All Good Things

Well, here I am, at the end of my little vacation by myself, and it’s been lovely. Busier than I imagined it would be, but all the little things on my list are checked off, and the house is (almost) tidy, and ready for me to leave it tomorrow.  First thing in the morning I’ll head for the airport, and thus beginneth a wickedly busy month of travel.  I’ve almost got my bags packed, and my classes ready, and the only thing left to really organize is what knitting I’ll take with me when I go.  I’ve got a nice chunk of time designated for puttering around the stash this afternoon figuring it out.  I’ll need something fussy for the plane(s) and something simple for when I’m talking and walking, and something in the middle for when the going is easy.  No ideas yet – for sure the Dark Side of the Moon socks will be going with me.

Speaking of knitting, I finally managed to get some pictures of Lou wearing his birthday sweater – although it wasn’t easy.  The gentleman in question isn’t very interested in having his picture taken these days, as you can plainly see from the attempt his father made.

Loumad 2015-04-08

I didn’t have awesome luck either, most of my pictures ended up a lot like this one – and were accompanied by loud admonishments of “NO PICTURES.”

nopictures 2015-04-08

The best snaps I got where when he was busy hunting for eggs – with chocolate smeared on his face, distracted by the work at hand.

Lousweater2 2015-04-08

Pattern: Wyatt.  Yarn: Galway Worsted in Indigo.

Lousweater4 2015-04-08

I loved this pattern, although as written, the arms seem a little long.  If I were to do it again, I’d shorten them up a little.  The whole sweater is big on him, I intentionally knit him a size 4, even though he’s decidedly the size of a three year old. (Which he is.)  I’m hoping it will fit him this spring with the sleeves rolled up, and then in the fall with them uncuffed.

Lousweater3 2015-04-08

He seems quite comfy in it, despite the lack of co-operation in modelling. He’s so wonderfully three right now, and my agenda and his are absolutely not one and the same. (I’d hazard a guess that Katie and Carlos would say the same thing.) Perhaps I’ll send Sam over to speak a little with him about the emotional rewards of knitwear modelling.

Lousweater 2015-04-08

Now, I’m off to make a cup of tea, and set off to rootle through the stash, and see what I can come up with. Wickedly exciting times my friends, wickedly exciting. (All suggestions for what to knit next will be read and considered. Go nuts.)

 

133 thoughts on “All Good Things

  1. Obviously the next thing to knit should be for spring.
    A nice, 3/4 or 1/2 sleeve cardigan.
    A cotton top.
    Or, knock the fleece out of your Christmas sock list and bask in the glow. 🙂

  2. Ha! I have a 3 year old right now, and your comment about differing agendas really made me laugh. Beautiful sweater!

    • Stephanie might not knit this but I think I will! It’s a great pattern. Thanks so much for putting it in the comments!

      • Thanks for the pattern suggestion! It looks like just the thing to use up those extra skeins of really nice yarn sitting in my stash

    • Thanks for this pattern suggestion, RobinT! I’ve already downloaded it and am now enjoying the process of deciding what in my stash will work best with it.

  3. I’ve never heard the word ‘rootle’ til now — I love it!

    I rootled through my Rav queue and I think you might have fun with the Rivendell socks by Janel Laidman (or really any socks by her – she’s a sock genius and she’s from my hometown!). they are a bit fussy for socks since they have the lovely cables / leaf motif
    http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rivendell-2
    http://www.ravelry.com/designers/janel-laidman

    or why not a little fox scarf for Lou? you have your foxpaws and he can have a fox scarf for semi matching auntie/nephew knits
    http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fox-scarf-3

    and I’ve had my eye on this shawl for awhile now
    http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/flutter-of-the-wings

    or anything by Romi Hill! You can join in for the MKAL that’s going on right now
    http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/romis-mystery-shawl-2015

  4. What a beautiful boy!

    Just don’t do what I did before my last trip—pick a project, put all needed materials in the bag, and forget that the yarn needed winding. No knitting on the plane for me. Luckily our hotel had a chair that could serve as a makeshift swift when turned over.

  5. Clearly, you need another Nora Gaughan Flow tank top. When you finished the green one, you said that the only thing wrong with it was that you only had one. You have time to remedy that before Canada’s five days of summer show up.

  6. Lou is such a cutie in that sweater, which of course is also quite divine. I have about the same luck trying to photograph my two-year-old, although he has been requesting that I knit him a hat (FINALLY, he wants me to knit him something!), so I hope to have better luck snapping pics of that one…

    Best of luck deciding on your travel knit projects. Perhaps a cowl for the middle project? Small but with lots of pattern options ranging from simple to complex.

    Happy travels!

  7. I was going to say you need another Colour Affection shawl, but I might have to agree with the above comment about another Flow. Canadian summers are noticeably short. Much like our spring has been, so far. And the family ALL need a pair of the lamb slippers….

  8. Since you can bring a variety of projects, I would say the socks, something for you, and then something for the Christmas list.

  9. For myself, I’m looking at an elbow-length open front geometric lace cardigan in a linen blend for myself. It would go well over t-shirts and tanks, lending a vaguely professional air to them, and it could even transition into winter if necessary. I’m sure you could come up with something along those lines if your fancy was tickled.

  10. Laura Aylor’s All the Shades of Gray shawl. (I’m a Laura, but not THAT Laura. Wish I was!) I’m knitting it now, and it’s addictive. Cannot. Put. It. Down. And it’s garter stitch all the way with just enough changes to keep it interesting.

    For a spring sweater, Anne Hanson’s (Knitspot.com)
    Sprossling or
    Henley with a Twist or
    India Print Henley (from The Knitter’s Handy Book of Top Down Sweaters)

    Or Heyward pullover from Brooklyn Tweed
    Or Insouciant by Julie Hoover

    Shawl: Cactus Flower by Romi Hill

    • I’ve made both the Shades of Truth shawl and it’s smaller sibling Oak Park – they were both fun to knit and I just love how neat the ‘seams’ look where you add colors, thanks to the slipping of the first stitch.

  11. Go for a sweater, please. It seems like ages since you made an adult-size sweater. And model it for us. I loved your post from years ago when you talked about your favourite sweater (the one from Knitting Pure and Simple) and had some nice pics of it on your own lovely person wearing it. Time for one for Stephanie!

  12. I have three little kids and we all moved into a new house this past summer. On Sunday my husband took all three kids to the playground and I realized it was THE FIRST time I had ever been alone in my house. My friends think I’m crazy and there’s no way this is true, but reading on your blog this week how much you value your alone time made me feel like someone else gets it!

    • We had four children and occasionally had foster children as well. My husband’s gift to me for birthdays was a weekend alone at a hotel nearby. Nothing fancy, but for 48 hours I had to answer to no one but myself. Great gift; great husband.

  13. Oh how I wish that I were going to be at the Strung Along retreat on Friday. It would be so much more fun than getting IV antibiotic infusions every 18 hours to get rid of galloping infection in my knee-replaced knee. But here I am, being responsible.

    Have a Super Time at Port Ludlow with the fantastic knitters who _will_ be there!

  14. I would like a pair of socks please, size 8 US. Doesn’t matter what brand of yarn. Long cuff please. haha! 🙂

  15. Oh this is the best next part isn’t it? Choosing a pattern and yarn to go with…oh the possibilities. ..
    An interesting pattern: Shale Pleated Scarf -it’s self pleating so goes easily from a scarf to a wrap (cast on half for a small frame person)
    So I could see :
    Sam in the Pixelated Pullover/Pixelated Palms, Madreselva
    Joe in Agathis, Snowbound, Armas and Glitten
    Your mom in The Loden Wrap
    Hank in Knotty but Nice or Light Bulbs, a Cap (a thinking cap), Rock,Paper, Scissors…SHOOT!
    Gifties to stockpile: Folk Bag, Kick-ass Boot Toppers, Zippy Strip Revisited, Snapdragon Purse & Pyramid Pouch
    For you-Evocative, Hitofude Cardigan, Ink, WesterWald Waves, Hydrocarbon
    Epic knitting: Soumak Scarf Wrap, Balkan Booties Kit
    Have fun checking them out!

  16. For an easy project, I would suggest ‘Foolproof’ by Louise Zass-Bangham, and not just because her name is awesome sauce. It is a circular scarf and the colors and patterns are fun without being taxing.

  17. My two-year-old will holler “Pocket!” at us, both when he wants us to put away our phones and stop taking photos, or more recently when he is doing something that he thinks needs to be memorialized in pictures. That sweater’s been on my list, I think after seeing your version I might have to finally make one!

  18. Lou’s sweater looks great! As for photographing children, I find your best chance of a good shot comes from using the “burst” option. It takes a series of photos in a row, usually 3. And as the subject at hand moves away from you, you just keep clicking and one of the shots is bound to be great. 🙂 Looking forward to hearing all about your travel adventures.

  19. I love Lou’s sweater! A friend of mine describes her three year old a “three-nager.” I love to watch their independence and personalities emerge.

    Isn’t Lou getting a new brother or sister soon? Any plans for the blanket?

  20. I am loving Line Break by Veera Välimäki. I’ve made two now (one garter, one stockinette) and it is the perfect pattern for either the easy knit or the middle range – you don’t have to pay too much attention, but there’s enough variety of stitches to entertain the knitter.

  21. Super cute. My little boy would love a custom harlot-knit sweater. Of course, that task will fall to me. So, more little kid knits (because they are ridiculously cute!).

  22. A circular shawl, knit from the center out, as EZ would do – once you have some done, you can keep the yarn in the pouch [when you gather the stitches up], so you have knitting and a bag all in one. And if you use a lace-weight yarn, it takes up very little room, and it can be complex for the plane, then later simple when you need a break. I’m sure you’re familiar with this shawl, if not it’s on the cover of the Knitter’s Almanac. A great knit, and you can just stuff it in a bag, block it into its full beauty when you get home.

  23. I find the best way to photograph a reluctant toddler is to give them something interesting to do or to play with. Then if you’re lucky they will forget you’re there with the camera. I learned that from an uncle who was a portrait photographer. All I can think of for you to knit is socks. Have fun rooting through your stash, and have a great trip.

  24. First off, I think you owe poor Joe a Gansey. After that, I think you need something fun for yourself. If that won’t do, you can knit me a pair of socks. Between working, going to college full time, and now taking on a brand new puppy, I have zero time for knitting for anyone.

  25. More striped things. The stripier the better. Socks, shawls, hats, mittens, sweaters, blankets. Or how about a striped set – backpack, poncho, and tent for your summer bike trip. Or while we’re on the bike theme, maybe a set of team bike jerseys (jersies?). Whatever you make, with the blog reveal, please also reveal the name of the pretty brown Mexico trip sock yarn. I’ve been waiting, although I could have zoomed right by that detail. Thank you – and have a wonderful trip.

    • Nope, Steph has constructed her post very carefully to disqualify any mention of the gansey. It’s definitely not travel knitting at this stage! She has also cleverly mentioned all this at the last minute…she’s leaving so early that there isn’t even time for me to overnight my UFO’s for her to finish.

  26. The Ravenswood (wine) label is by David Lance Goines, whose work is also familiar to those acquainted with Chez Panisse and myriad posters seen and known in the Greater (San Francisco) Bay Area.

  27. I’d like for you to knit a Gwendolyn by Fiona Ellis because I’m totally selfish and would like to see what color(s) you’d select. I’ve had it in my queue forever and cannot decide on colors.

  28. Oh, do knit another top or sweater for yourself! When I am considering knits for summer wear, well that could be anything. From the end of June to mid-August I hope for the 20s, but the northern summer is usually also filled with pesky 12-14 degrees days, so knitwise, anything goes. I plan knitting a Lopi Vest. (Unless there is another crazy summer. I’m not made for 30+.) I’m deeply in love with the stranded pattern. But, uh, I’m insane and live in a cold climate. I think you should find your favourite summer top and check it’s status. If it needs replacement make a new one, if not make something brand new

  29. If you are wanting something seriously cute (and you won’t be able to only knit one, I bet you!) try a little rabbit from Little Cotton Rabbits. They will be breeding out of control (like rabbits, hahhaha) and there are some seriously gorgeous outfits for both boy and girl bunnies!

    http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bunny-girl-in-a-dotty-dress
    http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/boy-bunny-with-a-piebald-patch
    http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/seasonal-dresses-pattern

  30. He’s adorable in that sweater. He’ll learn to cooperate when he’s about 4.5 years old. I can finally get Little Man to cooperate with me properly when it comes to modeling. I just have to make sure to bribe him with ice cream or time at the park at the end and he’s good. The baby, on the other hand, wouldn’t hold still for anything….he’s just a blur. Glad I don’t need him to model that often 🙂

  31. Just the other day, I saw “Knit your own Kama Sutra” book in the craft section at Chapters. As it happened, it was next to “Knit your own Boyfriend”.

  32. I want to see some more epic lace, and I’m sure you’ve got a half-finished shawl on the needles somewhere. Nothing with beads, though (let’s not be crazy here)

    (ps. It’s been so long, I can’t remember: how goes Joe’s sweater?)

  33. You should try a Log Cabin blanket (see the ones in the Mason-Dixon Knitting Book). They are totally habit-forming. With all of the complex and intricate patterns that I admire you for tackling all of the time, a log cabin can be relaxing, interesting (because of the constant color changing), and stashbusting! One made of cotton would be good for the upcoming spring and summer months… I also love this type of blanket because it requires no sewing of the strips–when you finish, the blanket is all sewn up, with only a few ends to weave in. My only warning: they are addictive:)

  34. Thank you for all the time you’ve spent getting ready for your classes. I will be taking one of them at the make.wear.love retreat and I can’t wait!

  35. Simple – Derecho shawl, gorgeous simple colorwork. Stunning results with minimal head head scratching/cussing
    Middle of the road – Wavedeck shawl, this might be an “easy” for you, but I have to think while I’m knitting it….nice thing is even though the stich count is off, the pattern still looks great!
    Complex – Girasole – no one seems to be knitting this great pattern lately..I don’t recall seeing on your blog….it’s a bit of a challenge (again to me) but the end result is fantastic…..It would be awesome in an ombré or graduated yarn….maybe one of the Miss Babs gradient sets?

  36. I just finished an Elder Tree shawl for my daughter for Christmas, and am about to start some Zammet mittens for my sister. Yay for Christmas knitting getting done!!! You could always knock out a gift, too! It’s a great feeling to have some done in Spring!

  37. If you want something smallish but fun either the slippers or hats in the books by Mary Scott Huff (Fun and Fantastical Slippers to Knit, or Fun and Fantastical Hats to Knit). I’m resisting the slippers until I finish the socks I’m knitting now. I don’t knit as quickly as you, so I have to restrain myself.

  38. I love the word “rootle.” that’s new for me. I also love your blog! Whatever you decide, happy knitting. I am rooting for more socks. You can never have enough!

  39. My mom taught three-year-olds in Head Start preschool. When one of my own dear progeny was three, I asked why she hadn’t told me about three-year-olds.

    “Because I wouldn’t have had grandchildren,” she replied.

  40. Stephen, I would graciously suggest that some of the knitting you take to work on be mine. My que has grown so large that even if I never added another thing to it, I won’t ever accomplish knitting half of it. I have a lovely stash with some B-U- T-ful lace weight with a plethora of patterns. A ton of sock yarn and I just don’t enjoy the knitting of a sock anymore…a fair isle sweater up your alley? Let me know what you’d like to work on or…it can be yarn owner choice? So where should I send it?
    Sincerely, A Knitter whose enthusiasm surpassed her available time to knit as well as her ability to knit at more than a leisurely pace

  41. I’m going to suggest the following:

    1.) No-brainer knitting: A small throw (knit in strips if needed) or throw-pillow shams for a.) the davenport &/or b.) the cat’s favorite spots for naps;

    2.) In-betweener knitting: Something for the daughters. Don’t they have birthdays this year?; and

    3.) Fussy knitting: Something for yourself, something you find beautiful, comfortable, and sexy — and that Joe will think is drop-dead sexy whenever you wear it. I have no idea what this would be, precisely, but I’m sure you and Joe can figure it out, even if it is just a kerchief, bow tie, or. . .? (Joe can thank me later.)

  42. He’s adorable! be happy you have little ones to knit for… i have an almost 5 year old nephew who won’t wear any sweaters (or anything without Thomas the Train on them, so I have been told)..

    you know, it IS still cold enough to be knitting yourself a sweater… have you given any thought to what you want to make for yourself to wear to Rhinebeck? Never too early to start your project! 🙂

  43. Lou’s sweater is gorgeous. I love a young man in rolled sleeves. So striking!

    As for knitting suggestions, have you tried any of the sweaters with contiguous sleeves? The fit is really fabulous, and the technique is fun too. I can personally recommend Holsten, Holly, and On The Beach if you want stockinette stitch; and Monte Rosa if you want something with stitch definition. Cheers!

  44. Maybe a Bonny tank (Tin Can Knits): two skeins of laceweight, tops; nice stockinette portion for brain fried days, and a Lacey finish. I like the idea of a light layer for summer that can also FO over a bateau neck tee in fall. Also if you do it I’ll be having my own personal KAL with the YH, which makes my inner fan girl lose it a bit.

  45. A sense of kinship as I read: my oldest grandson decided too at age three that he didn’t want his picture taken anymore. He felt that too often people put their faces to their viewfinders rather than to him and as the oldest he’d had rather a lot of cameras pointed at him.

    I love Lou’s sweet face and that beautiful sweater on him. Glad you got some nice pictures!

    • Yes, I think kids feel uncomfortable with us photographing them constantly. The little ones in our family get overwhelmed & tell us “no” to pics sometimes, so we honor that. Kids are photographed more now than ever before!

  46. I just finished two “big” knits, and found myself projectless.* So I went perusing Revelry for a few hours and with the help of some fellow knitter friends on Twitter I settled on the Moab Shawl from VeryBusyMonkey with my CaterpillarGreen Yarns large shawl skein in Peacock. Looks like it’s adjustable so I can use as much as possible of this yarn.

    • Hit POST too soon.

      *Projectless is a total lie. I have a number of things on the needle, and I’m bored with all of them. MUST KNIT SOMETHING NEW. And it must be for me, as I realized I gave away almost everything I knit last year.

  47. I’ve been planning Anne-Lise Maigaard’s Renaissance shawl for ages – it’s stunning. Probably appropriately fiddly for a flight? Does involve beads, though.

  48. I have 3 darling wonderful little granddaughters. We are all princes, fairies, and tutus around here. For you next project, could you knit me up a little boy, just like Lou? He would have to be as cute as a button, just like Lou. Oh, and any knitwear you want to include would be just fine!

  49. I say something for yourself as you are so generous knitting so much for others (that, and it would make me feel less guilty that all but 2 of my many WIPs are for me.) Have fun perusing Ravelry!

  50. There are so many great knitting suggestions that I can’t think of anything new to add, but I definitely think you should knit yourself another Flow. Lou is so cute in the sweater you made him! I can’t believe he’s three. I hope you have a safe trip and lots of great knitting.

  51. Well, too little too late to do you any good because by now you’re likely on the plane (or on your way there) but I wanted to make something “different” lately so I made a lacey scarf. Churchmouse Classics: Fir Cone Lace Shawl and Scarf. The edging is really pretty (and can be used as a stand alone, to edge non-knit things, gasp!). I like it so much, I’m trying to figure out who I can make the shawl for…. Anyway, hope your travels go well.

  52. I babysit my 3 yr. old GrandGirl, Ryleigh, daily. I’ve been knitting rats. Lots and lots of rats. All colors, all sizes, with the occasional hamster or mouse thrown in. I would like to knit a rat-free vacation at a luxury spa, but alas…..I am doomed to stay at my Ratty Old Home. 🙁

  53. Your comments about Lou do my heart good. My almost 3 yr old son won’t cooperate with pictures either: “don’t want my picture taken!” he says with much emphasis. The one exception is when we want a picture of his 7 mon old sister, then he wants in on it! I’m glad my son’s not the only one!

    You should start working on a baby blanket for Lou’s precious sibling to come!

  54. I don’t know about anyone else, but I’d love to hear Sam weigh in on the emotional rewards of being a knitwear model.

  55. I’ve been trying to make my son a knit sweater each winter, and I’ve been on the hunt for the pattern for next year’s sweater. That pattern is exactly what I’ve been looking for!

    I always make them in the summer so I have a good idea of where he’s at but so they’ll be ready. This ALWAYS results in someone informing me that it’s summer and that’s a silly time to make sweaters. The response “the point is to have the sweater for when it gets cool, not to wait until it gets cool to make it” never seems to satisfy them, though it seems perfectly logical to me….

    • People used to say that to me when I was making Xmas things mid-year. I started replying that, in case they hadn’t heard, there was going to be a Xmas this year too!

  56. a message for stephanie’s mother …
    .
    we can see that Luis has replaced Hank as the tiny crown prince of cambridge.
    .
    neither needs to pose in knitwear. They are radiant, quintessential, storybook boyz no matter what they do. Even if they were dressed in rags, they’d be heartbreakers.
    .
    it must be the DNA. Stephanie’s girlz are the same story.

    • It’s a beautiful sweater, but it leaves the neck quite open (and subject to draft) in my opinion. Where’s the high, snuggly collar?

  57. Sorry Stephanie, but it really looks like Lou doesn’t want his photo taken. I’ve had the same issue with a reluctant sweater model (aged 6) and had to accept that their seemingly childish “no”, STILL means No. Otherwise, what the heck are we teaching them?
    I understand you want pictures of the sweater in situ – and it is lovely to see! – but it’s not a modelling thing, it’s a kid thing. They get tired of being asked to be photographed.

  58. Have u ever made anything by Carol Sunday of Sunday Knits? I have made several of her pieces and I’m a huge fan. I think she has very innovative construction ideas and, the pieces fit well! I would love to read your opinion of her designs.

  59. I had to smile at your pictures of Lou. My nephew is also three and also refused to have his photo taken wearing the sweater I knit for his birthday, even though it has tractor buttons and tractors are his favorite thing. Grandma finally got him to sit for a minute and smile in her lap, so I kind of have proof it fits (with a little room to grow). I don’t know what you should bring to knit, but I do know I’ll be at your Grok the Sock class at Yarnover and I’m really looking forward to it. Safe travels!

  60. Well, after knitting for everyone else, I am currently knitting myself a little white top, using a cotton/bamboo blend. It is lovely both in drape and look.

    That sweater looks awesome on him. In spite of his lack of cooperation, he makes a dashing knitwear model! 🙂

  61. Dear Steph,

    Walk, talk AND knit. I need a video.

    I’m making thrummed mitts to get ahead for next December, but I’m open to some wild mitten patterns.

    Plus, it’s a whole lot cooler to knit small in summer.

    Thanks.

  62. I am sorry to use YH blog as a platform but I just wanted to ask…
    since when did knitting become a blood sport?
    I went to a knit night group last night where I witnessed a small group within the group treat another knitter with nothing short of flat out rudeness and schoolyard bullying
    I was appalled, please confirm to me that knitting snobbery and exclusivity are not becoming the norm!

  63. There is something to be said regarding consent of the subject when taking photos, especially when the smalls is small. Consent matters and it is important to teach this right from the beginning, and to respect it.

  64. Gotta agree with the “then don’t take his picture” comments. He does look cute in it, but just let him own his “no.” 🙂

  65. Pingback: All Good Things | StitchTalk.com

  66. I thank the author for putting this info here about tips for buying blinds for my new home. I will try to use them and also tell my friends as we have been worried about it. I will be sharing how smooth it became to sell my house after these tips.

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