I Can Cable!

I mean, I figured out how to knit cables. And I am all kinds of pleased with myself for accomplishing that.

Knitwit friend Lewlew provided me an excellent description of the process, but it made little sense until I watched a vid demonstrating it. Then it clicked ... but I still ended up having troubles with my cable needle on my first few efforts. I persevered, however, and was well rewarded. No pictures, though, sorry; I’ve no camera and Lobo is in Lithuania, so I can’t even bum one from him for a few minutes.

This is a significant milestone for me because I have developed a deep affection for cables. It gets worse: I’m thoroughly smitten by the lovely, intricate designs of Elsebeth Lavold, a Swedish designer. I want to knit lots of her patterns. Yes, if all goes according to my fiendish plan I will be the dotty old lady wearing the most unusual sweaters and tops imaginable—and maybe even some of the accompanying hats! Consider yourselves warned.

I need to work up to those projects, however, so my first cabled effort is the lovely cardigan you see in the photo to the right. It’s called Faery Ring cardigan, designed by Mary Scott Huff—and she’s giving away the pattern. Mine will be in a lovely rust color (yeah, I know: the name doesn’t sound that lovely, but the yarn is gorgeous. You’ll see when I get some pictures of my work!) Darlin’ Daughter and I chose the color together, as the sweater will outlast me with proper care. We still need to choose the buttons, though.

Yes, I realize I’m completely insane to start with a pattern that complicated ... but it sang to me so sweetly that I simply couldn’t resist. I’m also part of a “Knit-Along” group on Ravelry, which is helping keep me on track with it. Yesterday I learned how to cable by working on the pattern that rings the bottom of the garment.

Knitting isn’t the only thing that’s kept me from being here. I’ve been deluged with thoughts but have had little time to sift through them. I also have a book review incubating; and to be honest, I’m not sure how it will sit with some of you dear readers. Last night, a possibly participatory means of sharing some of my wandering observations occurred to me; with any luck I can get that to flower soon.