Inspiration!

Eureka! I was in Sainsburys today, noseying amongst the new clothes they have in, when I found a very lovely jumper with a big collar (see a theme here?). I tried it on, thinking I could justify buying it because of my gauge disappointment. The yarn, yet again, was nasty itchy sheddy stuff – my black trousers were covered in the nasty white fluff, so I chose not to buy. But still, it looked quite nice… So I had a nosey at the construction. DEAD EASY! A basic sweater, with bell sleeves, one inch of shoulder and drop shoulder (I think that’s the name, but I’ll need to check with our Ann) sleeves. All I need to do is look at a scoop neck collar shaping. The shoulder/sleeve fit means that it gives the maximum width for the collar in the body, while leaving scope to shape for the bust and waist to make it nicely fitted, plus it will be miles easier for me to design it myself and learn from mistakes (as there will inevitably be!)…
Today I came home to the fall editions of Vogue Knitting and Family Circle Easy Knitting. There is one pattern in each that I’ve fallen in love with. In FCEK, I’m in love with (what a surprise) the purple mohair wrap cardi, and in VK, the lovely cardi knitted in Debbie Bliss Astrakahn. The former will knit up in the Jaeger Mohair Art that has been sitting in my stash for AGES. The latter I would have to buy for. There is a seller on Ebay who has some, but can I really justify this purchase when I have a corner of stash? Should I be good and wait till I have used some stuff up, or take the chance for a small discount (about 10 quid, seeing as not many people stock this online in the UK yet)? I kind of already know the answer to this one! I should be sensible and good and not get too excited over it, and wait till I’ve made a few things. And who knows, by then I might be able to knit up a smaller size (she says, touching wood hopefully).
Otherwise, thanks to Jax for reminding me that I’m superior to the lazy people on the bus, when I sit and stink next to them 😀 Woot!
Anyway, it is far too chilly here tonight, so I’m going to knock up a plan for the big collar sweater, and work out measurements for MY gauge, and not stupid Debbie Bliss’ and her stupid bad shaping 😉 And probably start knitting it cos I’m far to of the moment today…