Thursday, April 16, 2009

The Proper Response to Gray

I spent an inordinate amount of time this winter knitting with charcoal gray Silky Tweed. It's first pass on the needles was a failed original design, a swingy, drapey open cardigan, intended to be the perfect, light layer for our February family trip to Southern California. This project has been visited before, as a FAIL.
I promptly ripped it, and knit the swingy, drapey, already-designed open cardigan, the Minimalist Cardigan instead. I had previously dismissed it because I thought all that moss stitch would be endlessly, soul-crushingly dull. I was completely right, and in fact, managed to make it even more dull by using that charcoal gray Silky Tweed. I spent months knitting boring moss stitch in dark charcoal gray, wondering why I just wasn't all that into knitting lately. Hmmm.


In the end, it is one of the best sweaters I've knit. The fit is perfect; set-in sleeves are my most flattering shape. That charcoal gray makes it endlessly versatile, and the shape is classic and elegant while being currently quite fashionable. I wear it often, and am glad I suffered through those long months with it because the end result is more than worth it.

But after all those months of gray, there was just one appropriate response: color.
Clockwise from top L: Ballband dishtowel, I Heart You Sweater (a test-knit), Ripples of Insanity, Felicity Hat in Karabella Aurora 8

12 comments:

Sarah said...

I don't think I'd have the fortitude necessary to make it through the whole thing, which is a shame, because it's one beautiful sweater! (Also, and this is neither here nor there, but you look a lot like Kristen Wiig from SNL in that photo!) I can see why you're craving color.

Ann said...

It's so beautiful and classic and stylish! Thank goodness too - wouldn't it have stunk if you suffered through the boring gray for an ugly sweater? Congrats!!

Marissa said...

Looks awesome. I love gray.

Laurie (Moo!) said...

You look wonderful in the cardigan tho it's a shame that it nearly bored you to death.

Bring on the color and long may it live!!! :-)

Bridget said...

At least you ended up with a great sweater that you actually enjoy wearing!

Your other projects look nice and springy, I must say.

Kristy said...

I went color crazy after knitting my brother's grey and black gloves. I can't imagine a whole sweater!

The sweater is beautiful, and I can see how it would be a great piece to own. Sometimes the boring is worth it :)

tiennie said...

That cardigan is so nice! I love the grey. I also love all your vibrant color projects too. :)

LaurieM said...

Silky wool is lovely stuff and you've made a great sweater of it.
Good thing you stuck with it.

Anonymous said...

That cardigan looks like a cardigan you want to wear every day. Beautiful!

HPNY KNITS said...

happy solutions!
i love all shades of grey. there are so many.

Robin said...

Silky Tweed is great stuff and I like the gray. The cardi looks great -- one of those you grab as you run out the door. Will go with so much. Great job!

Madge said...

Fab cardi. At least you persevered through the winter months so now you can run wild with colorcolorcolor...have fun!

P.S. I'm one of those sick people who likes moss stitch AND grey, so whatcha bitchin' about? Hee.