I might just be the biggest procrastinator when it comes to finishing a seamed knitted garment.
But you know what?
I’m ok with it!
Between all the housework that comes with being a full-time mom and running a small business, those precious moments I get to knit have been limited. I’m finding myself setting aside the project if it requires anything other than knitting. This includes blocking and weaving in ends, too!
You’d think this would stop me from picking patterns that require seaming, but it doesn’t. If I really like the design, I’ll still cast it on regardless of how it’s constructed. I’ve come to accept that it’ll just take me longer to have the finished object in my hands.
From the moment I first saw this sweater, I knew I had to have it.
Boxy? Check.
Geometric? Check.
Split hem too? Bonus!
(Wait, was that included or did I add that myself? I can’t remember! It’s been too long but either way… check, check, check!!!)
I love Emily Greene‘s aesthetic and Citrine was an absolute pleasure to knit.
My favorite part is the simple detail of the twisted rib carried up on both sides of the body. Combined with just a hint of lace at the top of the sleeves is genius!
Citrine was a simple, fun knit. The pattern is easy to follow and I finished knitting all 4 pieces in no time at all. It just took me a year to put it all together! Full disclosure, I did make an error that contributed in the amount of time this languished…
I thought I was being smart by knitting the sleeves two at a time, but I ended up miscalculating the length all because I was too lazy to separate and measure.
I have to be in the right frame of mind to seam and it was only during the pinning part that I discovered I had knit the sleeves too long. Of course, by this time, I forgot that the sweater was knit from the bottom up, and when I realized this was the case, I set it aside again because what I thought would be a quick fix of re-knitting the ribbing was actually incorrect.
Another month goes by before I pick it up again. It was around February, when Knit City Montreal was just around the corner, and I really wanted to wear this by then.
I remember laughing at myself after it clicked that what I had to do was a lot simpler than I thought! I shortened the sleeves by ripping back from the bind off edge about an inch, and binding off. I didn’t even have to knit! I seamed the sweater that same afternoon.
Of course, I didn’t block it for another couple of weeks but the important thing was I finished it!
I received Making Stories’ newest book, Jewels, in exchange for a complete review. I have enjoyed reading it over the past week and am now able to share my thoughts about it below. There is also an opportunity to win a copy for yourself and even some yarn! More on that later.
Making Stories was founded by Berlin-based designers, Verena Cohrs (@sustanablistco formerly known as the Wool Club) and Hanna Lisa Haferkamp (@hlh.designs). Their work is focused on sustainability and ethically produced European yarns. Jewels is their 3rd publication containing 12 modern knitwear designs inspired by “deep strong tones of rubies, emeralds, sapphires and opals.”
Ever since I saw the first teaser photo on Instagram, I knew I had to make it.
The bold lines combined with a boxy, cropped fit and close-fitting sleeves are all elements of my ideal sweater. Not to mention it’s knit using worsted weight. Can it be more perfect?
I knew I wanted to try out the same yarn used for the pattern, De Rerum Natura Giliatt, so I immediately went on their website to choose a color. As always, I find this to be the toughest part! I was torn between genet, fauve, and plume. Unfortunately, genet which was my first choice, and the same color used for the sample wasn’t in stock but that’s ok because I couldn’t take my eyes off fauve.
It’s so far outside my typical color palette, I know! But I’ve been loving earth tones lately and have been craving to add a deep orange to my wardrobe. I also think since I already have a lot of neutrals that I won’t have a problem matching a shawl with it. Plus, it’ll look great with blue jeans 🙂 I can’t wait to swatch!
Here are a few more patterns I’m loving from the book:
The Morganite Hat designed by Imke Von Nathusius is made up of beautiful “diamonds, getting smaller and smaller, flowing out of a line of twisted rib.” I love the color they chose – Darkest Lac from Moel View Yarn.
If you’ve been following me for a while, you know how much I love geometric patterns and the texture of twisted stitches. I can definitely say this is must knit for me.
The Paraiba cardigan designed by Nadya Stallings has an open front, all over texture and has my name written all over it.
Described as “the one garment you’re going to grab from your closet to throw on over your pj’s to have your morning coffee and your black turtleneck when you meet your best friend for dinner”.
Ummm, yes, please!
The only thing I will note is that it is kind of hard to see the texture of the sweater from the book. They’re all lovely photos, don’t get me wrong, but the motif is somewhat lost against the dark background.
I did have a peek on Ravelry, and was able to see the design clearly from one of the project photos. Based on that, I do see myself knitting this in a shade of grey. Instant wardrobe staple!
I have been wanting to cast on a blanket type shawl and the play on bold lines and contrasting colors drew me in.
I did wish they included a photo in the book where I can see the full shape and design of the shawl. I mean, I knew from the description that it was basically a rectangle, but I would have still liked to see it laid out for a clearer view.
It doesn’t bother me though, just a personal preference. I’m totally in love with this design either way and can not wait to make one for myself. It is knit using fingering weight and requires approx. 1690 yards which is going to be a labor of love for sure.
But it’s totally worth it!!!
I have been working on mittens for my kids for Christmas this year. It has been so satisfying to have a quick FO with very little effort so I was thrilled to see a pair included in this book, Spinel by Becky Sorensen (also known as @sopranoknits).
What an adorable colorwork pattern! I haven’t decided if I’ll go with the original 4 colors or just 2. All I know is that this will be the matching mitten to go with my Morganite hat. Both are knit in DK weight and I’ve already made a note to pick up an extra skein 🙂
I always have a pair on the needles and I do have quite the collection already but what I did notice is the lack of lace socks. I’ve only made 1 lace pattern before and I intend to rectify that, starting with this beauty!
There are many more amazing patterns in the book and I encourage you to have a peek at the entire collection. You can find Jewels on Ravelry here.
There is also a KAL happening in the Making Stories group which you can join here. There will be lots of prizes and there is plenty of time to enter. The deadline is not until Feb. 28, 2019. There are also 2 other KAL’s happening right now for Topaz and Rubellite.
Here’s a peak of the rest of the patterns included in the book:
Topaz
Rubellite
Diopside
Tourmaline
Tanzanite
Alexandrite
Jewels also has plenty of insightful articles from Melody Hoffman, Paula Goosen, Diana Walla, and Katie Green on yarn + color substitutions. The book also features a designer and yarn profile where you can learn about their creative inspirations and backgrounds.
As mentioned earlier, I did receive a second copy of Jewels as a brand ambassador to give to you! Look out for that giveaway on the next podcast (episode 6) on YouTube.
I may have also picked up an extra sweater’s quantity of De Rerum Natura Gilliatt to make Citrine. I’ve been wanting to do a giveaway on Instagram as a thank you to my followers. I’m just blown away for reaching over 5k! Can you guess which color I got?
