Not so basic

Do you like to move to a new house/apartment/dwelling? Well, I have to confess that this is my least favorite activity. Many many years ago, when I was living in Moscow, my husband and I moved 21 times in 7 years. With a child. Maybe that was why moving to another country wasn't too difficult for us?
Anyway, knitting is my preferred passtime when moving. It helps me to distress and stay focused. The only problem - it is almost impossible to make anything complicated. I have to pick something straightforward. That is why the idea of Summer of Basics Make Along looked so attractive - pick something basic and have a purpose amid all the chaos and commotion.

 I picked the pattern, figured out its design, decided to make only minimal changes, and - voila! - the sweater was finished in no time. 

Pattern - Wolf River by Melissa Schaschwary.
Yarn - Rowan Kid Classic in black (approximately 7 balls)
I made the front and back the same as per pattern, and it still fits well (I was concerned about the fit but didn't have time to change the pattern). I really like the twisted stitch ribbing and how it divides the columns of lace. It is noticeable even in black.

I made some minor changes to sleeves though: knit them flat with only 7 decreases and added 4 sts in the first row of ribbing. And I did the 3-needle bind off from the inside of the garment.

Otherwise, I just followed directions which are clear and precise. There is a chart for the lace pattern in addition to the row by row explanations and you know how much I appreciate charts in patterns.

I didn't pay much attention while working on this sweater and made more mistakes than usual but even with multiple unravelings it was finished in no time. More - on my Ravelry project page.

Surprisingly enough I have already started the next project, this time not so basic.
Again I am using a Japanese pattern. It looks like a traditional fair isle sweater with a little twist. My last finished garments were in ivory and black. This time I decided to combine these two colors (I might add the third one at the end, but I am not sure yet).

I remember one day buying yarn in a yarn store and the owner asked me about my yarn choices: "Do you want it to be THAT dramatic?" This time I do. I go for as much drama as possible. Hopefully the yarn cooperates. Stay tuned...