Friday, December 7, 2012

On Mindless Projects and Musical Passings

Well, it's another Fee-Fi(ber)-F.O. Friday here at chez Voie de Vie. I am actually working on another sweater (go figure!) in the midst of holiday crafting and other design projects. Have you all heard of or read about the Scandinavian Skappel sweater phenomenon? It seems the mamma Skappel knit a sweater for the daughter Skappel. Daughter got so many questions about the sweater that mamma eventually wrote up the pattern ... and then created a sweater kit. The pattern eventually was translated into English, and 275 projects later, I'm making myself one. 

Yes, that's the back of my Skappel sweater, patiently awaiting the front.

It's garter stitch with 2x2 ribbing at hem and cuffs - truly mindless knitting, which is exactly what feels right to me at the moment. I'm making some adjustments and/or otherwise tinkering with mine so it will be slightly different than the original. I'm already done the back and just started the front. I do love wearing oversized, warm sweaters in the winter much like an outer garment since it doesn't get too chilly here; it very rarely dips below freezing, so a warm sweater, some neckware and hand coverings and I'm pretty much all set. This project is also allowing me to use up some mohair that I've had in my stash for quite a while, and that also feels good.

Finally, a true jazz legend passed on this week - Dave Brubeck. NPR has posted an educational tribute; I just know that along with a few other select works - A Love Supreme comes quickly to mind - Take Five is a jazz piece that transcends all time and space. I listen to quite a bit of jazz when I crochet and knit. What do you listen to when you've got the sticks or hook in your hands?

7 comments:

  1. I look forward to the progress of your sweater.

    What do I listen to? hmmm, quite often I get to knit or spin while the family watches television or movies so usually it's a blockbuster.

    If I'm by myself I prefer audio books over the radio.

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  2. Actually, I preferred 'Unsquare Dance' :) But he was a groundbreaker for sure :)

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  3. Voie, your sweater is going to be so divine in that mohair!
    The TV is my usual, audio accompaniment. I need to try music or the Harry Potter audio book.

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  4. Yay for mindless knitting... sometimes that's exactly what we need... or at least has been the case for me, for a while. ;-)

    That sweater is perfect in it's over-sizedness and simplicity.

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  5. played take 5 in my high school orchestra.. so sad...

    i like to listen to nick drake, bon hiver or iron and wine when i am by myself which, lately is nevah!

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  6. I knit mostly when we watch the evening news, and an occasional TV show (Glee, Switched at Birth, Mad Men), and the very occasional movie. I also knit garter strips and squares while I'm the passenger in the car, eventually they will become a giant blanket.

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  7. Looks so cozy, and mindless knitting is often the best. Can't wait to see the finished product!

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