Whitecap Socks

These socks should have been completed ages ago, but many factors blocked them from coming to fruition. The first being I could not find a yarn that I liked. As you can see the Whitecap pattern has a raised texture pattern that goes around the leg and over the top of the foot. All the yarns I was choosing were too fuzzy or lacked stitch definition. I wanted the texture to pop and I wasn’t getting that. Despite how much I wanted the other yarns to work I ended up frogging them and putting the pattern away for another day. Finally, I found Cascade Heritage Sock yarn on China’s Amazon equivalent and knew I could rely on it to achieve the definition I desired.

This was the first Kniterations pattern I have ever knit. The pattern was well formatted and included written instructions as well as charts. However, once you went through about two rounds of the pattern it was super easy to memorize. The only modification I made was to the heel flap. I changed the stitch pattern as I like the appearance of this texture more. I believe I now own a hand-knit pair of socks in every color of the rainbow. Too bad I live in a hot climate and can only wear them 2 months out of the year. Socks with sandals anyone? 😁

Until Next Time,

-Whit-

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Peplum Top

The Peplum Top by Morgan Woltersdorf (@Morthunder on IG) was promised to be an “insanely simple knit” and it certainly was.

The pattern was straight forward and included diagrams. Best part? No need to go through the pattern and circle your sizing numbers. Morgan made a separate PDF for each size! I used a needle size down from the recommended US Size 9 needles as I wanted the stitches to be a little more compact. The US size 9s were making my top a little too see through for my liking.

I used DROPS Cotton Merino in Powder Pink. This was my first time using this yarn. It is really soft and lovely during and after knitting. I have worn my Peplum Top in two different hot climates (California and China) and the merino wool does not make it too hot to wear at all. The yarn also has notable stitch definition. I am curious about using it with texture knitting. I bet it would really show off cables well.

My only issue with this cute top is the volume of the skirt/peplum. There is a little too much material for my frame. I could have done with using the medium sizing to create the top and the small sizing to create the skirt/peplum. Nonetheless, I am extremely overjoyed with this top. It makes my collar bones and shoulders look awesome!

Until Next Time,

Abalone Cardigan

I spotted Abalone on Ravelry and knew that it was perfect for the Morris & Sons cotton (color: Onyx) I had purchased in Australia. The construction fit my knitwear basics criteria (versatile, simple construction, short sleeve).

The main feature I really liked was that the cardigan was meant to not close completely. I don’t know about you, but I really hate when you wear a cardigan unbuttoned and the front panels flap around as you walk. Abalone’s shape made this issue virtually obsolete.

Warnings: 1) The pattern is more of a guide. So if you are not a size small be ready to do some math to calculate the number of stitches you need. 2) Be careful with the edging section. There is a high risk you can make it too tight (i.e., not casting on enough stitches) and the result will have the bottom of the cardigan not laying flat against your body. Therefore, the back of the cardigan may look like it is greatly enhancing your booty.

Until Next Time,

Huatau Cardigan

It has been a long while since I have posted, but I am back and ready to continue sharing my knits and adventures.

For the last few months, I have been working on trying to build up my knitwear basics. Guangzhou, China is incredibly hot (think 30 degrees C/ 90 degrees+ F) for 9 months out of the year. I mostly wear tank dresses, but often need a light layer when I am sitting in the office. My preference is a short sleeve cardigan that is easy to throw on or off. I also like a solid color so I can wear it with a variety of outfits.

Enter the Huatau Cardigan. My initial thoughts were that I loved the basic construction of the piece and the added detail along the spine of the cardigan. It looked like the perfect piece to wear with casual wear as well as something to go with professional wear.

The Huatau pattern recommends using wool, but that would be waaaaaaay too hot. So I decided to take a chance and use a new to me cotton blend called Drops Belle in Valkoinen (or white). This yarn is cotton mixed with rayon and linen. Drops Belle was not my favorite. It had good stitch definition; however, when working with the yarn it shed a lot. While knitting, if I was wearing any dark colored clothing I would have to lint roll myself if I planned on going out afterward. I am hoping that since I have blocked the sweater there won’t be anymore shedding going on.

I am 90% happy with my final garment. Things I love about it:

1. The yarn is light to wear and I since I choose white I can wear it with basically anything in my wardrobe.
2. The pattern was well-written and easy to follow.
3. The cardigan fits me well lengthwise.

Not my favorite:

1. The cardigan is too loose in the shoulder and neckline area. Therefore, the back of the neck begins to pucker as I wear it because the shoulder area slides around a bit.

I am going to attribute this issue to the fact that I used a cotton blend of yarn, which is prone to not hold its shape as well as wool. If I were to make this cardigan in cotton again I would make the small size to get a closer fit in the shoulder area.

I continue to be a fan of Francoise Danoy over at Arohaknits. Her patterns are well-written, keep any level of knitter interested, and I just really enjoy how she incorporates texture into her patterns.

What are some of your favorite knitwear basics to knit?

Until Next Time,