Bubbles

Pattern: Bubble Pullover, Knitting Nature
Yarn: Mmmmalabrigo in "Lettuce"
Needles: #9 and #7 Circulars and DPN's

Notes: I started this project on a whim. I was in the library looking for a good book to read (I settled on My Life in France by Julia Child, by the way) and meandered over to the knitting section to see if there was anything new to peruse. I picked up Knitting Nature, even though I'd read through it before, and was struck by the beauty and ingenuity of each and every pattern. I think what was missing when I looked at these before was a specific skill level that left me in awe of the design process associated with the beautiful finished pieces I was looking at, and at the same time made me confident that I could achieve finished pieces like the ones in the book. It was a pivotal moment for me in my knitting career.

I was especially struck by the Bubble Pullover. It's construction was fun and challenging, and the finished product was something I knew I would wear. Additionally, I had seen versions of it knit with Malabrigo, and I'd been looking for the perfect pattern to set of the 6 skeins I'd purchased at Stitches. It was a serendipitous moment.

Though the construction took some getting used to, it really is as simple as can be. It's also fun to watch the piece grow, and really only gets cumbersome after you add the sleeves. The only modification I had was to pick up fewer stitches around the waistband because I couldn't pick them up consistently or attractively, and I wanted it to look clean. I think I achieved that.

I'm 100% thrilled with this sweater. It's warm, it's soft, it's in a color I adore, and it fits like a dream. Also, I love the feeling I get when people ask where I got it, and then get the look of complete and utter respect on their face when I unabashedly say "I made it!".

Hef

Pattern: Indigo Playmate
Yarn: Lion Brand Fisherman's Wool
Needles: #7 Circular and DPN

Notes: I really enjoyed knitting this sweater, and it was just about as easy as possible - simple stockinette to soothe the soul. My favorite "feature" if you want to call it that, is the short row shaping on the collar. It's nice and saves it from being bulky, while ensuring that it will fold over nicely. The other thing I think was done well was the increase and decrease placement. I think it makes for a nice line in such a simple pattern.


The yarn is admittedly scratchy, but a is a good solid wool, which I really like. I like that the colors that this comes in are natural, like this brown. It makes for a nice staple piece in my wardrobe and has already gotten lots of compliments.

This is a classic piece, nice with jeans and a tee shirt, and perfect with a little black dress (I think that wearing black and brown together is chic now...at least I hope so because I did it last week when these photos were taken!) If you are looking for a simple knit that will get a lot of mileage, this is the sweater for you.