Unventing the Flower of Nepal

Happy New Year, Gentle Readers! As promised, here is a look at the Flower of Nepal, and the process of (re) designing it for you.

Over the last year, I started several blog entries that I never finished (Digital UFOs, if you will). And then promptly forgot they were never posted. Here is one such entry, which will, give a bit of background to the project I mentioned last time.

I said a while back that (some of) the reasons I never published this pattern are that it has shortcomings which might limit its appeal/knitability/wearability.

Called out in the photo above are the things the new version would have to address in order for me to consider it ready for primetime; i.e., good enough for my knitters.

While I’m not exactly disparaging the design, it was experimental when I made it, so I made choices for my own edification/amusement that I would not make if I expected it to be replicable by you. Some things directly affect the way it fits, and others are unnecessarily fiddly, even by my standards.

Those noted, here are the things I like about it, and that knitters who have seen it pointed out as good:

1. The color combination is both weird and wonderful. Nuff said.

2. The colorwork is all contained on its knitted hems, which both hide the cut steek edges and add both visual and structural gravitas.

3. The buttons and trims are cohesive to the piece, but somehow manage to tell their own story.

4. It’s really versitile and wearable, worked in superwash sock yarn that’s not heavy. A piece like this makes it easy to regulate your temperature and still wear a handknit indoors. Adjust the layer(s) underneath to suit your conditions and stay comfortable.

5. It’s actually a quick knit, compared to some other stranded colorwork productions. Once that big ol’ hem at the bottom is done, its just straigt on till morning in stockinette. Then some fun cutting and binding; and adding the (optional) trims and closures. Bang, you’re done.

My new and improved Flower of Nepal addresses the faults, while keeping the charms ot the original. Or so I hope. Stay tuned for the big reveal…

This, That and the Other

1. THIS

Happy Boxing Day! I hope this finds you all resting comfortably after the exertions of the last couple of days, and, of course, knitting.

For my Thistlemakers, both prior and would-be, thank you so much for your response and interest in a Ravelry group for a knitalong and advice column! I’ve created one HERE for you and I hope you’ll join in the fun. In addition to providing help and guidance for your Thistle Stole journey, I’ll also be soliciting input and sharing tidbits on the creation of my new Thistle Cardigan there. I’m so excited about doing this with you.

2. THAT

Speaking of things you’ve asked me for, Gentle Readers, here’s another bit of flotsam I’ve been needing to attend to: The Flower of Nepal sample is all done, except to finalize and apply her ribbon trim. I’ve collected about 20 different candidates, but still haven’t landed on the combination I like best. Stay tuned for the final result, but in the meantime I thought my “minimalist” knitters would like to see this naked (sans trim) version.

The next step will be writing the actual pattern, then the grueling stamina-enhancing math challenge that is garment sizing, and then, finally, the technical editing process. This last, of course, is when the inimitable Karen takes my (terrifying?) pattern draft and distills it into knittable form. I have no idea how she achieves this, but it seems to me like equal parts solving for X and Witchcraft. Watch this space for updates on the kits and class.

3. THE OTHER

Last of all, I thought I’d finish out the year by showing you this little bit of fun I’ve been having: My BFF Sweater. It’s a 2-person knitalong I browbeat convinced my bestie to do with me. Mine’s just now done, and his is mid-way through. Please feel free to visit his website and offer encouragement/see his progress.

I’ll be wearing this as 2024 winds down, and I quietly reflect on the many blessings of my life in knitting, and on the love and joy you all bring.

A Whole Field of Thistles

Greetings, Gentle Readers! I think it’s happening again: Over the weekend, copies of my Thistle Stole pattern started to fly out the digital door at a prodigious rate!

First and foremost, please accept my sincerest gratitude. Your purchases, as you know, support an independent artist, and allow me to continue operating my website as the (rare as a Dodo) ad-free space it is. This windfall is particularly appreciated right now, as I’ve been searching for a new day job since June, and I was really wondering what the remainder of the holidays would look like around here. Many, many thanks.

For the uninitiated, the Thistle Stole is a luxurious rectangular piece which is worked in a big round of stranded colorwork, with knitted hems at the cast-on and bind-off edges. Once complete, the round is cut open along a designated steek (!) to become a rectangle. Then the cut edges are bound with more knitting, and big bougie thistle-shaped tassels are added. Because as you know, Gentle Readers: More is More.

I don’t yet know who this group of Thistle Knitters are. Maybe it’s an extraordinary coincidence. Maybe it’s a private knitalong. Or maybe it’s a well-publicized group project that I have failed to find online. It’s a tantalizing mystery, and one I hope you’ll help me solve.

In any case, I’m compelled to offer my knitters, both the new and the Repeat Offenders, my help in addition to my thanks.

If you would like to add yourselves to the Royal Order of the Thistle (which I totally just made up), I cordially invite you to join in the fun!

Here’s How: Grab your copy of the Thistle HERE. Then if you have a question, want to send a photo, or would just like to say hi, Drop me a line any time as you progress. Here’s my EMAIL, and here’s where you can reach me over on RAVELRY. I’d be honored to act as your mentor and guide you through the process.

Additionally, if you’d like, I’d be happy to create a special Ravelry group just for you. That way you can easily talk amongst yourselves, share your photos and let me know what’s going on with you. If this is something you would like, please contact me and I’ll post the link to such here on the blog.

Since the original yarn I used to create the Thistle is no longer available, I’m especially interested in what yarns you’re selecting for your projects. I’m glad to offer opinions/suggestions/enabling for your substitutions, and a Ravelry group would be great for that. Again, stay tuned here for details.

I’m so honored and delighted that you you still love this pattern, because it’s a favorite of mine. Who knows? Maybe I’ll join you in a Thistle Redux: I’ve long thought this motif would make a gorgeous sweater, and have been waiting for the right time…