Etude
Just for fun, you see:
I have a handful of "big" projects lingering in various stages of dream and doodle and development - by big, I mean those that require lots of thinking, that demand a little creativity - but right now, all I want is some plain, no-brainer knitting and a pretty finished object. So, then, a summer cardigan in soft crochet cotton. You know the kind: a slightly cropped, clingy thing ideal for breezy boats and roofdecks. There is nothing original about this whatsoever - it's a chopshop kind of pattern, plain ribbing at the bottom, button bands and crewneck, shaping as standard and straightforward as can be at body, armscye and sleeve cap - but it's kind of zen and soothing in its simplicity, ideal for these lazy days. Then, too, it's an excellent exercise for a sometimes over-ambitious knitter to take, since there are no frills, no bits of cleverness to hide flawed execution or bad planning. It's the steak tartare of knitting: naked, accented by only the humblest of embellishments, plainly awful when slipshod but immensely satisfying when done properly.
The colors are bright, yes, but I figure it's a summer sweater meant for the beach. Besides, how often does one find yarn and swimsuits that match perfectly?
Who could argue with that?
Comments
Ain't nobody arguing...
Posted by: Presbytera | August 2, 2006 11:42 AM
LOVE the colors. And yes, sometimes a simple, fly-off-the-needles FO is a tonic that soothes the soul.
And a bikini!! I would have figured you for a one-piece or a tankini girl!
Posted by: Margo | August 2, 2006 11:47 AM
Those colors are great. :) It's awesome that it matches the suit, too. :p
Posted by: nat | August 2, 2006 11:50 AM
The colors are pretty-what's the yarn?
Posted by: brooke | August 2, 2006 11:51 AM
It's adorable! I just love how the stripes are unequal but with the different in saturation of colours it looks perfectly balanced when looked at from afar. Very cute without being too preppy
Posted by: Laurence | August 2, 2006 11:51 AM
You cannot argue when color is that spot-on.
Posted by: Gina | August 2, 2006 12:08 PM
its funny, i was just in the process of planning out a summer cardigan for myself. now that i see how your's is comming along, im definetly going to go for it.
Posted by: emily | August 2, 2006 12:09 PM
Great color combo - the match is incredible!
Posted by: Stacey | August 2, 2006 12:16 PM
I love the colors. Very Cute...
Posted by: jcyarns | August 2, 2006 12:20 PM
I love patterns like that, so nice and simple. You chose nice colors for it.
Posted by: Carin | August 2, 2006 12:20 PM
It still amazes me that you can create EXACTLY what you draw in the real world. WOW!
Posted by: knittingnurse | August 2, 2006 12:23 PM
You can't go wrong with those lovely colors. I have that swimsuit, too, JCrew girl. ;)
Posted by: nikki | August 2, 2006 12:25 PM
is that opal uni? i ove that yarn. great color combination!
Posted by: michal | August 2, 2006 12:26 PM
Lovely! You have been (sockpattern) busy! I can't wait to see (sockpattern) the new (sockpattern) sweater pattern you have (sockpattern) coming out.
Posted by: Carrie | August 2, 2006 12:36 PM
Very pretty. You are amazing! Even your "easy" "no-brainer" knitting is fantastic and mind-bending!
Posted by: jennifer | August 2, 2006 12:39 PM
I adore the colors! They just scream sandy beaches and summer. The simplicity in this pattern is just a stunning as some of your highly detailed designs.
Posted by: Vicki | August 2, 2006 12:43 PM
I love your colors. :D
I hope you get some fun opportunities to wear it at the beach on on a boat soon. ;)
Posted by: KnittyOtter | August 2, 2006 01:06 PM
I love it! I'm working on a pair of plain, rib and stockinette ankle sock for my daughter. It's just what I need in this heat when my brain won't work.
Posted by: E to the M | August 2, 2006 01:20 PM
Very nice! Can you tell us what yarn you're using?
Posted by: Stephy | August 2, 2006 01:21 PM
The colours are super fun, can I ask what yarn you are using? It really is knitting up nicely.
Posted by: kitty kitty | August 2, 2006 01:39 PM
I agree with everyone - those colors are absolutely perfect together! I'm sure the finished result will be amazing.
Posted by: rangersarah | August 2, 2006 01:43 PM
Yes...beautiful colors. I don't think I can add anymore than what has already been said..Please do tell us what yarn and colors you are using. Thanks.
Posted by: Saleknitter | August 2, 2006 03:01 PM
Hi Eunny - I just saw your article in the new IK. Thank you for such clear instructions. Keep up the good writing and of course the beautiful knitting. Who will model your Fair Isle in the winter IK. You I hope?
Posted by: Penny | August 2, 2006 03:10 PM
How cool! Do you use a software program to design or do you just go with good 'ol math?
Posted by: Evelyn | August 2, 2006 03:26 PM
I love it! Only a true knitter would knit a cardigan to match her swimsuit!
Posted by: Nicole | August 2, 2006 03:50 PM
Sometimes something soothing and simple is just what we need to rejuvinate. The colors you've chosen remind me of the sand and sea - perfect!
Posted by: treehugger | August 2, 2006 04:08 PM
Very beachy!
I'm torn on the cotton cartigan issue -- I like the thought of the weight of it, but not the horror stories I've heard about things stretching out of shape. What's your experience been?
Posted by: Marianne | August 2, 2006 04:40 PM
very very niiiiiiiice :) these colors are so cute and summery!!
Posted by: Jen da Purse-Ho | August 3, 2006 12:06 AM
That's so funny, I'm just about to start one of those "no brainer" projects too, and it's stripes in light blue and brown! I'm doing a plain jumper in Drops Alpaca, just to have a nice jumper finished by the beginning of September when the weather is beginning to get cooler here in Sweden.
Your cardigan looks very pretty!
Posted by: Katarina | August 3, 2006 06:11 AM
Very cute, I love the colors. I don't feel horizontal stripes work for me, but I am sure it will be beautiful on you!
Posted by: Crystal | August 3, 2006 11:17 AM
Perfect! To knit a cardie for a swimsuit, now that's brilliant!
Posted by: Aimee | August 3, 2006 03:52 PM
It's cute and your stitch definition is spot on so far.
I love that your bikini and your sweater match perfectly. It must be fate.
Posted by: Dorothy B | August 3, 2006 04:03 PM
Obviously meant to be!
Posted by: Chris | August 3, 2006 09:28 PM
Great photo!!
Posted by: Alexis | August 4, 2006 12:44 AM
Simplicity is a pleasure in and of itself. :-)
Posted by: Beth S. | August 4, 2006 11:11 AM
I love the colors. My bedroom is a combo of these colors!
Posted by: Kate | August 4, 2006 11:30 AM
Great colors and I read your article in Interweave Knits. Very good.
Posted by: Chat | August 4, 2006 09:02 PM
HOLY CONGRATS on your article in Interweave!! Great job!
Posted by: lelah | August 8, 2006 08:33 PM
Is that suit from Jcrew? I have the same one! and I'm so excited to see you in Interweave soon, I love your patterns!
Posted by: Susan | August 9, 2006 04:58 AM
I don't think you CAN argue with that! Enjoy your little beach getaway, looking forward to seeing that finished sweater when you get back! I got my new Interweave the other day and I was thinking how psyched I am to see your work in the next edition.
Posted by: Sarah | August 11, 2006 09:20 AM
I love your work. I truely hope you put out your own pattern book. I know I will be in line to get it..
Posted by: Heather | August 15, 2006 07:59 AM
To be in one's birthday suit... Erasmus
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