…yes, I had two knitting projects move off my works in progress page (and not to hibernation) this week.

First up, the one I finished. Shibui Mix No. 9. 850+ yards of Shibui Staccato knit together with Silk Cloud. it’s big and warm (Holly is going to miss taking naps under the work-in-progress blanket that it was) and the subtle pattern of the “dot stitch” (which is really a seed stitch on the wrong-side rows separated by plain stockinette on the right-side rows) shows off the shine of the silk. It’s lovely. and it might be the only reason I’m glad we’re having a cold spell this weekend.

doesn’t that red leash with the pink bag go great with my outfit?

The pattern is a long rectangle, joined with a single twist and a 3-needle bindoff to make a cowl. The twist makes it easy to wear doubled (and quite Audrey-like you can pull one layer up over your head – it’s not that cold here so I haven’t tried it), but I think I like it long. What do you think?

and now, the one I frogged. Dresden.

before the frogging

I was nearly to the armhole (and it’s a vest…I was closer to the end than the beginning)…but the fabric just wasn’t right. My stitch gauge was good, but I just couldn’t see it draping like it should. And my row gauge was off, but I’d adjusted… I don’t know. It just. wasn’t. right. So I made the decision to rip it and find a better yarn match for the pattern. That’s always a tough decision (although it’s one I’ve now made three times in nearly as many months so maybe it’s getting a little easier?!) but Ysolda’s Perfect Sweater Class starts next week and the gauge I had with the Savannah…dead on! so I’ve already got yarn I love to knit a pattern I’m excited about.

I am still excited about Dresden and definitely intend to knit it. I spent a chunk* of yesterday afternoon knitting swatches with my leftover Staccato, then washing them, measuring them. and letting them dry.

Good thing about the letting them dry part. The measurements changed quite a bit. and I think the size 4 swatch (the one top center) is going to be perfect.  Still-damp, I would’ve cast-on with size 2’s (lower right). and likely been frogging again! Funny isn’t it, where patience comes to play in knitting. We spend hours over days, weeks, even months creating the piece, hoping it will last for years. and yet it’s hard to make ourselves myself spend the few hours it takes to ensure all that time is going to be well-spent. Yep, it made me feel like a grown-up (about my knitting).

What have you learned lately about yourself and/or your knitting (that you could share)? Please…tell your stories!

*I also spent a good chunk of yesterday afternoon and evening casting on…but that’s another post. for another day. and not only because it made me feel quite child-like (about my knitting).