Opera Knitting

Isn’t this just the best picture? Wish I’d taken it, but I foundit on Vancouver Opera’s Facebook page. Members of the chorus knitting away backstage during Lillian Alling . . .

I haven’t mentioned my knitting projects for a while now, but they’ve been multiplying. . .

I’m almost finished back and front on the v-neck I’m making for myself (a Vogue Early Fall 2010 pattern) — sleeves are bracelet length so shouldn’t take too long — I’m hoping to finish this within the month. Lace patterns, of course, never look like much until they’re blocked, but I can already tell that this bamboo, silk, merino combo makes a lovely fabric.

Besides the lacework requiring some attention, though, this is hardly a portable project, and I need something to work on while riding the ferry each day, so I’ve got some worsted socks on the go. Besides the ones in the photo below, I made a pair in the lighter colour, striped with the leftover darker blue — my plan is to make a pair for each of my sons-in-and-out-of-law. They’re worsted, so they knit up quickly, and they’ll be toasty warm after a day skiing.

This next project is one I’m itching to get to — and some would argue I’ll itch once I do get to it, but mohair doesn’t bother me that way. I was drawn to this pattern as soon as I saw it last winter, but resisted it as potentially too trendy. Until I saw a sample made up at Mad About Ewe, my local yarn store. It’s going to be so wonderful to wear some gloomy winter day — a swingy tunic-dress of floaty-light mohair to wear over a silk t-neck and some leggings. It should be a really quick knit, but I’ve made myself a deal that I can’t start it until I’m on the final stretch of that v-neck pullover. (Would simply casting on be cheating? Perhaps a row or two, just to check out the colour and drape. . . ?)

Another store sample tripped me right over to the cash register with an extra pattern and two balls of the scrumptious Debbie Bliss Fez (85% Extrafine Merino; 15% Camel — yummy!). Knitting sweaters in size 2 is a welcome treat — very little delay to this gratification, and I’ll get the added pleasure of seeing Nola wearing her birthday gift — just have to get it finished by next weekend. Shouldn’t be too hard considering I got to the armholes in two or three hours’ knitting.

I’ve also got some very pretty Worsted for making socks as per Daughter #3’s request — she points out that nothing else keeps her feet warm enough when she’s studying late at night.

And then I was trying to figure out where I’d stashed the mohair pictured above — and surprised myself by opening a bag of yarn I remember buying late last winter, yarn for quick gifts — cowls, hats, and the like.

So apparently I’m ready to join the Vancouver Opera choir. Oh, damn! they want a voice as well as knitting ability? Maybe not then . . . .