Thanks to the Queen

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth came to town a week ago and brought British weather with her. Why am I grateful? The cool temps gave me a chance to wear my new Twist cardigan in the merry month of May, rather than holding its debut off till the more appropriate autumn season. As ever, a well-written pattern and lovely design by the exceptional Bonne Marie Burns of Chicknits, who recently revised it in a hooded version with more cabling. I was envious, but am still quite happy with my collared (no fringe, at least not yet) cardi knit in Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran, which softens incredibly when blocked.

I was also tickled to have my friend and colleague Michael photograph me in front of an installation project that was about to come down. Please read more about this vernacular photography wheat-paste work called "But Isn't It Obvious?" in the Sunday, March 25, 2007 entry on Michael's blog, Annabelle's Aspirin. (You'll need to scroll down past his recent vacation documentation.) Michael created another site-specific installation in the fall, Alley-Oop, and recently exhibited an installation at James Madison University's New Image Gallery.

I think this sweater took me about six months to complete, but of course there were other small knits finished in that same time frame (not to mention a trip to China and a new addition). Finding the right buttons, however, took several more weeks ~ not so much for a big search as for getting myself to The Yarn Lounge, my LYS where I knew I'd find just the right ones. They are glass, each one unique, and bring out the warm highlights of the tweed perfectly. I believe Stewart got them from a vendor she met at Maryland last spring, one without an online presence. I had to sew them on with thread rather than the yarn, because even when I split it to one ply, it broke apart too easily.

I'm glad it was in the 80s today, but I look forward to getting a lot of good wear from this new knit! Thanks, Bonne Marie; thanks, Stewart; and thanks, Michael!

Comments

[Jane]

I knew the Queen came here for a good reason - the sweater is fabulous! And it looks great on you, too. Congratulations.

[Beth]

Oooh - I love love LOVE your Twist! As great as it was to see it come together when you've joined us on Wednesday nights, the finished product is even better! Brava on a great new sweater.

P.S. Tell your beautiful girls Hi!!!

[Michelle]

Twist is gorgeous! I like that you opted for a fringeless version; I've been waffling on that decision for weeks, so it's nice to see what it looks like.

[Jennifer]

Long live the Queen! Especially if she brings out such knitting masterpieces. It looks like the perfect accent to the Monarch's visit. Congratulations on such a beauty.

[Betsy]

LOVE LOVE LOVE that cardigan!!!

[Liz K.]

Oooh, I'm coveting that sweater! It looks beautiful.

[monica]

You look gorgeous!

[tina]

Oh, suh-WOON! That's lovely. Good job, and happy-to-you that you got to enjoy wearing it NOW. Must learn more about this Bonne Marie person. I'm doing more reading about knitting than I'm actually knitting, but a girl's gotta keep her hand in somehow, and I appreciate that you're there, inspiring. Lunch is getting closer, closer. xo t

[Mo]

Nice work! Great pics, too.

[Mo]

Nice work! Great pics, too.

[Sherri]

That sweater is BEAUTIFUL!

[Marisa]

Your sweater is incredible! You look great in it! So well constructed!

[Jen]

Love your Twist, it's beautiful! I'm making it now and I really need the encouragement! :)

[eyeleen]

Gorgeous Sweater! well done!

[Rachael]

Catching up -- you look FANTASTIC and I love yer sweater.
xoxo

[Mary]

Maggie, that sweater turned out fabulous, and I knew it would when I saw you knitting on it back in March. It's beautiful and yet not too beautiful to become an often-worn staple in your wardrobe, I bet. Kudos! :-)