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Sunday, January 28, 2024

A Knitting Finish, Chookshed Challenge

 I'm notoriously slow at knitting, and even slower to stitch the items up.  Taking part in the Chookshed Challenge was the push I needed to get this completed - this was my number six on my list of ten for this challenge.  All in  all, my navy blue cardigan has taken me just over a year to complete, not bad going for me.  It was started when I wanted a knitting project to take down to the South Island early last year when we were embarking on a 10 week caravan trip.

Most of my knitting took place while we were driving around, going from camp to camp, or out sightseeing.  The South Island of New Zealand has  magnificent scenery, mountains and plains, lakes and rivers, and stunning coastline too.  I had worked away slowly on this when we returned back from our trip and was was up the knitting the collar and sewing the seams when I joined the Chookshed Challenge.  And now, it's done - sucess!   Although I did need a quick trip out to buy some buttons.


It's still Summer here in  my part of paradise, but I'll be all set when the winter arrives with my  new cardigan, knitted in 100% New Zealand wool.








30 comments:

Nancy J said...

Summer fled today, colder, and rain. Love that navy colour for you.

loulee said...

You will be very cosy in your knitted cardi.

Karen S said...

That is a lovely finish. Well worth the time and effort!!!

Elaine said...

That's my kind of cardi - you really suit the blue. It also takes me a l o n g time to knit anything - as in more than one year, so - I bought a manual knitting machine for when I get stuck. So far I've used it for jumpers and cardi's where I've knitted front and back by hand, in a pattern then decided I've had enough, I finish with plain sleeves on the machine. I've found it a good support - and I've actually got more done that way. I also knit with merino wool - can't say if it will be from New Zealand but quite likely. It's the only wool I will use. Elaine in UK

Gretchen Weaver said...

Your sweater looks warm and cozy, you're ready for winter! Happy knitting the next project!

The Cozy Quilter said...

What a lovely sweater you have made! I must say that blue is the perfect colour for you. You will get lots of use out of your beautiful sweater when the cold weather comes. Maybe, someday, I will pluck up the courage to make myself a sweater.

Anonymous said...

Such a lovely blue wool, Jenny. You've done a fabulous job with the knitting and it looks lovely on you. How wonderful it would've been to drive around the glorious countryside of New Zealand and knit away as you drink in those spectacular views.

Berkshire Tatter said...

Gorgeous sweater. Nothing nicer than a hand knit one. Knitting is my favorite traveling project.

Marthanne

Julierose said...

What a lovely cardi in that deep navy blue wool--you surely will be warm when Winter arrives down there;)))
I so miss being able to knit--I was not a fast knitter either--and I am a slow crocheter these days--but that's ok, it draws out the fun of a project for your enjoyment!! I love the rhythm of knitting and crocheting--leaves your mind free to wander and wool gather, doesn't it?
This is a lovely picture of you...hugs, Julierose

Maggie said...

A beautiful cardigan, with special memories. The slow part is something I can relate to, knitting and stitching takes me forever. No matter how many buttons we have, we always need something different for what we work on. It is so much fun going through the button jar and just as much fun finding buttons in the shop. It is like a treasure trove and exploring all the different possibilities of the same finish is very satisfying.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

Looks great - I started mine over a year ago and haven't touched it months, hope to get back to it one day

Jill said...

A lovely basic cardigan which will keep you nice and warm when your chilly weather arrives. The color looks good on you!

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

THat is beautiful Jenny. I so admire cardigan knitting and what a lovely photo of you.

Carole @ From My Carolina Home said...

I cannot knit, and so admire those who can make beautiful garments like your cardigan. Lovely!

CathieJ said...

What a pretty cardigan. I love the yarn color. So glad the challenge inspired the finish.

Tired Teacher said...

Congratulations! You’ll love wearing this beautiful sweater.

Karrin Hurd said...

Love the cardigan, great picture of you!

LIttle Penguin Quilts said...

What a pretty sweater, Jenny! Congratulations on your finish!

linda said...

Well done on the finish, your cardigan is lovely and fits you perfectly. I hate the sewing up of a finished project, I make myself do it straight away or it would never get done! Have a great week.

dq said...

It is very nice, Jenny. I love blues in all shades!
I visited your island last April and want to return someday. It was fun to hear your tale of caravanning the "South Island".

grammajudyb said...

It’s a lovely shade of blue and you did a gray job. You’ll be ready for the cooler weather when it arrives!

Deb A said...

Beautiful sweater and it looks lovely on you!

Karen's Korner said...

Congratulations on your lovely finish. Navy is such a great colour for all ages and goes with almost all colours.

Connie said...

I can't think of anything nicer on a cold winter day than a hand knit wool sweater. It's beautiful:)

Maria said...

Great finish, a lovely cosy cardigan ready for the winter.

Debbie said...

Amazing finish. I am like you, I love to knit. But I don't get things completed very well. So I am so happy you were able to take the challenge and GET IT DONE! Perfect navy color ! Hooray for you!

Lianne makes stuff said...

Well done it looks like a great fit

Janice said...

Good on you for completing your cardigan. The Challenge will be great to give us a little nudge on projects. I'n thinking of making a cardy this winter and I reckon it will probably take me at least a year too.

Lyndsey said...

A great finish Jenny. It looks very stylish and warm.

FlourishingPalms said...

How marvelous, Jenny! I'm impressed at your ability to knit to make a bodice, sleeves, collar. You have the skills! The color is lovely and will go with so many different garments. Well done, you! Now hurry into cold weather so you can enjoy it.