So you know how I’m finishing all these projects I started a year ago because a solid chunk of my 2019 was absolute hell on earth?
I hope you enjoy hearing about them cuz here’s another one.
I know I started my Washed Out a year ago because it was my pre-Adobe Summit project (for those of you not in the know, I’ve been a speaker at Summit since 2017 so this time of year is incredibly stressful but exciting for me). I remember chugging brunch mimosas at The Bayou as I knit the first lace section, wondering why my palette was purple and attributing it to Summit because our annual motto is #bleedpurple.
I also remember literally starting this at the bar in Steelgarden on St. Patrick’s Day because that’s how you celebrate as an adult, I guess.
Washed Out is similar to all the fade patterns that have been popular the past few years and the yarn (by Ramsey Yarn Company) came in a kit that lended itself well to any three-color fade. It’s almost like this pattern that had been sitting around in my library and the yarn were meant for each other. If you’re looking for a fade but don’t want to lift something off Ravelry’s front page, Washed Out is a great alternative with a few surprises thrown in. The shaping is simple, as is most of the construction, with alternating blocks of lace for a slight challenge so you won’t get bored. The most tedious part is the final lace block, which I’d consider stereotypical lace knitting, but the pattern comes with the lace section both written out and charted so you can choose whichever method is easiest for you.
I’m glad to have this done, although I enjoyed working on it so it’s not like it was a struggle; it’s just fun to finally wear it. It’s huge, too, so the fact it’s fingering weight doesn’t interfere with its warmth - perfect for this time of year. Just be prepared for blocking the end results because it will take up all your space and your cat will try to eat it.
Details:
Pattern: Washed Out by Joji Locatelli
Yarn: Ramsey Yarn Company in the colorways Lane, Ruth, and Gabbie
If you want to learn more, I’ve kinda sorta resurrected my Beer Knits podcast, which you can watch here:
It’s been a long time since I last podcasted (I think spring 2017 was my last video) but I’ve missed interacting with you guys and nerding out about yarn and actually feeling relevant about something I’m good at so I brought it back with a pretty milquetoast episode that will hopefully get me back in the groove.
That’s it for this post, although I considered shaming everyone into staying home until this coronovirus thing is over. People are freaking out and other people are saying it’s not a big deal and both reactions are 100% wrong. It’s not doomsday but it’s here and it’s going to spread. My advice (as a highly educated art major with an MBA who spends her days coding if/then logic so basically I know nothing) is to follow the science people. Stop reading news outlets and Facebook memes and instead check out Scientific American or one of my personal favorites, SciBabe, who will slap you in the face with facts and scoff at your anecdotes. Also, now’s a good time to start washing your hands like you just ate a bag of Cheetos before knitting with pure white yarn.
In the meantime, I’m also:
Reading: A Discovery of Witches
Knitting: Heel Toe Do Si Do socks
Mourning that this year’s Adobe Summit is going virtual (thanks, COVID-19!) because I want to see my friends in Vegas and get VIP swag