Smocking
I joined Emy's Baby Knit-along, a baby knits free-for-all. Nothing like a knit-along to motivate me into knitting faster! I finished the back, miraculously:
See the 12 inches of stockinette? I was just itching to do cables that I sped right through it. So while I'm not a Stockinette Avenger like Margene, I can say that I *do* like it because it sets off patterns, such as smocking, beautifully.
Thanks for your feedback on Kim Hargreaves' site; glad I'm not the only one who was disappointed. However, she has lovely designs and I hope that there will eventually be an option to purchase patterns individually, or at least in book form. Debbie Bliss or Teva Durham, who just released Loop-d-Loop, are good business role models.
Updated: The Gallery.
Reading: Um, a bunch of Asterix comic books (he he, I know it doesn't count). I snapped up a few when I picked up the knitting books. However, Sandy's post on Anne Tyler's Ladder of Years has made me curious enough to borrow it. I think I can imagine abandoning a life(style) if there was something traumatic enough to make me do so, like Judy Blunt did. She wrote about leaving her husband to pursue her dreams in Breaking Clean. I can imagine leaving design and knitting behind to pursue my greatest passion, climbing. I know I can climb the higher grades if I work on it, but there are just so many things involved with that. Anyway, I'll give a little review on Anne Tyler's when I'm finished with it. Robert Graves' I, Claudius? Lots of intrigue involving the Roman empire; if you like historical fiction, Robert Graves and Steven Pressfield are good authors to keep in mind.
i need some baby knitting motiviation too -- thanks for linking to that baby-knit-a-long!
and your smocking is beautiful ;)
Stockinette IS good for setting off cables. Yours looks wonderful. I need me a little baby knit - something for my new nephew maybe? The best part of baby knits is that they go SO fast.
I can't stop looking at my copy of Loop-d-Loop. It really is a beautiful book.
with the kids now, i'd rather knit than read. asterix et obelix sound like just my speed at this point... enjoy them for me too... i really dig your blog, i guess that means i'm still reading, one blurb at a time.
Cute! I need to make some baby items myself. Too many babies, not enough will power to stop making things for myself. I guess that can be my May projects.
BTW: Vonyse does remember you...if you're free you should come out to one of the shows!
What you're making is beautiful:D I found you through bloglines and I'm glad i did. i will visit often
OMG, that is the cutest thing ever! I feel like I could never make something like that! I have yet to dive into the world of sweaters... but I will soon! :)
Have a happy knitting and reading weekend. Thanks for your re-felt suggestion on my bag... already did two rounds... I might try another down the road!
What a sweet little dress. I keep telling myself to start Crumpets for my 4 year old....she already thinks she is a princess, so that dress will be perfect. :-)
That smocking is so cute on baby clothes. Hmm, wondering whether smocking can look good on adults too?
hi mj -
that smocking looks lovely! it's going to be beautiful.
just wanted to say too (since i can't remember if i already did) that if you're into historical fiction and enjoying books on rome you MUST read the emperor series by conn iggulden - the story of julius caesar and so brilliant i think i might die of anticipation before book 4 come out in january!
becks x
I love that smocked, cabled panel. Just love it!
Oh, your niece will look darling in this piece. I love the smocking. If only I had a niece, I would make this for her. My sister is expecting a boy soon, so I don't think she would appreciate this one, but boy is ever precious.
I just finished the Child's Smock from the Debbie Bliss Knitting Workbook. (Check the April 26th entry if you want to see it.) The back of your piece looks really familar; is it the same pattern?