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Day 2, Mascot Project: 4KCBWDAY2

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The second day’s prompt is to think of or research a project that embodies the house chosen in the first day. There’s no need to actually make the project (which is good, because my extra knitting time is nonexistent at the moment!).

For this prompt, I decided to choose an assortment of patterns from other designers I’d make if I had the time. I specifically chose ones that would stretch my abilities and knowledge, because I’m a proud member of the House of Monkey!

First up, the Dahlia Cardigan by Heather Zoppetti. (Note: link goes to Ravelry. They will all go to Ravelry. If you’re not on Ravelry yet, you should be!)

dahlia1_medium

Seriously, how insanely gorgeous is that lace panel?? Plus the whole “business in the front, party in the back” thing really appeals to me. It would be a challenge, because the construction method is different and it would be important to get gauge (something I’ve historically had trouble doing in a lace pattern–my YOs always seem to come out too big or too small).

Next up: the Charvet Pullover by Maria Leigh.

LeighPullover2_mediumI find the biased stripes in this sweater absolutely fascinating. The construction, again, is very different. It’s so different, in fact, that there’s a whole sweater workshop on Knitting Daily to help the knitter wrap her head around the diagonal direction of the work.

Then there’s the stunning Butterfly Dress or Vest by Jennie Atkinson:

butterfly_dressThis would challenge me enormously because of one simple fact (okay, two simple facts, hehe): I have waaaayy more boobage than the model. The lace pattern looks moderately stretchy, but I’d still have to figure out some kind of bust shaping. In the lace pattern. Um.

And finally, Orca by Chrystal Orel (Creations by Gems):

orcaI find orcas completely fascinating, and I’d love to make myself my own little orca pal someday. But the challenge here is pretty obvious: I don’t know how to crochet, beyond a little single-crochet-edging action. I did find a few knitted orca patterns on Ravelry, but they all involve loads of intarsia, a technique that quite frankly makes me want to chew my own foot off. Plus, they aren’t as cute. So yeah, I think I’ll have to learn to crochet.

I’m not gonna lie–finding these patterns was SO. MUCH. FUN. Maybe one day I’ll have the time to actually make one or more of these….

6 Comments

  1. Karen
    Karen04-23-2013

    Those are great patterns! I love the Dahlia cardigan. You should give it a try:)

  2. Agothtale
    Agothtale04-23-2013

    I love that orca, so cute ! and that lace pattern on the back, on the first picture, gorgeous ! I’m having troubles getting the gauge right too, but it must be worth it for a sweater like that !

  3. Cyprienne
    Cyprienne04-23-2013

    These are intriguing — I’ll confess, I’m working on a sweater with “interesting” construction right now and it’s driving me up a tree… but the FO will be great (at least that’s what I’m telling myself). These projects all seem like the ends would justify the means in much the same way; if you pick one, I hope it’s Dahlia. :)

  4. Gracey
    Gracey04-23-2013

    Okay the lace panel on that first one is stunning and that butterfly dress…wow…just wow….and you should learn to crochet…the hardest part knitters who learn say is where to put the hook….but there’s a hole….and I agree…I find crocheted ami’s and toys cuter than knitted ones…(except mochimochi ones…because OMG! how cute!)

  5. autumngeisha
    autumngeisha04-23-2013

    I love your different selections of projects. They all look so interesting to make. The lace dress is especially stunning. I, too, do not have the boobage to carry that off :) Crochet actually is pretty easy so I hope that you learn in order to make that adorable orca.

  6. Truly Myrtle
    Truly Myrtle04-24-2013

    That Orca looks life size?!
    I love the first cardigan you’ve chosen – I have trouble regulating my yo’s too – depends if I’m yo-ing from a purl or knit st.
    Now, speaking of patterns to covet – your Lavandula is so on my list of must knits!

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