Just think. Twenty skeins of Noro Silk Garden (color 224) have been sitting in my stash ever since Stitches Midwest 2006. I seem to recall elbowing my way past a gaggle of stitchers looking for a half-price bargain in two giant bins of Noro. When I came up for air, I had two 10-packs of this yarn that I’d heard about but never touched. Once I finally did feel one of the skeins, I was left thinking, “All that effort, for this rough, veg matter laden yarn?”
So it sat for a year and a half while I toyed with other, softer fibers. Then came the cold, snowy one-two punch of January winter and, along with it, a bright idea for a warm, simple cardigan. Top, down raglan with long sleeves. Something I could wrap around my shoulders when I didn’t feel like increasing my monthly donation to ComEd.
I changed my mind about the yarn as it began to form fabric. It seemed to soften in a way that was not at all apparent on the skein. My Noro had found its special purpose.
After knitting almost to the shoulders, I toyed around with the collar – just to cut the boredom at bit. Should it be plain old ribbed or something more exotic with pattern and multiple colors? I picked up stitches at least four times, trying a variety of things. I came back to earth and settled on ribbing with iridescent beads and the slightest of ruffled edging. Not too little, not too much. I think even Goldilocks would be pleased.
The ruffled collar and bead accents seem to just belong there. I have never touched the Noro either. Maybe I will take a peak now. Good eye, and good job! Happy knitting and be well!
The ruffled collar and bead accents seem to just belong there. I have never touched the Noro either. Maybe I will take a peak now. Good eye, and good job! Happy knitting and be well!
I think you need to post more details on this collar, Karen.
I also think you need to check my blog for a note.
Beautiful! I wish I had the guts to improvise the way you do. I always stick to the pattern, boring! Love the color.
Oh, it’s soooo beautiful – gosh! the collar really makes the sweater. Love the colorway and beads – perfect match by you! Terry
I love wearing my Noro sweater – something so cozy and woolly about it. Enjoy yours!
So glad you hung on to all that Nora because this is simply adorable! The collar is cute..cute..cute. I know this looks wonderful on you and must keep you warm.
I’ll have to remember that little bit of a ruffle collar for a future project – especially nice with the YO increases. Nice touches to give a bit of interest to your sweater without becoming too busy or competeing with the color play of the yarn.
The neck is a perfect compromise. I like the beads too, a perfect, subtle, yet elegant touch to Noro. Very nice.
Hi Karen, Love your sweater. I’ve had the same feeling about Noro. The feel just wasn’t good in the skein. But I just finished a felted bag with Noro and it is really nice. It felted beautifully. You can see a picture at http://www.faithfulcompanions.blogspot.com I agree that the feel is different after being knit. I will now consider Noro for a sweater after seeing your finished item. I love the YOs for the increases. The beads are just the frosting on the cake!!!!!
The collar is a perfect finish for the sweater. It’s lovely. I didn’t notice the beads until I read your text. I like the subtlety.
I am loving the sweater. The colors! The collar! The beads! It’s all wonderful.
Perfect neckline! You have been on a real designing roll, Karen. I just love these colors; I was sad to hear the color is discontinued. Looking forward to the rest of the sweater!
Wow was this worth the wait. That collar is like a gift. How wonderful that you ended up liking this yarn.
I love silk garden. It’s the kureyon that seems scratchy to me…
Maybe I’m just odd…
Well, yeah…
Blessings, twin!
That gorgeousness is a Karen Collar! It looks like it’d be so much fun to wear.
karen! that is beautiful. simple and sweet.
the collar was the first thing i noticed!
beautiful work.
It’s so delicate and pretty – a perfect compliment to the shading of the yarn, I’d say. As always, your sense of colour and detail blow me away. Bravo!
Beautiful colors, textures, collar, the works! I can’t wait to see this one on you!
Gotta love a sweater with built in jewelery 🙂
It’s lovely Karen!
Oh Karen. I adore the colors in that yarn, but your neckline is just so sweet! PERFECT!
(((hugs)))
Love the beaded ruffle — a nice contrast to the earthy nature of the Noro.
Oooh, beautiful! So very feminine! Colors like the Aurora Borealis, too. 🙂
Oooo, the beads are lovely! Perfect!
How beautiful! Such lovely color, and the collar looks amazing!
Another reason to get to Stitches ’08 this year…the neck is beautiful. You are so talented!
Stay warm and dry my friend it is frightful out here today.
Isn’t it great when you discover something that’s been in the stash and thing “Why haven’t I used this before”?
that’s just gorgeous! and the noro will soften up even more when you wash it. 🙂
Beautiful! Love the collar you landed on.
Karen –
I, too, got some Noro Silk Garden at Stitches LAST year (probably from the same vendor you did!!), and haven’t made anything with it because I was afraid it would be too stiff and scratchy. It’s nice to know it softens up a bit. You’ve got me thinking now…….
Peace,
Chris.
The collar is unexpected and beautiful! Good work.