Thursday 04 Nov 2010

Keep It Simple, Stupid

As the years go by, my interest in knitting complicated projects has waned. It’s anybody’s guess as to whether that’s a function of a change in my taste as I age, or diminishing concentration and eyesight. I like to think it’s driven more by the increasing availability of truly exceptional yarns that look best knit up in simple patterns.

Lately I’ve smitten with the linen stitch. Most recently I finished a cowl from one lovely skein of Madelintosh tosh merino light.

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I first saw this yarn when I went to TNNA in June and immediately fell in love. Amy helped us choose colors for the shop and the shipment finally arrived just a few weeks ago. I can’t remember who chose Calligraphy, the color I used for the cowl, but it’s spectacular knit up. The shades are plentiful but subtle. No technicolor yarn barf here.

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And speaking of simple, what could be more simple than an I-cord tied into a circle with a bead hiding the join.

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13 comments | knitting

13 Responses to “Keep It Simple, Stupid”

  1. # Sibylle on 04 Nov 2010 at 8:00 am

    Oh SUsan, the cowl is wonderful, I instantly want one too :) Did you make up the pattern? Also I do like the I-cord thingies :)
    Hope you and everybody is well. LG S.

  2. # Cheryl S. on 04 Nov 2010 at 8:11 am

    I’ll have to do a drive-by to see the completed cowl – it was lovely in progress. Almost makes me want to do something in linen stitch. Almost.

  3. # Jodie on 04 Nov 2010 at 8:45 am

    Technicolor yarn barf LOL! That’s exactly what Im going to call my linen stitch scarf aka My Ugly Scarf. (If it ever gets finished that is!). The cowl is lovely, and I love the bracelets!!

  4. # Cece on 04 Nov 2010 at 9:03 am

    I LOVE those bracelets – where did you find the life is good closures? They are perfect!

  5. # Lauren on 04 Nov 2010 at 9:14 am

    I also want to know where you got the Life is Good ones!

  6. # Abby on 04 Nov 2010 at 9:31 am

    I love the bracelets. Did you make the bead closure that covers the join yourself?

  7. # margene on 04 Nov 2010 at 10:22 am

    Love the bracelets and the cowl, but I’ll be damned if I’ll do the linen stitch. BTW, life IS good.

  8. # Manise on 04 Nov 2010 at 5:57 pm

    Ha! Ha! Margene probably loathes seed stitch too. I bet you get into a good rhythm with the linen st after a while. Love the drapiness of your cowl. Cool bracelets.

  9. # Ruth on 05 Nov 2010 at 4:58 am

    I’m being drawn more and more to simple patterns lately, too (although I just cast on a cabled sweater, a walking contradiction, that’s me). I find myself appreciating good lines and color more than knitted pyrotechnics.

    That, and stockinette in the round is all I have the brainpower for most evenings.

  10. # Heather on 05 Nov 2010 at 7:05 am

    Love it! So simple and cute.

  11. # Susan on 05 Nov 2010 at 8:39 am

    Love the cowl! Please give more info on the bracelets!

  12. # Susanne on 06 Nov 2010 at 2:48 pm

    Your cowl is gorgeous..so elegant. My first thought was that it was woven. I see there are several variations on the linen stitch. Some state to keep yarn fwd when slipping, then switch to yarn in back. Other instructions say to keep the yarn fwd all the time. Can you tell me which you used? Lovely job and I love the bracelets too!

  13. # Batty on 06 Nov 2010 at 7:00 pm

    That cowl is incredible. It’s simple yet elegant and makes the most out of the beautiful yarn.