So yesterday I went running in the park near my house. I don’t even know how to describe how beautiful it was but suffice it to say it was sunny and warm. People were walking dogs and playing catch with their kids. Picnics were being eaten and ice cream trucks were welcomed. It was divine. This morning I wake up to this:
I am so confused. How am I supposed to keep the seasons straight when they mess with my head? Yesterday I was wearing short sleeves and open toed shoes. Open toed shoes!
I have always had a problem with adjusting to the seasons and mostly when it concerns fashion. Blame it on my Hawaiian upbringing. I didn’t own a coat until college. I wore the same clothes all year round without thought to color or fabric. I almost never wore socks (except for that time in the late 80’s when it was really popular to wear gap t-shirts and matching socks–I was all over that trend.) Now, I have been living with the seasons for a good time now, you would think I have gotten the hang of it. But how do you get the hang of something that is so fickle and inconstant?
As for knitting, I also haven’t quite gotten the hang of seasonally appropriate projects. My newest project, the Justina dress, has fall written all over it. Alpaca wool, olive green color, did i mention knitted dress…and here I sit, knitting away at a project that by the time it is done, will look a tad silly to wear outside.
I am almost done with the first half of the skirt. I am loving the pattern so far and the yarn…
I am in love with Berroco Ultra Alpaca. The color I am working with is really hard to get an accurate photo of but hopefully this picture gives you an idea of what it looks like. In person the color is a bit deeper, there are hints of rust and yellow that make the olive green base richer. The yarn is soft and produces a great warm fabric. Like I said, this whole project is the very definition of a fall knit.
I am tempted to keep it on the needles but slow down the progress a bit. I am really enjoying knitting it but I also want new stuff to wear for spring. I long for short sleeved tops made with skinny needles. I even have an idea for an original design rolling around in my head that I am itching to try. But what if ignoring Justina leads to its demise? Argh. So what do I do folks, press on?
We’ve got exactly the same weather here, but one day earlier, of course. Snowed all day yesterday, but Friday was warm and sunny and all the old snow melted.
Your description of your Hawaiian upbringing makes perfect sense! I don’t think I knew/remembered that about you. Excellent explanation.
I love Ultra Alpaca, too—-but it’s VERY warm. A whole dress will need to be worn in the dead of winter, sans coat. I made a Wool Peddler’s shawl from it and wore it in NYC during the cold snap last March. It was a lifesaver under my overcoat, I’ll tell ya.
The color is beautiful!
Aw, heck. If you’re having fun knitting it, just keep going! You’ll get it done faster and then you can get on to summer stuff.
Well if Justina is the only thing on your needles, I say cast on for something ‘spring-y’ too! I always have to have more than one wip! usually a fast knit, and a slow knit and a few others inbetween!
I can’t believe your weather! Ours is up and down too, high 70’s this weekend then 55 forecast for mid week and back in the 70’s the next day. We just don’t get the snow here in TX.
Yeah, the fickle nature of the weather, particularly in later winter/early spring… *sigh*
I have no good advice on the WIP conundrum, but I will tell you that I LOVE Ultra Alpaca. In fact, I think I once mentioned I’d like to knit myself a bed out of it. Still in the planning stages of that dream…. π
Hmm, I’d keep knitting on Justina. Go ahead and finish it. If you can’t wear it right now, you’ll be happy to have it next winter. Ultra Alpaca, what were you thinking? That will be terribly warm, but pretty.
Here’s the thing to remember, you’re in Colorado. The weather changes around here constantly. The crazy making weather we had on Friday and Saturday is just a fluke. It’s not spring yet, so that is just strange weather, but not the norm. Until mid-to-late April, you’re gonna have the fluke weather, but it won’t stay. I don’t try to dress for the crazy weather, 70 degrees yesterday and today wearing a sweater and yes, closed-toe shoes. Yesterday, I wore a long-sleeved cotton tee with jeans and carried a jacket, because in the evening, it got much cooler and I was out until the evening. I don’t know if you didn’t have something similar as far as weather in UT, but if you stick around here long enough, you’ll get used to it.
Press on!
Even though we all want spring to hurry up and get here… in reality… it will still snow in April… May… and maybe evven June… and when it does… and we’re all hating it… you’ll be loving it that day… because you’ll be looking swell in your new Justina!
(Or won’t it be fun to wear brand new in October?!) lol.
Keep going on the dress, so that it does get finished, then give her a “coming out” party in the fall.
Yup, that is the same weather we’re having here. Bleh. I say keep knitting away on Justina as long as you are enjoying the knit.
Dude, the whole word is casting on 16 projects per day it seems like. Go ahead, have as many WIPs as you like. That’s what spring is for!
Keep going if you are loving it! How great to have something to look forward to wearing in the fall as soon as the weather is right! By the looks of its cozy factor you won’t want to work on it in the warm weather and based on what’s outside your window – it isn’t warm weather now so enjoy!
It’s beautiful – whatever season it will be for!
keep knitting. with this long spring you will probably be able to finish it, AND have something new made for spring!!
fickle weather!!
That is my favorite thing in the world about Ultra Alpaca. The colors are so rich!!!
I say keep on knitting! That way, when it snows again, you’ll be happy to see the icky stuff because you’ll be fabulous in your knitted dress!
Hey, I feel kinda bad now- I saw your comment on my sunny Hawaii post and then saw your cold weather post. π¦ On the upside, that dress is going to be incredible! Hang in there, and try to stay warm! What part of Hawaii are you from? π
I can’t believe you were wearing open toe shoes! We’re still a long way off from that here in Toronto. Sniff. That dress is going to be so pretty- and the alpaca will keep you nice and toasty- so if you have more wintery, frosty days ahead, it’ll keep you warm! The colourway is gorgeous, btw.
If you are on a roll, and it sounds like you are, you should finish it. I have let a respite turn many a promising knit into a ufo. It’s sad, really.
Okay, take what I said and attribute it to me here. Sorry about that.
I am the same way with knitting, always in the wrong season.
I’m just about to start a heavy jacket and the weather is all wrong, but I figure by the time it’s done, the weater will probably be just right π
If you’re into the dress, you should just keep knitting it! Time enough for you to get bored and stop knitting it. Go while the getting’s good, is my motto.
Wow. It looks beautiful.
π
This time of year, I think you need two projects, one for the cold days, and one for the warm days. Unless you just want to set yourself a time limit, and push to completely finish it.