strong feelings?
Posted by Amelia at 07:09 PM | Comments (18)
February 03, 2006
A bloggers (silent) poetry reading
Man is dear to man: the poorest poor
Long for some moments in a weary life
When they can know and feel that they have been
Themselves the fathers and the givers-out
Of some small blessings; have been kind to such
As needed kindness, for the single cause
That we have all of us one common heart.
William Wordsworth
--
From Grace’s Poppies, found at Jodi’s.
Posted by Amelia at 12:13 AM | Comments (3)
February 02, 2006
Noisette
What is Elegance?
It is a sort of harmony that rather resembles beauty, with the difference that the latter is more often a gift of nature and the former the result of art.
Guide to Elegance: For Every Woman Who Wants to Be Well and Properly Dressed on All Occasions - Genevieve Antoine Dariaux
------------
I’ve such a crush on Bridie.
It all started in a meeting at Work, where I was sat opposite a red-haired beauty wearing a divine camel-coloured cardigan with an asymmetric opening. It was a fine, silky, machine-knit, in a classic style, but the way the opening whipped across to the hip, sloping sharply from the solar plexus, lent it a hint of the warrior, somehow. Or that could have been its wearer’s bearing. Either way, my instincts were twitching.
And even before then I had been planning a cousin to Pippa, who was doing such great service. So I straight away ordered the yarn (Karabella Margrite, because I’m worth it) and, while waiting for the parcel post, mulled and sketched.
The original inspiration had the lower half of the front opening, if you can picture it, veering off to the right. It looked gorgeous fastened, but cardis can be so pretty worn with the top two or three buttons done up and the rest open, and asymmetry there might lead to odd shapes at the hem. Flapping. The twist moved upwards to the bust.
And oh! When the yarn came I knew this would work. It did: it fits, it’s perfect, I love it. Proper pics at the weekend, and I’ll let you know what Dariaux says on knitwear.
I’ve been reading the discussion about pattern-making versus designing over at Eunny’s (her argyle vest is causing me to long to knit something which someone else has already worked out), and rolling the points raised round my mind for all those days I was out of touch. It’s a difficult line to draw. I could not call myself a pattern-maker: that is far too accomplished, methodical, for the vague process I follow. I don’t pretend to understand the maths behind making a garment, and never reinvent wheels. I put together colours, outlines, textures and details in a way that says something to me. Cardigans that speak to me about childhood, West Wittering, ancestry, orchards. Clothes with superpowers stitched in.
Posted by Amelia at 10:52 PM | Comments (19)
February 01, 2006
Whew!
It looks like I'm back. It was a bit of a scary, hideous week, as my hosting company was doing tricksy stuff with servers that locked me out of my site, then frightened me by suggesting that I might be open to charges of $2,000 or more for 'overages' on my 'bandwidth'.
Things seem to be settling back to a more even keel now. Apologies to anyone who tried to comment, or search the site, while it was all a mess.
Posted by Amelia at 10:50 AM | Comments (8)