Most know that I am a slow knitter, as in sloth pace slow. I can be quick if I have to, I used to be much quicker, but the combination of my osteoarthritis and time restraints have slowly slowed me down over time. However, I’ve never been into speed knitting, as a process knitter I really don’t like stress knitting imposed by deadlines and such, after all the main lesson my Nan taught me was to ‘never force the knitting, make sure it always brings you joy!’ And so I prefer to think of my pace as if I’m enjoying it even more, the tactility of my fibre and needles, I’m savouring every stitch.

The last few years it seems like I’ve been drawn to the finer knits, those done on 3mm to 3.5mm, lace and 4ply projects, but lately I’m rekindling my love for thicker yarn probably spurred on by my fear of being cold this upcoming winter and the arrival of so much woolly awesomeness to the shop. I found myself with a serious case of castonitis and even started two new projects in a couple of days, now don’t get me wrong, I do have several projects on the go at all times, but two new project within a week is a bit frantic – even for me. Both are done on 5.5mm and 6mm, in very similar yarns, and I’ve already finished the body of both! The pace is definitely motivating, my projects are growing quickly, instant gratification, and I’m here for the ride!

Inner Peace Sweater by Veera Välimäki

My dear friend Veera is about to publish this gorgeous little number of a sweater, I adore the versatility of the design, it is like a woolly hug that goes with everything! As soon as her teaser pictures with the call out to test went up, I responded knowing that I just HAD TO make this. However, it took me a while to get started, as none of my usual suspect yarns were shouting my name. Fast forward a few weeks, and the most delicious delivery from Pickles arrived containing the brand new Tjukk Merino Tweed, and I immediately knew I struck gold.

The pattern is a breeze, and features a few elements that keeps the interest going. You start at the back and increase your way into the neckline, shoulder and arm holes shaping. After closing to work in the round you shape sleeves using German short rows, and then you have those lush deep ribbings. Having two completed bodies on the go, I’ve been a bit worried about being stuck on sleeve island … like forever … but when writing this I’m already down to three sleeves, with one completed … oh the joy of thicker needles! I just need to get my notes jotted down and over to Veera, keep your eyes peeled for the release of this one – it is truly an enjoyable knit.

Ferda Sweater by Pickles

We’ve seen a colourwork craze rolling over the knitting world, with more and more designers picking up more traditional techniques and inspirations. I do love working in stranded knitting, but I’m not a huge fan of the traditional patterning, I’m more of a bold and graphic kind of girl, so when noticing this one I definitely sat up and paid attention.

You know, we do like a good kit here at Knit With Attitude, and one of the things we’ve focused on since including the Pickles yarns to our collection is their nothing less than fantastic design catalogue. When I sat down to choose the very first designs to feature and build into kits, do you know which one was the very first I chose – this one – the Ferda Sweater! I find the triangle patterning striking and I love how it compliments the raglan construction.

I’m doing Ferda in the same yarn as the one mentioned above – minus the tweedy bits – Pickles Tjukk Merino. Again a very straight forward knit, you cast on for the turtleneck and work down through the raglan increase to shape shoulders and armholes, close to work in the round and whizz through the body before retuning to the sleeves. Here I am, done whizzing through the body and ready for sleeves, and there it suddenly is! Glaring at me in all its glory – the mistake! Can you spot what I’ve done?

It is that classic of thinking I knew what the pattern wanted me to do – rather than actually reading the pattern – and here I actually managed to completely ignore half of the chart – whizzing on in my own cheerful ignorance. But sometimes, a mistake makes you discover something new all together, and in this case I love it! I’ll just continue in the same way for the sleeves and my new favourite winter warmer will be ready to wear!