Vine Yoke Cardigan Making A Comeback!
In spite of the crappy summer (and partly thanks to the Annis shawl) I have my knitting mojo back and I have happily picked up my Vine Yoke Cardigan again. I can't say enough about how much I love the ingenious construction of this cardi! For starters, it's knit sideways. This is one of the only reasons I am knitting it in garter stitch like the pattern calls for. Turning garter stitch sideways somehow makes it look less beginner-ish and the vertical striping is slimming (I think). It's designed by Isolda Teague, the author of Whimsical Little Knits volumes 1 & 2 and although she has several lovely sweater/cardi patterns for sale by PDF download from her website there isn't any mention of the Vine Yoke cardi. I suspect this is because it is available for PDF purchase online from Twist Collective and I wonder if they have a contract etc which prevents her from mentioning it (I think that's what "exclusive" means?). Anyways, this cardi knits more or less complete with an i-cord neck edging and lace hem that are knit as you go. The vine yoke is a simple yet lovely pattern stitch and the whole thing just sort of "works". You follow the (7 pages long) thorough instructions and this gorgeous cardi just sort of magically appears on your needles. It's a very relaxing knit and the charts are not demanding or complicated so there is lots of time for musing and daydreaming as the yarn flies through your fingers. I've now finished the right front, right sleeve and am started on the back - dare I say, close to half done? It looks horribly lumpy and distorted right now but I know it will all relax and bloom the first time I was and block it... patience, patience! Kind of a nice feeling, for something I cast on last fall! LOL! Gee, maybe I'll even have it finished for this winter?!?!?!? Maybe I'd better not set a time frame, I might jinx it! Eeep! Cheers all! 
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