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Bored bored bored of knitting
August 12, 2007
At the moment, I literally don't want to knit AT ALL. In fact, I haven't knitted anything in 3 entire weeks! This is definitely the worst it's been ever since I started knitting, I've never been so demotivated.
I thought the best way to fix it would probably be to pick something totally new, which looked fun to knit and definitely was somebody else's pattern! I haven't knitted anything that wasn't my own pattern in so long, I can't even remember what the last thing was! So I got 2 of the new season Rowan magazines - the main one no. 42 and also the Kidsilk Aura one. They are pretty good! Although, I have a MAJOR gripe with Rowan 42. One of the models is ludicrously skinny, seriously, check out these thighs:
OH MY GOD. I am pretty small myself - I would knit myself the smallest size on offer in any Rowan magazine, and yet I am literally a hippopotamus compared to that model. I really wish they would use normal sized models, for a lot of reasons, but also because at least then people would be able to tell if the knitwear would look any good on them before committing to make it. There ought to have been more photos of some of the items as well - some just had one where you couldn't see the whole thing properly, or the model was leaning all over the place. I really enjoyed the feature where members of their staff were wearing several of the projects, that made me see them in a different light and made me want to knit things loads more than the photo shoots.
For example this tunic top:
I am definitely making this! Also in the same colour and I'll probably get a ribbon for it exactly the same too, I love it.
I liked 2 things in the Kidsilk Aura magazine. Firstly this stripy vest:
It looks very wearable too, although I'd probably use different colours. Also this wrappy thing would be boring as hell to make but I really like it anyway:
The only beef I have with that magazine is that the yarn is SO expensive! It's £5.95 for only 25g, and you need well over 10 balls for most projects - ouch. Still, I think I'm going to get some yarn and start one of those projects very soon - I'll probably start with the lovely tunic from Rowan 42.
Posted by jen at August 12, 2007 10:45 AM
Comments
Ugh! I feel the same way - I have none no knitting at all, nor do I have the inclination to. Blame it on the weather. I wasn't big on the latest rowan, though it was quite pretty, mainly because everything seemed so 80s.
Posted by: nush at August 12, 2007 12:59 PM
I've been having a fug too, and I also feel the same way about that tunic in 42! It looks awful in the main photo. There are a couple of tops that look like I'd like them, but the photos are too dark and unclear to see too :S
As for the Kidsilk Aura, I'll bet there is a cheaper sub somewhere out there. Phildar do something similar for 4.20 to 4.60 euros (Kid Mohair and Aurore both look close, even if they have acrylic in them), and they have more in them (Aurore has 400m per 50g :D Might have to try it sometime myself :D). There'll be something out there - just need to hunt a bit!
Posted by: Bryony at August 12, 2007 01:32 PM
I know, I'm making all the shawls and wraps so I can be sure they will look good! I just cast on for the cover stole last night.
I think international shipping might offset the discount but the yarn store I work at (www.yarn.com) carries Kidsilk Aura and if you spend over $60 you get 20% off, over $120 you get 25% off. I was pretty mad when I saw the low yardage on KS Aura, I felt that it should be at least half of the KS Haze yardage so you could use it in all those patterns that call for the yarn doubled...and just buy half the amount of balls...that'd be too easy, eh?
Anyhow, I completely agree with the effect of the designers modelling, this is the second time I've seen them do it and it's a very smart move.
Posted by: Cirilia at August 12, 2007 03:02 PM
I know, I'm making all the shawls and wraps so I can be sure they will look good! I just cast on for the cover stole last night.
I think international shipping might offset the discount but the yarn store I work at (www.yarn.com) carries Kidsilk Aura and if you spend over $60 you get 20% off, over $120 you get 25% off. I was pretty mad when I saw the low yardage on KS Aura, I felt that it should be at least half of the KS Haze yardage so you could use it in all those patterns that call for the yarn doubled...and just buy half the amount of balls...that'd be too easy, eh?
Anyhow, I completely agree with the effect of the designers modelling, this is the second time I've seen them do it and it's a very smart move.
Posted by: Cirilia at August 12, 2007 03:12 PM
I completely took the entire summer off from knitting and am waiting for it to cool off in the fall before I start up again. It's 80 degrees here in Chicago at 9:30pm at night! Way to hot to think about knits.....at least the big bunchy ones I know how to make. ;-) Don't be too hard on yourself....you're just mentally resting up for your next big knit! I bet it'll be awesome!
Posted by: Sarah at August 13, 2007 03:23 AM
Yikes! that model's legs look like toothpicks!
I know what you mean about being uninspired lately because I've been the same way. It's nice to take a little break once in a while and then get back with something new to work on. I think I've just been busy with other things and my knitting seems to be going so sloooow! it feels like i'm not getting anything done. Oh well, I'll find a quick project to get me going again. Have you seem ZephyrStyle's new Tree Jacket sweater? I think it would look cute on you.
Posted by: Emily at August 13, 2007 02:13 PM
Hi Jen, I have an issue about the prohibitive prices of the garments in Rowan magazines. I noticed a hike about a year and a half ago, where everything seemed to cost £40+ to knit. However, I just can't substitute for cheaper/acryllic yarns as the whole joy for me is working with amazing, natural fibres. So I just knit fewer items. I wish the Rowan mag would include smaller projects and cheaper projects too. Do a few accessories. Nice to see you back anyway. I've mostly switched to sewing for now. P x x x
Posted by: Polly at August 14, 2007 01:53 PM
I completely agree with you about the staff modeling shots. That was a brilliant idea! Very inspiring to see the clothes on normal people. I think they should make that a regular thing. The skinny, no bra, weird accessory, Rowan model shoots are SO silly!
Posted by: CathyZ at August 16, 2007 08:20 PM
That tunic would look great on you. I'm looking forward to seeing your version and it makes me want to buy Rowan 42.
Posted by: Kathy at August 24, 2007 05:44 PM