Garter Yoke Cardi

Although you haven't heard from me for awhile, I have been getting some knitting done! The above is the Garter Yoke Cardi from the Fall/Winter 2008 knit.1 magazine. The yarn is the now discontinued (grrr!) Jaeger Extra Fine Merino Aran, which I heart, big time, mainly because it's wool and it doesn't give me the itchy, sneezies. The stitch definition is to die for! The colour is most accurate in the above photo -- a deep, rich plum.

As you can see, I've finished the body and have begun one of the sleeves. There seems to be a line of demarcation where I had the stitches on 'hold' -- I'm really hoping it disappears in the blocking process.

Love the curvy shaping! All in all, this has been an easy knit thus far -- and even better, it fits!!!
I ordered some buttons from Ram Wools in Winnipeg in an antique silver colour, which I think will be the perfect finishing touch.

Here's one of the yarns I bought at Ram Wools when I was out visiting my BFF in Winnipeg. 'Tussah' silk, by Hand Maiden! I was actually going with the express purpose of buying seasilk, but wasn't thrilled with the colour choices -- then, I spotted this rich, autumny lovely and was hooked! It's aran weight and about 300 yards, so I'm thinking a lace scarf. It's actually a HUGE skein when it's wound up -- almost 8" across! I'm forcing myself to finish the cardigan first, before I embark on this project and yes, it's killing me!

It's been a tough start to '09, with my m-i-l passing away on December 31st and now, my f-i-l on January 30th. He had been feeling so much better and was looking forward to getting out of the hospital and starting over in a beautiful, new assisted living residence. However, the pneumonia returned and sadly, he succumbed to congestive heart failure. I am so thankful for all of the photos I insisted on taking of reluctant parties, as now they are so meaningful for those of us who remain and remember.