Auld Lang Twine

It's the last day of the year, and I realize I haven't checked in for a while. I made some progress on a new project that I wanted to share.

This is the back (left) and front (right) of the Svenson Pullover by Jared Flood, appearing in the Winter 2017 collection. I'd wanted to make a cabled pullover for myself. I'd made a few in the past, one for Jeff and a more abstract one for me, but they are way to big for us these days. I'm making the 43 1/4" size using Brooklyn Tweed's Arbor in the color Humpback. It's perhaps the most perfect brownish gray ever.

The stitch definition with this yarn is amazing. So glad I splurged and went with the yarn called for in the pattern. I love the moss stitch panels on the sides, the larger horseshoe cables and the smaller honeycomb cabling in the center. There are little purl stitches at the top of each honeycomb cell that add a cool bit of extra dimensionality. Between these two motifs are mirrored side-by-side 1-over-2 cables that make a pleasant ladder pattern. The sleeves are raglan, and where they are sewn to the body, the seam runs up the middle of a set of these ladders that will basically zip together as the whole things is assembled. The design is quite thoughtful in this way. I've never made a sweater using this construction, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how it all fits together. I started the left sleeve this afternoon.

Over the past few days we've played host to my dear friends Janelle and Sharon and their boys. Sharon and I were good friends from college days and Janelle is the person that got me interested in knitting so many years ago. I can't thank her enough for that.

In addition to being an accomplished knitter, Janelle is also quite the spinner. What she knows about fibers and how they behave. She's the best person to go yarn shopping with. And, she brought me a little something that she spun recently. Can't wait to figure out what to do with it. It's a beautiful 2-play Jacob yarn in a lovely shade of brown. What can I say -- she knows me! And it's been wonderful seeing their boys grow up. Glad that they get to come to Texas every so often.

It was so great having them here. And most of the old college gang was able to get together for a pre-New Year's party as well. Even those who were home ill were able to Facetime in -- ah, technology.

I'm looking forward to the new year and all it may bring. Here's to a fruitful, fun and fiber-filled 2017!