Christie C. In the beginning of the summer, I sustained a back sprain after falling down some stairs. Shortly after, I also got sick. Fortunately, I am okay, but this dampened my outdoor activity goals for quite a bit. But, have to admit, during times of illness or injury, I am fortunate enough to have time and space for some magazine reading and fiber crafts!
Vogue Knitting Nostalgia
While stuck in bed for two weeks (poor hubby is sweet to quarantine himself in the loft when I’m ill), I kept a pile of knits, crafting magazines, a novel, and a notebook on his side of the bed. The Vogue Knitting magazines are some of my favorites even though the patterns aren’t always easy to interpret. I have knitted most of my garments out of this publication. Funny enough, I actually haven’t bought a new issue since the Holiday 2014 issue since I’m still knitting out of the older volumes.
When I was buying the magazine, I would look through each seasonal issue and buy it if I liked a minimum of five of the patterns. At the time, $6.99 US / $7.99 CAN for 26 to 31 patterns was an incredible deal! Even today at $11.99 US an issue, it is still a pretty good deal. But, since it is 2024 as I write this, it’s safe to say that I haven’t been wowed by the patterns in awhile. Fortunately, the volumes I do own still have several timeless pieces and garments. It’s interesting to see that the styles I did not like ten to fifteen years ago are now garments I find alluring.
Knocking Out Knits
When the Ibuprofen kicked in and I could sit up, I got quite a bit of knitting done. The first projects I completed were some new facings for some throw pillows. Hubby and I received some beautiful woven pillows as one of our wedding presents some years back. Unfortunately, the weave came undone to the point where I couldn’t figure out how to fix it. Rather than discard the pillows, I decided to upcycle them by knitting new facings to cover the damage.
I am a sucker for cream colored chunky knits with lots of texture. I almost added tassels to the corners, but with Cleopatra obsessed with loose yarn and tassel-like décor, I played it safe by omitting them.
I also worked on a knit I have been working on for a year and a half now as a slow fashion project. The end result will be a surprise, but it uses DK weight yarn—a super tedious weight to work with. The smallest weight I usually work with is worsted weight. I am slowly revealing the project it on Instagram. I have a lofty goal of completing it before October and being sick helped me get quite a few stitches completed.
Designing a Cardigan with Yarn Stash
I have a massive stash of both leftover and abandoned yarn from past projects, so I decided to look through my yarn basket to see what I could use and bust. A yarn I have been meaning to use up is the Lion Brand Fishermen’s Wool® Yarn. This beautiful wool is 100% virgin with the natural lanolin oil still present in its fibers. It also only comes in natural sheep shades. I had bought three of these massive skeins over a decade ago at the Lion Brand Yarn Studio flagship store on W 15th St in New York.
Unfortunately, the store closed during the pandemic in 2020 😥. I miss that place; I went there all the time when I was a college student. There used to be beautiful yarn sculptures displayed in the front window. At least Lion Brand yarns are still available through their website and other major crafting stores.
The Lion Brand Fishermen’s Wool was supposed to be used in an Irish Aran pattern, but I never started it since leaving New York City. A few scrolls on Etsy and Pinterest led me to revisit my desire to knit a fisherman inspired cardigan using the stack of wool. After some careful planning, math, and a painful swatch, I think I’ve figured out what to do with it.
The original source of inspiration is from the Wanahavit site where it’s labeled as a “Handmade Chunky Knit Tops Women Fashion Cropped Knitted Cardigan Sweater Vintage Long Sleeve Female Outwear Chic C-159“.
Wow! That’s a Mouthful!
It is definitely not handmade and upon further searching, it’s an Ali Express product. The original sweater is made with chunky yarn, and the yarn I have is worsted weight. So, I had to be creative with the cables. I settled on a swatch where I combine two 8-stitch cables (a front and back cross) with a modified “beaded rib”. Unlike traditional 1×1 ribbing, this rib has a more interesting elegant texture with elements of the moss/seed stitch.
Gentle Beach Walks
I had a laundry list of outdoor activities planned, but I had to take it easy so I could heal. Recovery is slow, but the good news is that I am alive and can still walk if I am careful. I went to one of my local beaches where the aroma of sand carries over the neighborhood. The sand shimmers with tiny shells and stones, and the sea gulls ride the wind like surfers on a wave.
Walking in hot and wet sand was a challenge. I developed a whole new appreciation for the gift of mobility and to never take it for granted. I took this time stimulating my senses by taking in the sights, smells, tastes, and sounds.
