Swatch Divination and the Start of a New Sweater

There are lots of ways to start a new knitting project.  Most folks probably start out with a pattern and then purchase yarn and needles necessary to complete their project.  This rational approach to knitting would take away the excitement and stress of not knowing what you’re going to get at the end of all your hard work.

My approach starts with the yarn.  There’s a considerable stash of yarn squirreled away in my home from impulse buying and online sales events (thank you Black Friday!)  Today, this pretty wool/silk blend in a light worsted weight from my stash is next on the needles.  After many different swatching attempts, I’ve settled on this gently swooping lace pattern.

The swatch is what I use to tell me what the yarn will become.  This yarn seems to tell me a light and airy cardigan with bell-shaped flowing sleeves.  And, maybe an afterthought pocket or two if there’s enough yardage…

I’ve cast on for my measurements choosing to knit back and forth.  I did consider knitting in the round and steeking but sometimes I don’t mind purling.  This is a bottom up approach like Olwen.  The sleeves will be knit in the round and joined to the body later.

Unfortunately, I managed to break another needle.  Leaving your knitting in the middle of the sofa isn’t the smartest thing to do.  This is the fourth harmony needle that’s bitten the dust this year from my carelessness.  Perhaps it’s time to move to metal needles that can handle the abuse.