Properly practiced, knitting soothes the troubled spirit, and it doesn't hurt the untroubled spirit, either. ~Elizabeth Zimmerman

30 July 2011

K.I.S.S.-Dumb Dumb Knitting for the Summer Brain

from Oddknit.com
I firmly subscribe to the philosophy that in the summer the planet should slooow down.  Just because I subscribe to this belief,however,does not necessarily mean that I have learned how to implement it in my own life.  But I try, every summer I try!  I can be the definition of "Multi-Tasker", so for me taking it slow and easy in the summer means trying to figure out how to knit, read a book, tend to the hydrangeas and listen to a ball game all from a chaise.  I'll let you know when I get that down.
 In the meantime, since I am not willing to give up summer knitting, or summer reading, I am taking the 'dumb dumb" route for my knitting this summer.  Knits that don't require a great deal of brain-certainly in the summer I am like my buddy Pooh Bear "...a Bear of very little brain"-long lovely miles of garter or stockinette stitch or seed stitch in a yummy yarn.  Knitting a "dumb dumb" knit does not mean you sacrifice style,however-very often you find yourself knitting the perfect wardrobe piece that you find you never can be without.
 My inspiration piece for my current dumb dumb knit is Stella McCartney's pullover from her fall collection.  Slouchy, "boyfriend" casual...love it!

Whether you choose to Just Knit!! or Knit and Purl these are all Easy Peasy Breezy--pick a yarn in gauge that you adore, grab your favorite needles and Cast On-or Cast Away!  
Currently on my needles is an adaptation of this Beach Girl cardigan-doing it in a slubby cotton on large needles--fast knit, simple shaping and closed with a seashell.
The Lighthouse Keeper's Wife, Dandeliongirl Designs
I love the thought of a slouchy toss on cardi...you know that Grab and Go piece that works everywhere over everything.  Check out patterns from Hannah Fettig, Heidi Kirrmaier ,Thea Colman, and Quince and Co. and start with any of these:
Simplicity Cardigan,Mary Annarella

Contented Cardi, Hannah Fettig

Abigail Cardi, Quince and Co.

Vitamin D, Heidi Kirramaier

Snowbird, Heidi Kirrmaier
Effortless Cardigan,Hannah Fettig
I cannot think of anything better than a summer's night at the beach--grab a pullover--Annabel above is perfect and so are...
Equinox,Knitscene
Simple Summer,Heidi Kirrmaier
Classic Elite-has an easy lace


Genevieve, Quince and Co.

Narragansett, Thea Colman
K.I.S.S.---This summer Keep it Simple Stupid!

On the Needles!

Off the Needles

Pearls from the Yarn Basket