Some months ago, I received a newsletter from Loop, with a photo of the just released pattern, Scout Shawl (Ravelry link) by Florence Spurling. I thought it was so beautiful that I pre-ordered a kit for it right then and there. I am not normally so impulsive with yarn purchases, but this one moved directly from eye to brain to wallet faster than you can say “Yes!”
After I pushed the button, I began to think that this was perhaps not a smart purchase. The shawl is knit back-and-forth with fair isle knitting and intartsia. In other words, no steeking, but lots of balls of yarn tangling together and every other row in stranded purling. I wasn’t sure I was up for the challenge.
Then the yarn arrived and it was beautful:
I really wanted to knit with this yarn, but the more I thought about it, the less I wanted to knit Scout. It is gorgeous, true, and knitters are making some beautiful projects from this pattern. And, yes, I actually think I am up to the challenge. I know I could do it. The question is: do I want to?
I have come to the conclusion that knitting is something I do for enjoyment, for creative energy, for serenity, peace, mental balance, for process as much as product, and after this very complicated, very long year, I should knit what I want, when I want. And right now, that isn’t Scout.
But the yarn kept playing around inside my head, and yesterday while watching the Euro quarter-finals, I fooled around with a swatch:
Now, isn’t this lovely? I have long been interested in knitting Kate Davies’ design, Myrtle, show below, but without the mohair, with short sleeves, and in lighter, more summery-colours. Can you picture it?
And this yarn from the Scout kit – Madelinetosh Merino Light in Pink Clay, Sugar Coat, Librarian’s Dreams, Joshua Tree, and Rocinante – makes for a lovely, lacy, summery fabric in this lace pattern.
Now, that I have swatched, I need to knit the ribbing – 300 stitches in k1p1 rib with tiny yarn on tiny needles. If it gets to be too much, I can always switch to my Dyemonds sweater. As you can see, all I have left is the ribbing: 280 stitches of k1p1 rib on slightly less tiny needles:
I think I have plenty of ribbing to keep me occupied!
It’s definitely the time to knit exactly what you want. I applaud you.
Good decision, Kelly! Your Myrtle swatch is lovely, the yarn is gorgeous and knitting the ribbing will keep you out of trouble for a short while?!! Knitting what you love will be very soothing …. Enjoy!
It’s going to be perfect as Myrtle! And it’ll be a lot more relaxing (but still engaging) to knit.
Yes! Just because we are competent, experienced and capable of tackling a complex project doesn’t mean we HAVE to. Knit what you want! Here’s to freedom and independence! Anything goes! And that swatch is lovely, I can just see it as that Kate Davies sweater. Great choice!
Love your choices for the yarn. My personal take, “If you knit what makes you happy you will knit everyday!” Sounds a lot like the fishing quote…
Paula- I love the quote!
Myrtle will look great in those colors and I think you will get a lot more wear out of it than the shawl. Happy 4th!
The swatch is very pretty and these do seem ideal for the top you are planning. Good luck with all that ribbing, I don’t envy you. Even on socks I never do as many rows as they say.
That color combination is just stunning! I’m glad you were able to find a pattern you liked for it.
I love the swatch and I think you made a really wise decision. I prefer the lighter colors and knowing your mad knitting skillz, you will have a gorgeous final product!