I’ve been in the knitting doldrums for weeks now. While I love the Blooming Cardigan, I just don’t want to work anymore on heavy wool this year. I can’t wear a sweater that heavy if it’s over 40 degrees, and I would be surprised if we have any more extended cold weather this year… next two weeks look to be in the 40s and 50s, and by then it will be March. So I’ve decided to put it away to finish late this summer, when I get my semi-annual doldrums again and long for wool. It is a relief sometimes to admit that knitting is supposed to be fun, and it’s ok to put something away. I am still knitting my socks, but right now I’m longing for sweaters! I used to freak out if I had a few weeks where I didn’t want to knit, but over the years I have come to realize that this is normal for me, and I always come back once lovely new patterns and yarns tempt me!
Knitting Daily now has Connie’s Soap Bubble wrap up for free download (for a limited time) so you should go snag it! I wanted to start this right away, but I’m debating on a yarn sub. The yarn it calls for, Euroflax worsted, is discontinued. To be honest, I don’t like knitting with 100% linen anyway, so I’m not sad about that. The question is, what to sub? I don’t want any significant wool content, because I see the sweater as light and airy, especially with the dolman sleeves (I love dolman sleeves, which I know is very 80s of me!) It also uses over 1500 yards of worsted weight, which is more than I have of any yarn, and I would rather find an economical choice since I need so much. I think I’ve decided on Lion Brand Cotton Bamboo. Bamboo is drapey, and the I like the green and pink colors. I have really wanted to order some of their new yarns that are only available online or at their store. It is very lightweight – slightly smaller gauge than I need, but I don’t mind knitting loosely for a garment like this, which needs drape anyway. Does anyone have any feedback on this yarn yet? I may order some of the stainless to try as well…
I’m also looking at yarns for the other projects in the spring interweave. I have yarn for many of them (yay for using up stash!) so I probably won’t have to buy much else soon, other than the new Rowan and Berroco books that I want.
Happy Valentine’s day to everyone – I hope to have new projects soon!
Green apples - Stitchywitch Creates 
I’ve never tried Valley Yarns Southwick (cotton/bamboo blend), but it looks mighty tempting. I wonder if that would work?
I have also had knitting doldrums, and I think that the Parker Cardigan might cure me. It is cute and feminine without being twee – but again the yarn choice. Decisions, decisions!
This pattern caught my eye too! And I immediately printed it off at work on yesterday. Even blew up the charts and everything! LOL
It reminded me that I have 12 balls of Berroco “Love It” yarn in lavendar that has been waiting to be something!!! I hope this yarn is enough AND works with this project as I have yet to swatch with it yet.
Can’t wait to see yours come to life now too! This will be great spring project as I am itching for it already!!
Happy Heart Day!
I love that pattern, thank you for the limited time free heads-up!!
Happy Valentine’s!
I’ve been in a knitting funk for about a month now. You’re not alone in that. I think I’ll be picking it up soon though. I also loved and printed out the Soap Bubble Wrap….I just wonder if it beyond my knitting ability. I look forward to seeing how it turns out in your yarn subsitution.
Be careful with bamboo for weighty projects, I’ve just finished a RYC bamboo cardigan with about 1000 metres which has grown past being wearable. Perhaps try a swatch and wash it to see what happens and hopefully the cotton content will give it some structure.
I’ve temporarily put away a nearly finished wool sweater also — been in the 60’s & 70’s here already. I live in an area with very little to choose from when it comes to buying yarn — even Michaels & Hobby Lobby are 60 miles from away, and not much there either. However, I did buy some Lion Brand Cotton Ease at Michaels the other day to start on the Slouchy Cardigan in “Greetings from Knit Cafe” – my first time to use it, so we’ll see how that goes. I almost chose Lion Brand Bamboo in a pretty lavender, but they didn’t have enough. I’ll be anxious to see how your project turns out with it — if you decide to use it.
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