It is -8 degrees right now in the Big Windy, and by gum if that ain’t sweater weather, I don’t know what is! Many Windsters don’t believe this though, and are still walking about in sweatshirts, no hats, with TEARS streaming down their face.
The sun lulls you into believing you can walk the two blocks to your parked car with just a cuppa Joe in your hand for warmth – but NOo.
I am not a scoofer.
I am layering and have pulled out the Polar Parka which hasn’t made an appearance since, hmm, around January 2004.
Big Parka.
Big Sexy.
Right.
One of the best ways to keep one’s mind off the weather and on the runway is to knit something warm! I am making another Twist – here you see I’ve added the cable pattern up the sleeve and lengthened the ribbing.
I love this Picture!
Why? One of the most frequent questions I get in my email box, right up there with wanneBbigger?, is Blocking? noBlocking?
I block.
Just like I would not go out in this weather without a hat on my head, I will not wear or put together a sweater before I take this important step!
You can see in the picture an unblocked sleeve on top of a blocked sleeve.
Lumpy.
Smallish.
Not Runway Ready.
Blocking finishes the piece to the specs of the pattern and perfects the details.
I love it.
Poor Pooh! I would tell you to stay warm, but you’ve already got that covered.
wannaBbigger? Ha!
Oh, baby, it’s cold outside. Great post, good to see a pic of you “in action”. :) What pattern is that you are working on. I’m digging the cable up the sleeve business.
Even with my limited sweater experience, I have to agree that blocking makes a HUGE difference. Matching the pieces up and easing them into place is a lot easier when everything is nice and smooth.
Even with my limited sweater experience, I have to agree that blocking makes a HUGE difference. Matching the pieces up and easing them into place is a lot easier when everything is nice and smooth.
I remember that post as well as that picture! (meh, I’m a veteran ChicKnits fan)
Yes Yes Yes to blocking! I used to skip it. I’m telling you once you block you will never go back. It is WORTH the extra time and effort. It’s that step that takes your knitting from “handmade” to “polished”.
Testify sister! Thank you for preaching the gospel of blocking. I love it, nothing like seeing those stitches r-e-l-a-x.
-8 degrees? And windchill on top of that? Woohoo!! Any true Son-of-the-North recognizes that underneath that Polar Parka beats a warm and sexy heart and that it is truly difficult to get those romantic sparks flying if someone is itching with chillblains and frostbitten toes, noses, ears, and (fill in your own external bit of exposed skin here). My son’s favorite bit of gifted knitting from me was a giant stocking cap that he could also use as a scarf.
And, though I grew up with a confirmed “non-blocker”, I block everything. After all the work, to end up with something that looks “half-baked” just is too aggrevating for words.
LOVE the Big Parka! I miss a lot of things about Chicago but I definitely don’t miss the weather.
It’s BEARS weather, baby!! Didja know that “Colts” is actually an acronym? It stands for Count On Losing The Superbowl. That little ditty is compliments of my 82 year-old Aunt Helen who always sends me the silliest (and dirtiest) emails. I want to be her when I grow up….
You look adorable! Cold, but adorable.
I’ve got a Bears story for you. My nephew, Nick, was the biggest Bears fan! Being from Utah, that is just a might off. However, since he was just a little tyke he loved the Bears! He had the colors, the gear, clothes, posters, penants — you name it. Sadly, we lost our Nick in June of this year. He lost a battle with addiction and shot himself. He held on for a few days, but his poor body gave out and he left us. He was 26 years young. On his gravestone are the words, “Go Bears!” We are excited this year to cheer for the Bears for Nick. We believe he is watching and cheering loudest of all!
Just had to share with you!
I think I have that same coat! I bust mine out when it’s below 55 degrees. Yes I’m a California native, why do you ask?
Damn! I never would have noticed the 2 sleeves if you hadn’t said something.
Dumb me just sat here looking at the photo and wondering why the cable patterns looked so different at the top and bottom of the sleeve.
Perhaps more Starbucks is needed…and starting a Twist of my own!
That is one gorgeous sleeve – need to make that pattern. Do you still use the “roll it up in a damp towel” method of blocking?
Love the cable on the sleeve!
HAHAHA I cant see you in that photo… well I can kind of see what might be you, but it isnt verifiable :)
Oh and I am thinking I am going to need to puy me one of those jackets soon!s
WHY won’t people wear their hats?! It is COLD. No coiffure is worth getting frostbite. And the wind is going to ruin those perfectly arranged tresses in about three minutes anyway.
Just gorgeous! And that is a great shot to show the importance of blocking.
Aww, [wo]man, I have two Twist sleeves on the needles and now you’ve got me wishing I’d dared to add a cable! But as I’ve reached the last increase, I’ll just keep knitting!
I moved from the Chicago area (Naperville) to San Francisco area almost 4 years ago and have sworn never ever to take the California non-winter for granted. I put down a silk sock project to knit warm hats while watching the Bears game on Sunday in sympathy for all my freezing Midwest friends. Hats a must for all!