When I’m not knitting away on my (still entertaining) assigned pooling rust-blob project, I’ve been doing double-duty on some test knitting projects for knitwear designer Elizabeth Smith. Neither of these projects are “super secret,” but I do know that Elizabeth doesn’t plan to release the designs/patterns to the world until later in June. So while I don’t want to share too many of the details, I know she wouldn’t mind my “teasing” a little bit about what I’ve been working on for her.
The striped sweater (I blogged a little bit about it several weeks ago) has been finished for a while now. It’s a nice, spring-weight sweater knit in a wool/cotton mix with 3/4 length sleeves. It’s really too hot to wear now – probably – but it will be great to have once fall weather rolls around again. It was fun to make, and I’m sure it’ll be fun to wear, too. (I can’t wait to show you the ALL of it.)
The rose-ish sweater is what will be the top part of a two-color-blocked tank top. I’m knitting this one in a linen/cotton mix, and it will be perfect to wear yet this summer. It’s also a quick knit (I just started it a week ago), and I’m making quick progress – even though the yarn I’ve chosen is a splitty-PITA to knit with. (Great drape, though.)
I’ve totally cleared my knitting/making “decks” to get this tank done before Elizabeth’s deadline next month. Which means no summer-weight Sophie Scarf, and no rust-blobs! For now.
Over the years, Elizabeth Smith has become one of my go-to knitwear designers. I’ve knit a lot (so many) of her sweater designs over the years — and I’m really pleased to be doing more of her test knits now. Elizabeth’s style matches up well with my own wardrobe style — a lot of basic, straightforward designs, but always with a bit of flair. Her designs always offer a kind of “blank slate” that knitters can jazz up a bit on their own, too. (She also writes a great pattern — very clear and always easy to follow.)
So. Testing . . . testing!
I’m having an Elizabeth Smith kind of knitting season.
And . . . I’m really happy about it.
How about you? What are you making these days?
Isn’t it great when you find a designer who writes a great pattern and designs things that perfectly match your style? Looking forward to seeing more of these two tops!
I’ve forever had her designs in my queue however never knit one. I need to! I am finishing a striped Piilo sweater, I have never been a big fan of stripes and weirdly over the past three years my wardrobe has shifted to include so many stripes! I told a younger woman the other day that I noticed a lot of us over 55 types seem to wear stripes, maybe it’s part of the ” I am not invisible” protective clothing we need???
I am really looking forward to seeing these completed knits, Kym. I have adopted a new little dog, even though it was not in the plans. I still miss Boomer so much, but this little dog was dumped with injuries at the Emergency Animal Hospital, had to have his eye removed, and he is cute as a bug. At a rescue event, he followed me around forever and as I told Bonny, gave me that soulful look that dogs have perfected over the millennia. LOL He is keeping me busy since he is only about 2 years old. I think Boomer would approve. Oh, btw, his name is Wink.
I’m also looking forward to seeing “all” of these tops. I’ve been looking for a summer sweater but I haven’t found one yet. That tank top might fit the bill, but it looks lovely so far, even if the yarn is a pita. Have fun with Liz!
I think both of these sweaters would be great additions to anyone’s wardrobes! I admire you for test knitting… I have done it a couple of times and it is fun (but deadline knitting can be stressful!) (and I forgot to mention in yesterday’s comment that I, of course, am planning on RWU! It is on my calendar and I am excited to discuss Good People!)
It is nice to do a test where you get something lovely to wear (or TWO something lovely). I love that grey and yellow combo.
Other than socks, I’m doing a Sophie Scarf with a yak blend yarn. It is heavenly.
Looking forward to your test sweater. Love the color. Love Elizabeth Smith. Contrary to popular assumption horizontal stripes are not fattening (given enough ease). It’s vertical stripes that are a problem since they tend to spread obviously over problem areas (as I see so often on Ravelry). So I love stripes and can’t wait to see both sweaters! It’s like you have All the Things in these two patterns…Love the name Wink!
Not NECESSARILY a problem. You don’t want to confine stripes to your chest area if you are busty (me). All over stripes are best.
I started a test knit this week too. I am also consumed with thoughts about quilting after my week at a quilt workshop.
Oh those two sweaters///11. You already know how much I love the striped one. But the tank color – fabulous!! I can’t wait to see what the other color is. And linen/cotton = perfection for summer.
As much as you appreciate Elizabeth Smith’s designs, I’m sure she also appreciates you as a reliable and accomplished test knitter. Both projects seem really lovely and very YOU but especially those stripes.
How wonderful that you can test knit for a designer whose patterns you enjoy. I imagine she is grateful to have you as a test knitter. I look forward to learning more about both projects.