Currently on the Needles


Both of my projects are growing and I'm pretty thrilled about that.  I love how my citron shawl is showing off the gradient changes.  Now I have a crazy idea to add another yarn to make this a bit larger when I run out of the gradient.  Any ideas what color you would add?

My anisos shawl that I talked about in a guest blog post yesterday is also a delight to knit.  I am past two charts which were the meaty parts of the pattern and now I'm blissfully knitting away on the body which is a mix of garter stitch and stockinette stitch.  I have to pay attention and not watch TV but I feel a bit more relaxed while working on it.

My book!  Hey, did you see I started a new book?  I am reading, Norwegian Wood based on high recommendations from both my nephew and my son.  As you well may know, I'm still reading Alexander Hamilton.  One day I will be done..

What are you knitting and reading this week?

Joining Ginny and Frontier Dreams

Comments

  1. AlinaJanuary 11, 2017 at 10:10 AM

    Oh, I read Norwegian Wood twice. It is a beautiful novel that puts you in a melancholy mood... Murakami's works are always such a joy to read; he has this amazing ability to describe simple and ordinary things the way that you've never looked at them before.. Love this author! Enjoy!

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  2. AsKatKnitsJanuary 11, 2017 at 10:11 AM

    Oh, I will add this book recommendation to my read list! And, your knitting is so beautiful - as to adding onto your Citron - I think a reverse of the colors would be a stunning finish - so something like that grapey purple?

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  3. BonnyJanuary 11, 2017 at 10:17 AM

    I think your powers of concentration must be great! Two tough books and two shawls that need attention is a lot, but your shawls really look beautiful.

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  4. kjramstackJanuary 11, 2017 at 10:19 AM

    I would add teal! I love teal and purple together. :)

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  5. Jeannie Gray KnitsJanuary 11, 2017 at 11:29 AM

    Interesting book choice - I've added it to my list. As for your shawl, I feel like it's screaming for a thin band of lime green. Lime green might make it a little too "Look at Me!" for your taste though, or may just mine. :)

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  6. mamasmercantileJanuary 11, 2017 at 12:32 PM

    I am always in awe of your knitting talents both projects are stunning.

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  7. chrisknitsJanuary 11, 2017 at 1:08 PM

    I would say black, but if you could find an even deeper color of purple, that would work. Lovely all!

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  8. TahneeJanuary 11, 2017 at 1:28 PM

    Wow that gradient is lovely! And I love Norwegian Wood (Murakami is my favourite author) :)

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  9. flyingjenJanuary 11, 2017 at 1:30 PM

    That gradient yarn is absolutely stunning! And it is perfect for the citron!

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  10. TannaJanuary 11, 2017 at 1:47 PM

    I'm still working on my Big Easy II. Making pretty good progress. The lace border took me as long as the body last time, I think. So that's coming up next.
    Love. love. love the way that gradient is working up. Good question on the color to add! I'd just have to take it to the yarn shop and "try on" colors... sometimes it just SURPRISES me what works best. Of course, that could be just me. LOL! Your Anisos will be beautiful! blessings ~ tanna

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  11. JodiJanuary 11, 2017 at 1:47 PM

    Lovely Citron! I've knit that pattern once and quite enjoyed it. I don't think I'd add another color (unless you can find an even darker purple), but I do think as written Citron comes out a bit small. The Anisos shawl is gorgeous -- the pattern is new to me. I enjoy Murakami's books -- such a distinct style -- but haven't read this particular title yet.

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  12. margeneJanuary 11, 2017 at 1:54 PM

    Your shawls look so lovely! The gray color, and lace, look so elegant. I read Norwegian Wood many years ago and I found the story so haunting.

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  13. AnonymousJanuary 11, 2017 at 2:15 PM

    I know that is a popular author. I haven't read any yet. These are both pretty shawl projects. I love the gradient in your Citron. The second one reminds me of like fir trees in a dark forest or caught with frost.

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  14. RachelJanuary 11, 2017 at 3:55 PM

    That gradient citron is amazing...and has me thinking about digging through my stash to see if I have any gradient yarn. And if not, I KNOW I have some fiber waiting! Murakami is a favorite author and I love his style. Norwegian Wood is not quite as fantastical as his other books...I always considered it a gentle introduction if you will. if you end up enjoying this one, may I recommend the next one be Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage. Similar themes...

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  15. Kat RiddellJanuary 11, 2017 at 4:37 PM

    I've heard great things about Norwegian Wood! Both shawls are stunning so far-I really love the gradient Citron, but I also really love the color you're using for your Anisos shawl so much :)

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  16. Judy S.January 11, 2017 at 4:45 PM

    Two beautiful shawls in the works, Karen! You must have an amazing shawl wardrobe. It'll be interesting to see what color you add; I think it's perfect as is. As for books, I just finished The Key to Rebecca by Ken Follett, a spy thriller. Next up is a book about the Oregon Trail.

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  17. stephJanuary 11, 2017 at 4:52 PM

    your citron is looking amazing!!! How many ruches do you usually do? The one I just gifted was huge and had 10!!! But I think I may run out of yarn on this one around 7 or 8. I've always thought the 5 on the original pattern made a shawl just a bit too small to my liking. Off to check on that book!!!

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  18. LauraJanuary 11, 2017 at 4:59 PM

    Such shawl prettiness!

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  19. kathy bJanuary 11, 2017 at 5:03 PM

    Im now knitting socks in the Pin Stripes pattern
    I started reading Cocktails Under the Tree of Forgetfullness.

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  20. SarahJanuary 11, 2017 at 6:04 PM

    oh my! That is incredibly beautiful, all of it. Your knitting always inspires me so much, Karen! I kind of wonder what a bright cerulean blue would look like added onto that purple gradient. My first instinct was a deep gold, and not just because I'm a Huskies alumn, haha!

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  21. Cheryl | TimeToCraftJanuary 11, 2017 at 7:10 PM

    Oh goodness. Both your shawls look amazing. The depth of the purple is so striking. I've not heard of your book choice, so adding to my list to find out more.

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  22. elnsJanuary 11, 2017 at 8:18 PM

    You have been busy. I keep thinking I'm going to read Hamilton, but then I just end up listening to it int he kitchen instead hehehe.

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  23. AnonymousJanuary 11, 2017 at 10:08 PM

    I think black would make a nice contrast with those beautiful purples and cream.

    Reading: My Southern Journey by Rick Bragg (but almost finished)
    Knitting: A pair of Hermione's Everyday Socks in a really cool marled yarn.

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  24. GraceJanuary 12, 2017 at 10:46 AM

    Both shawls are beautiful, so intricate! I've yet to get my Hamilton book from Mary, I am going to text her right now and remind her to give it to me! : )

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  25. CathieJJanuary 12, 2017 at 8:50 PM

    I am drooling over your citron shawl. My favorite color. Personally I don't think I would add anything to spoil the gradient so I would try to find something darker if that is where you end. Black maybe?

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  26. Juliann in WAJanuary 13, 2017 at 8:44 AM

    Such pretty knits. I have seen that book in a lot of lists

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  27. Amy at love made my homeJanuary 16, 2017 at 4:23 AM

    The colours in your citron shawl really are so beautiful and blend so well!

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  28. KwizgiverJanuary 17, 2017 at 7:05 PM

    I've had the citron shawl in my queue for a very long time. I need to find the right yarn and knit it! Yours is gorgeous!

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  29. Judy S.April 14, 2017 at 10:47 AM

    Another project? How fun! Love those colors, BTW. Have a beautiful Easter!

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