I made a Cricket
I've been finding knitting most relaxing lately. Maybe it's because it's a bit slower than crochet, it forces me into taking a steadier pace.
I noticed it when I was knitting my 'Around the Block' Cowl. That was the relaxing oasis in the midst of a frantic patch of life that was going on at the time and although things have returned to a more or less manageable pace around here I'm still finding that knitting is the best way to recreate that calming feeling.
The beneficiary of my relaxation therapy this time round is my little girl. A cardigan that I first saw on Posie gets Cozie's site and thought to be wonderfully cute. Naturally it's been sitting on my waiting list a while, but as I see Alicia's post is dated June of this year I'm practically making it straight away by my standards.
It helped too that I had some suitable yarn in my stash in Madam's favourite colour, purple (-ish). It's Rowan Felted Tweed DK and has come up looking lovely. It is one of those colours that are so hard to photograph right though, in some it looks almost chocolate but actually it's a soft heathery purple. The ones where she's wearing it were taken outside today and are closest I'd say.
The pattern is called 'Cricket' and is by Melissa Schaschwary and it's been an utter joy to knit. Quite apart from the soothing side of the knitting, the pattern itself has been a pleasure. I don't knit a tremendous amount of actual clothing and so the wonderful guidelines and links to tutorials for correct techniques that Melissa has added in along the way are very reassuring for one like me who isn't always sure of the best cast on or off to use in a given situation.
I also loved the little pockets and although there is the option to leave them out, using this pattern I felt able to give them a go and found they worked beautifully. I also followed all the advice given about finishing, from steam blocking to including a pretty button band to help retain the garment shape and it's really made a difference to the final result.
I'm thrilled with how it's turned out. It's most certainly the best garment I've made so far and my favourite too. Better yet, Little Miss is delighted and was very happy to strike some model poses for me!
S x
