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January 7, 2007

A good start

Happy New Year to all! Lots of knitting in progress here at Saartje knits. First, there are the socks for T in a tweedy brown Regia 6-ply.

SocksT_07-01-06.jpg

I'm well into the leg of the second sock. Yesterday, I took the sock with me when I was visiting a friend. She lives a 2 hour train ride from me, so I sat and knitted, while listening to some podcasts. I love podcasts! There are many of them about knitting (here's a list). The one I listen to most is Cast On, it's just great and has a very good sound quality. Yesterday, I tried a new-to-me one: Pixie Purls Podcast. I only listened to one episode, but so far, I like it.

As far as I know, there aren't any knitting podcasts in Dutch. If you want to listen to some interesting radio shows in Dutch while you're knitting, I can recommend Hoe? Zo!, which is a daily radio show about science, and OVT, a weekly program about history. At Radiocast.nl you can find all the podcasts of Dutch radio shows.

Okay, back to knitting. I started the cardigan from the Pea Pod Baby Set by Kate Gilbert.

PeaPod_07-01-06.jpg

It's a free pattern (pdf) from Interweave Knits. I'm using Silk Wool (52% silk, 48% wool, 100 g/550 m) from Klazien's Kreatie, two strands held together. I'm really pleased with the way it is turning out. Problem is I don't have enough yarn to finish it right now. I only got one skein, because I wasn't sure what I was going to use it for. I'll have just to order another one.

Oh, and I have a question for you English speaking people. The pattern calls this garment a 'sweater', where I would call it a 'cardigan', because it has an opening in the front. At least in Dutch, there are two words to distinguish these different types of garments (a 'trui' and a 'vest'). Is this not the case in English? Just wondering!

And last but not least, I made a mitten.

Mitten_07-01-06.jpg Mitten2_07-01-06.jpg

Yes, that's right, just one mitten. I made it up myself, using some motifs from sweaters in Poetry in Stitches. I'm not sure about the colors I picked though. Especially the blue is bugging me.... so I haven't decided yet if I want to make a mate. I'll wait and see how I feel about it later.

Posted by saartje at January 7, 2007 12:18 AM

Comments

The mitten is gorgeous! The blue gives it a lovely contrast. And yes, a cardigan is supposed to be one which opens and the sweater is a pullover but I've seen patterns that refer to everything as a sweater :)

Posted by: erin at January 7, 2007 12:35 AM

I love your mitten, it's so pretty!

In English, a cardigan is usually referring to a "sweater" that has a zippered or buttoned up front. A sweater generally refers to the kind that don't have zippers or buttons in the front, and is usually put on over the head. Hope that helps.

Posted by: Shelley at January 7, 2007 1:27 AM

To answer your question, in English, we refer to garments that open as cardigans, and pullovers, are the one's that you "pullover" your head (they both have long sleeves). Now the confusing part, we call them ALL sweaters, "sweater" just being a catch all term for anything knitted. A vest has no sleeves. I hope this helped.

I am not sure how I first found your blog, but have been reading for several months, and it is one of my favorites. Just thought you would like to know.

Posted by: Marsha at January 7, 2007 1:29 AM

I was also going to say the same things about sweaters and cardigans, but Marsha got there first! :) There's also a term in British English called a "jumper" which I think is some kind of sweater, but I don't know exactly what it refers to. In America, a jumper is a dress without sleeves that is usually worn over a shirt (like a turtleneck or a button-down blouse or a t-shirt). How's that for confusing?

Thanks for the Dutch podcasts...if you ever hear about a knitting one, please post about it!

I think the mitten looks lovely, by the way.

Posted by: Melly at January 7, 2007 1:57 AM

I see what you mean about the mitten, but I really like the way the blue livens it up. I think it is mate-worthy. It is certainly a very good way to try out some of those motifs without committing to a whole sweater. Hmm. Maybe a hat would be good too. Or legwarmers.

Posted by: Paula at January 7, 2007 2:02 AM

Your mitten design is just wonderful. I think the color combination is, while unexpected, really lovely and unique!

Posted by: carrie at January 7, 2007 4:28 AM

The mitten is lovely. It reminds me of dusk just after the sun has set, with the sky gentling into night. ***CV

Posted by: chittavrtti at January 7, 2007 5:09 AM

I think your mitten is beautiful. I like the blue.

Posted by: Chery at January 7, 2007 6:18 AM

Well, I do know those are the terms used in American English. I think that in the UK they use the term Jumper more frequently than they do sweater, but I'm not sure if it is used for a particular style of sweater.
Where I to have a cardigan with short sleeves, I would call it a short sleeved cardigan, and were it to be a pullover, I would probably refer to it as a short sleeved sweater. In my area, the word sweater tends to be used more in reference to pullovers.

Posted by: Enjay at January 7, 2007 6:27 AM

That mitten is stunning! I just love the colors - what yarn are you using? Your color work (and particularly gloves and mittens) are always so fantastic! Thanks for sharing.

Posted by: rhea at January 7, 2007 6:37 AM

Those mittens are absolutely gorgeous! Personally, I think the colouring is perfect.

Posted by: Kelly at January 7, 2007 7:20 AM

The mittens are beautiful! Do knit the second one!

Posted by: Maud at January 7, 2007 7:28 AM

I came to talk about sweaters and words, but I think Marsha & Enjay have it just about covered. I like your mitten. The blue didn't bother me until I "heard" you say it bothered you. I think I *still* like the mitten, but it's possible that you might like it better if the colors weren't quite SO harmonious. Maybe add a green or gold shade in there somewhere? Or, leave it, and knit the other. It's truly lovely

Posted by: Pam at January 7, 2007 7:38 AM

Weer een prachtig bericht. Wat heb je deze vakantie veel kunnen breien zeg!
De want is mooi geworden maar ik snap je twijfel over de kleuren. Ik vind wel dat je het patroon kunt insturen naar Knitty.com want hij is echt prachtig!
Leuk dat je ook weer een groot werk op de pennen hebt. Het wordt erg mooi en ik hoop dat je snel je garen erbij krijgt zoda je verder kunt.
Heb je die andere mooie sokken al af met de comi van het gekleurde garen en het blauw?
Vaker zie ik een labeltje bij je breiwerk. Waar is dat voor?

Posted by: Tijm at January 7, 2007 7:54 AM

The sweater (cardigan :) ) looks great so far! I'm looking to make this sweater also. Is there a brand for the yarn you're using? Do you recommend it? Is it available outside the Netherlands?

Posted by: Mandy at January 7, 2007 8:36 AM

Dank je voor de podcasten tips! Ik leer het Nederlands en hou van met een podcast zitten breien. Gewoonlijk luister ik naar "de ochtenden" maar "Hoe zo" zal zeker een favoriet worden.
Je breiwerk is altjid mooi en inspirerende. Voor mij is de want wel gelukt. Die kleurencombinatie vind ik ongewoon maar heel elegante. Ik stem voor een tweede!

Posted by: Sophie at January 7, 2007 9:43 AM

What a beautiful sweater and even more beautiful mitten! I love the colors, also the blue, but it's good thing you used on the cuff. It makes the cuff separate itself from the other part and looks really good (I think). Good luck with the other one!

Posted by: Nynke at January 7, 2007 10:03 AM

Your mitten is so beautiful!!!! I like the pattern and the colors! Hope to see the 2. mitten soon ;))

This pea pod baby set is fun to knit, I made one for my nephew (still waiting for a picture wearing it)

Posted by: judith at January 7, 2007 10:32 AM

Ofcourse you should make another mitten! The lovely colours was the first thing that striked me.

Posted by: Maria at January 7, 2007 11:19 AM

wat een fantastische wanten: je moet echt een 2e maken. Ik vind het juist erg mooi dat de rand door het blauw een accent krijgt. Niet twijfelen: breien!

Posted by: astrid at January 7, 2007 11:44 AM

Hi Saartje.. als student Engelse Taal en Cultuur, en als exchange student die in de UK heeft gewoont, en als iemand die meerdere keren voor langere tijd naar Amerika is geweest.. had ik je het jumper/sweater/cardigan probleem willen uitleggen.. maar, er zijn mij als zoveel goede antwoorden voorgegaan, dat ik dat maar laat zitten. :)

Ben benieuwd hoe je cardigan gaat worden :)

Posted by: Gracie at January 7, 2007 12:05 PM

I think others have already said this, but as an American English speaker, I think the word "sweater" is a generic term that can be used for both cardigans and pullovers, though I personally don't tend to use it for cardigans (I just call them cardigans!).

I really, really like the colors you chose for that mitten. So yes, you should knit it a partner! It's a really lovely mitten.

Posted by: whitney at January 7, 2007 2:46 PM

I love the idea of using a Poetry pattern for mittens, and I think the blue contrast looks fantastic.

Posted by: Marie at January 7, 2007 2:53 PM

De wanten zijn erg mooi het boek waar ze uit komen is mijn favoriete boek. Heb er al twee truien/vesten uit gemaakt
Alleen ik brei niet met de hand maar met de machine. Maar vind het met de hand breien eigelijk knapper als het met de machine. Maar mijn handgebreid werk zag er alleen nooit zo mooi uit. En duurde altijd heel lang voor het klaar was.
Ben ook helemaal gek van noorse patronen en breiboeken.

Posted by: venninne at January 7, 2007 2:53 PM

ik snap je twijfel over die kleuren helemaal niet! Geweldige kleuren gewoon!

Posted by: rineke at January 7, 2007 2:54 PM

The mitten is wonderful!! Good job on the pattern and I really love you color selections.

Posted by: Beth at January 7, 2007 3:05 PM

The mitten is gorgeous. The colours are very beautiful together! And somewhat special, which I like!

Posted by: Ulrike at January 7, 2007 3:20 PM

Wat ziet die want er mooi uit.
Het boek waar in het patroon staat is mijn favoriete boek. Heb er al een trui en een vest uitgemaakt.
Ik brei alleen met de breimachine. Mijn handbreiwerk ziet er namelijk niet uit. En het schiet ook echt niet op. Maar mijn laatste trui heeft ook een poosje geduurd voor die af was.
Ben ook helemaal weg van Noors breiwerk
Veel succes met je breiwerk.

Posted by: Marja at January 7, 2007 4:17 PM

Ik vind de want ook heel mooi hoor! Misschien was een mosgroen wel leuk geweest i.p.v. het blauw. De laatste tijd spreekt de kleurencombinatie mosgroen/paars/bordeaux mij enorm aan. Maar dat kan wel weer veranderen hoor! Ik vind het zeker een mooie want en zou de 2e breien. Misschien is er nog wel een gelegenheid om ze weg te schenken? Dan heb je er toch leuk 2 want met eentje kan niemand echt iets doen, toch? :D

Groetjes!

Posted by: Emily at January 7, 2007 5:34 PM

Lovely mittens! I think the colours look great together - great enough for a mate if you ask me. ;)

Posted by: Anna at January 7, 2007 5:46 PM

I love the colors on the mitten. But (alas) it is not for me! :) Put it aside for a bit, distance can help those feelings, one way or the other!

Posted by: sandy at January 7, 2007 5:59 PM

Gorgeous mitten! The colors you chose are wonderful together, the blue makes it lively!

Posted by: hege at January 7, 2007 6:28 PM

Oh yes, that mitten is sooo pretty. Definitely knit the second one!!

Posted by: Kimberly at January 7, 2007 6:36 PM

Nou ja, dat is nu grappig. Ik keek naar je wanten en zat me af te vragen waarom de kleuren me nu zo aanspraken en dat kwam door dat blauw! Schitterend.

Posted by: yvonnep at January 7, 2007 7:14 PM

Ook ik deel de mening van de andere schrijfsters: Maak gerust een 2e want, ik vind hem namelijk prachtig. Dat blauw maakt hem een beetje 'spannend' en zeer geslaagd. Ik vind dat je mooie dingen maakt en bezoek dan ook regelmatig en met veel plezier je weblog.

Zelf ben ik onlangs begonnen met een weblog, in mijn meest recente bericht heb ik een link naar een bericht van jou geplaatst namelijk die over Finlandia. Omdat ik beginner ben op het gebied van bloggen weet ik niet precies hoe dat met die Trackbacks werkt.

Posted by: hannah at January 7, 2007 7:16 PM

I love your mitten! The colors remind me of the sky in the morning....blues and purples....over mountains or water....well done

Posted by: Cheryl at January 7, 2007 8:19 PM

I don't think a British speaker would ever call a cardigan a sweater. We differentiate between knitted garments with front opening (cardigan, or sometimes jacket) and pullover/sweater/jumper/jersey (interchangeable). A sleeveless cardigan would probably be called a waistcoat. A sleeveless jumper/sweater/pullover would be called a tank top, a slipover or a sleeveless pullover. What Americans call a jumper we would call a pinafore dress.

Posted by: Brigid at January 7, 2007 10:20 PM

Prachtige want! Ik scrolde even langs je bericht naar beneden toen ik je site bezocht (kon niet wachten tot ik al lezend je foto's zou zien) en m'n oog viel gelijk op de want, ik vind de kleurcombinatie en patroon erg mooi! Leuke tip about podcasten.

Posted by: friesfroukje at January 7, 2007 10:59 PM

I think the blue is lovely -- it allows the darker purple to come to the foreground. Definitely worth a second mitten! :)

Posted by: Michaela at January 7, 2007 11:08 PM

In Wisconsin (USA) - we have cardigan sweaters and pullover sweaters - that's how we tell the difference - they are all sweaters, but we use cardigan and pullover as the adjective to describe what kind of sweater. It is lovely - I like the blue in the mitten!

Posted by: Sue A at January 7, 2007 11:19 PM

We call all knit items sweaters, but there are cardigans and pullovers. Not sure why, but that's what we say in America.

I love the mitten! Don't change a tihng.

Posted by: chrisknits at January 8, 2007 3:16 AM

Prachtige want! Schreeuwt om een tweede. En dat blauw vind ik juist erg apart.
Ik ben nu aan het vierde paar socken bezig van de Regia tweed. Groot succes bij de dragers die het heerlijk vinden en roepen om meer... Ik heb er twee paar Whitby - sokken mee gebreid en een Friday Harbour van Nancy Bush. Uit twee knotten haal ik drie paar sokken voor mannen.

Posted by: Gabi at January 8, 2007 9:33 AM

Voor jou ook de beste wensen voor 2007.
De kleuren van de want zijn super. Maak maar snel een tweede exemplaar.

Posted by: Berthi at January 8, 2007 10:49 AM

Those mittens are so beautiful I almost start to cry. Seriously! You make such lovely things, I can't believe it...

Posted by: Linn at January 8, 2007 11:02 AM

The mitten is great! You picked MY favorite combination of colors. So obviously, I think it looks great. If you need a home for the single, I have one hand waving. (The other hand would be jealous.)

Posted by: Roberta at January 8, 2007 1:33 PM

The blue is gorgeous but if you don't like it you shouldn't make another one. Or keep the pair for your gift drawer.

Posted by: Jennifer at January 8, 2007 2:01 PM

You are brilliant. Of course Solveig's motifs would make great mittens, and so much less commitment than a whole sweater. Why didn't I think of that? I like your colours, and how the blue pops. But if it doesn't move you, it doesn't. Me however, I'm out to buy some finulgarn in those colours right now.

Posted by: julia fc at January 8, 2007 2:53 PM

Ha die Saartje,
voor jou ook een heel gelukkig nieuwjaar!
wat een mooie kleuren ben je aan het breien.
mijn brei aktiviteiten staan even erg laag nadat ik een vest had gebreid wat er beeldschoon uit zag maar voor geen meter stond. ik heb het meteen uitgehaald. bah. heb jij een idee hoe je de uitgehaalde wol weer mooi krijgt om er opnieuw mee te breien?
fijne avond nog, Anne

Posted by: Anne at January 8, 2007 5:48 PM

The mitten looks great! My head is spinning with the intricate colorwork. Some day I'll be ready for that, but not yet :-)

Posted by: Marie N. at January 8, 2007 9:32 PM

Can we see the thumb side of your gorgeous mitten??

Posted by: Sara Natwick at January 8, 2007 11:28 PM

That mitten is lovely and deserves to be seen! Make a mate!

Posted by: charmaine at January 9, 2007 12:34 AM

My take:
Make a mate. I couldn't pick a better combination if I tried. Completely pleasant but also lively.

Posted by: alison at January 10, 2007 12:33 AM

Gelukkig nieuw jaar, Saartje!

Het blauw in je mittens werkt best wel, en past m.i. goed bij je Noorse patroon.

groetjes, jonna

Posted by: Jonna at January 10, 2007 10:16 AM

Op de bovenste foto zie ik dat je ook met de kleine bamboepennetje aan het breien bent, ik heb ze meegenomen uit Zweden maar het lukt nog niet helemaal, heb altijd met de pen onder de oksel gebreid, heb je misschien tips om dit onder de knie te krijgen.
groet, Janet

Posted by: Janet at January 11, 2007 11:53 AM

Op de bovenste foto zie ik dat je ook met de kleine bamboepennetje aan het breien bent, ik heb ze meegenomen uit Zweden maar het lukt nog niet helemaal, heb altijd met de pen onder de oksel gebreid, heb je misschien tips om dit onder de knie te krijgen.
groet, Janet

Posted by: Janet at January 11, 2007 11:53 AM

Echt prachtig die want! wat voor garen heb je ervoor gebruikt? (Het lijkt me dunne shetlandwol)

Posted by: ineke at January 11, 2007 11:48 PM

As a British English speaker, I would have to agree that we would never call a cardigan or anything else that opens down the front a 'sweater'. Jumpers are sweaters/pullovers, and have no opening down the middle. It's clearly another of those transatlantic debates, along with shrimp/pillow/vest/pants... !

Posted by: P at January 12, 2007 12:56 AM

Dag Saartje!

Ik ben een Nederlandse die in New York woont en hou ook van breien. Mijn Nederlands is niet zo goed meer want ik heb nooit in Nederland gewoond, maar ik hoop dat je me kunt begrijpen. :) Ik vind je blog heel leuk en zal zeker vaak terug komen.

De groetjes!

Posted by: herpnknit at January 12, 2007 9:46 PM

Don't doubt that blue! It's lovely and unexpected.

Posted by: Tipper at January 14, 2007 3:26 PM

Saartje, ook nog de beste wensen. Een beetje laat, maar goed bedoelt. Mooie want heb je gebreied. Ik zou zeker de tweee ook gaan breien!
Ook toevallig... dat babypatroontje heb ik laatst ook uitgeprint. Vind hem er leuk met die a-simetrische sluiting.

Posted by: Marijna at January 14, 2007 10:14 PM

hallo saartje
ik zag op je weblog leuke booties staan uit de marie claire ??

heb jij evt het patroon in eht nederlands en zou ik die van je mogen overkopen ??

groetjes marietta

Posted by: marietta at January 15, 2007 9:21 AM

thanks for listening! That pea pod sweater is looking great.

Posted by: pixie at January 16, 2007 12:50 AM

This is the most beautiful and fun knitting web site I've ever seen. I'm inspired to start my own journal/knit page. However, I'm still just knitting squares and rectangles. I've just started VERY BASIC mittens. I check back to your website every day and have enjoyed all the links and beautiful, creative projects. You have an artistic talent that is too good to not be shared. Thanks!

Posted by: Randi at January 16, 2007 9:00 PM

i would like your knit pattern for the knit
and ride booties. thank you so much

Posted by: kay sowell at February 25, 2008 11:10 PM

Goedenavond "Saartje",
Zou je mij misschien kunnen helpen aan een
boek met breipatronen van slipovers?Of weet jij
iets?
Ik hoop het,
vriendelijke groeten,
Anouschka Heslinga

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