Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Quick Knits


My wrists are definitely improving. I've been having massage therapy every week for the past month and can happily report it is making a difference. Improvement is of course slow, but steady. Which means I've been knitting!!

I've finished 3 projects over the last couple weeks, including 2 sweaters. The first one completed is the Quick and Easy Knit Jumper from 1938. I made a number of modifications, such as less puffy sleeves and a deeper v-neckline (ok that one was a happy accident). The top ribbing is supposed to be smocked, but I was impatient and wore it without finishing that part. I actually like it with just the ribbing so I may not bother ever adding the smocking. 

The second sweater I completed (this morning actually) was the infamous 3-Hour Sweater, also from the 1930's. I had made this sweater before, but I obviously did it completely differently as this version fits very differently. I didn't know my yarn was self-striping until I started knitting with it, but I am pleased with the final look. I was a little worried about the stripes not even remotely matching up, but somehow it doesn't detract from the look of the sweater. And no, it didn't take 3 hours to complete.



I've already cast on my next project (a 1920's sweater) and may start a secondary project as well. As much as I love finely knit sweaters, I find myself drawn to chunkier knits lately. My knitting time is limited but chunky knits provide satisfyingly quick results. Anyone have any recommendations for fast vintage knitting patterns? 

Feel free to add me as a friend on Ravelry. I love checking out other peoples favorite patterns and finished projects!

That's All.

14 comments:

  1. You are SUCH a clever lady, both of these tops are darling on you! I have never fathomed knitting myself. Hope your wrists continue to improve x

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great knit! Glad you're feeling better!

    ReplyDelete
  3. That's fantastic news about your wrists gradually showing signs of improvement. I hope dearly that things continue in positive direction for you there.

    Great sweaters! They both look so wonderfully comfy and like they could help hold winter's chill at bay at least a bit (this is Canada after all! :D).

    ♥ Jessica

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks :) They are very comfy and will certainly be getting a lot of use this winter. The first one is an alpaca wool blend which is also deceptively warm.

      Delete
  4. Yet another person reminding me that if I knew how to knit, I too could have awesome vintage style sweaters.
    You look lovely in both of these. I'm really liking the 3 hour sweater, though - the stripes and that color palette are really pretty.
    Cheers,
    Jessica, Zella Maybe

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, the best part of knitting is being able to make vintage-style sweaters!

      Delete
  5. Lovely lovely work, Kate.

    I too love to knit but my hands and wrists really hurt these days when I try. I had some great yarn to make gifts at Christmas but I couldn't knit-- I physically couldn't :-( My hands and wrists hurt so bad. I used to have an Etsy shop where I sold some of my handwork such as knitted scarves and hats but after a while, I didn't have time.. so as you can see, I love to knit as you do.

    I am trying an essential oil blend from doTerra called Deep Blue (I use the cream) and I'm going to start massaging it into my hands and wrists daily to see if it helps. It breaks my heart not to be able to knit.

    I know you love essential oils and making lotions and potions and such so I thought I'd share where I buy mine at doTerra: http://www.mydoterra.com/elizabethlaumas/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry to hear your hands/wrists are in pain as well. Thank you for the essential oil suggestion. I was using cinnamon oil with some success but I ran out and haven't had a chance to get more. I will certainly look into the "deep blue" blend.

      Delete
  6. I like your outfits, they are all amazing you knit very well, I tried to get into it but I can't seem to get the casting right, I do crocheting I just would love to learn knitting.. your work is amazing and well done.. http://timelesschat.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm the opposite. I couldn't crochet if my life depended on it!

      Delete
  7. That striping on your second jumper is really pretty, I think the color looks great on you. :) I'm also glad to hear your wrists are getting better! It's so great when you are able to do the things you love again.

    I actually had to switch over to continental style knitting from the English pick'n'throw so that I could keep knitting, as my wrists and elbows where bothering me too much otherwise. That's been a good move so far ~ I can knit faster, smoother, and for longer without anything hurting! Yay! ❤

    xox,
    bonita of Lavender & Twill

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks :) I knit in a weird hybrid style (since I taught myself from a few diagrams I found in a book rather than learning from someone else), which I suppose is vaguely similar to English style. I did try to switch to a proper continental style, but never could get the hang of it.

      Delete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.