what to knit

I always seem to get back into knitting around this time of year. I think it has a lot to do with the cold weather and the desire to have more wool knitted items in my wardrobe. I love historical knitting and I'll do that year round, but at the moment I am interested in a lot of modern chunky wool garments. I love the feel of the smooth chunky yarns available right now. The alpaca/wool blend is pretty glorious, but unfortunately slightly out of my price range. That is, if I want to make a sweater or cardigan. So I've been pricing what it would cost to use the Burly Spun wool yarns from Brown Sheep Co. I used it to make my neck warmer and it's really wonderful. Not as soft as alpaca, but I don't mind that.

Alright, here are a few sweaters I've been looking to make. Only I can't decide which one to start with.


I think this is the one I'll probably go with, but I'm still not positive about it. It's from Vogue Knitting 2005. I'd make some changes, like remove the bobbles and possibly even the velvet ribbon. I'm not going for too much "froof." I'd probably make it in something earth tone, like brown, tan, grey or maybe I'll stick with the original creamy white. That way it will go with most of my outfits. If I'm going to spend this much time on a project I had better wear it a lot! :) I think without the ribbon and bobbles it would still have quite a lot of texture and design.

When I was first thinking of knitting something with chunky yarn, I thought of this from the current issue of VK.


It looks simple enough and I think I would actually wear it, probably with a long sleeved top underneath. But I don't know...Perhaps if I made it in some inexpensive yarn that maybe has 50% wool in it instead of 100%. It wouldn't be as nice, but at least it wouldn't break my budget. This sweater requires a lot of yarn.



My friend is knitting up this one right now, only she said she's making it shorter and leaving off the hanging threads (which is what I'd do also if I made it). I wonder if I could make it with chunky yarn? Of course that means more math for me. heh.

I also think this would be cool to make. Only I'm wondering how much work it would be. I still consider myself a beginner after all! Sorry I couldn't find the actual image from VK, but I do love how she made it in red. Only thing is I'm not sure I'd find myself putting this on and snuggling up somewhere. The length of the sleeves are pretty, but not so practical if you get what I mean. :)

Alrighty, I better cut this short. I have to finish a few Christmas presents still! Cheers everyone!