I've spent the past few days locked in the house with 2 sick boys. As I cleaned all surfaces until the whole house smells of Lysol and did the millionth load of laundry, it isn't surprising that my mind has wandered to more pleasant activities.
Knitters have been asking me for weeks now what the spring knit along will be and when will it start.
Honestly, until last week, I didn't know. I was waiting for inspiration to strike. I knew we wanted to knit something summery. Something lightweight. Lace crossed my mind, but I just finished a lace shawl. A top perhaps? Something that could be dressed up or down, would look great on everyone, was simple enough to be a relaxing knit, yet not so basic that it is boring.
Then Knitty.com released the spring issue. Perfect. Knitty always comes through.
Announcing our 2009 Spring KAL - Pioneer.
This cap sleeve, v-neck top, is knit from the top-down. At first glance, it looks like very simple stst, but if you scroll through all the pictures, you'll notice delicate cable detailing on the sleeves, sides, and back.
We discussed Pioneer at KAN and while everyone was enthusiastic about the pattern, a number were not sure they wanted such a deep-V neck. No problem, I declared. I'll figure out the changes needed to make it a shorter V.
After examining the pattern today (in between fits of cleaning - did I tell you that my vacuum died today? The motor burnt out. Excellent timing.), I believe that anyone wanting a shorter V should repeat rows 4 and 5, and eliminate rows 6 and 7, when knitting the yoke. This will bring the point of the V about even with the armpit, rather than several inches lower.
I am actually going to be knitting the deeper V-neck as designed, so I'm relying on those who are knitting the modified version to send in their updates, pictures, and tips.
The official start will be April 4th, but I cast on today so that I can hopefully stay a bit ahead and answer questions.
I'm making the medium. You'll notice in the pattern that the designer intended the top to fit snugly with negative ease. Now, negative ease can be confusing. Basically it means that if you are a 36, like me, and want the 2" of negative ease called for in the design, you would knit a 34". Wait, you say. That won't fit you. Actually it will. The fabric will be form fitting. In this particular case, the designer has allowed for extra stitches and therefore, ease, across the bust. A good idea considering the deep V.
If you don't want all of your form fitted, you can simply knit a size closer to your actual measurement, or slightly larger. You are in control. That's one of the great things about making your own sweater.
Now, what about yarn? You should be fairly safe with anything in the heavy sport through DK weight. I opted for Blue Sky Alpacas' Alpaca and Silk in garnet. Michelle is using Spunky Eclectic Summer. Others are discussing Hempathy, Silky Wool, Hacho, and Ty Dy Cotton.
Send me an email or post a comment here if you'd like to join in on the fun.