Sometimes I get so excited about things I wish I was Norma. You know, so that the words can come spilling out of my head and onto the screen without delay. Today’s a Norma kind of day.
I’m going to go slow so I don’t miss anything. Okay. Yesterday I was perusing the blogs, as is my main method of procrastination, when I came upon Mary’s admission of love. Wouldn’t you know it?! I fell just as hard, just as fast.
Please click on it for a larger picture.
The gloriousness that is this sweater must not be denied!
Mary started off her post with something of a tease – just a link to the picture (which I’ve shamelessly lifted from Montreal Knits. Thank you!) She added more information later but the results are still the same: I love this sweater with such unadulterated abandon I left Mary three comments yesterday and a separate email.
She’s given me the go ahead – I’m starting the Knit A Long.
Now before you get all super excited to the point you might pee your pants like I have, let me warn you. The beauty that is this sweater will be an arduous journey to attain. Sure it’s got lots of cables and twists and that is always a challenge, but there’s more. Wait for it…the pattern comes from the book, New Style of Heirloom Knitting, which just so happens to be in Japanese. That’s right, my fellow knitters – the nirvana sweater is in JapaFUCKINGnese. (By the way, that’s not a slam on the Japanese language, which I’m sure is very beautiful – it’s a slam on my brain which can’t make heads or tales of the beautiful Japanese language.) We should be able to read the charts, right? Please tell me we can read the charts!!!!! And while I haven’t seen the book in person, rumor has it that they only give the pattern in one size – super small.
Because of this minor irritation, this Knit A Long is going to be a true, true Knit A Long. We’re going to have to put our heads together to make this work – make lots of mistakes – fuck things up – curse, scream, rip out, rip out again. I’m very tempted to hire someone to translate the pattern for me. BUT I KNOW WE CAN DO THIS TOGETHER!!!!
ETA: Barbara and Leanne emailed some great links to help us out with translating stuff. Go here and here.
So let’s start. First off, we need a name. I’m going to solicit names from all of you and then I’m going to pick a winner. The winner will receive the book!
Please click here for purchase information.
I’ve already ordered one copy and will be ordering another today. I WILL CHOOSE THE NAME, not the random generator. You can enter as many as THREE times. But please, make the entries serious contenders. I’ll close the contest next Tuesday.
Since the book takes a little while to get here and the holidays are coming up and stuff, the KAL won’t officially start until January 1st. Sort of a birthday present to me! I will set up a separate blog for it – I think the work that this pattern’s going to need warrants it. Everyone will have posting privileges. Leave a comment if you want in, or send an email to cara at januaryone dot com with KAL in the subject line.
Let’s establish some ground rules early:
– Rule #1 – It’s just too gorgeous not to knit it.
– You’re going to have to get a copy of the pattern somehow somewhere. I suggest buying the book – Montreal Knits has some other great pictures up and it looks like the patterns are all beautiful – there are some gorgeous shawls in there. DO NOT ASK FOR PATTERN COPIES HERE OR ON THE KAL BLOG. They will not be available. I’m hoping we’ll all be working on the same page so that if someone has a problem with Chart A, for example, we can all pull out our Chart As to help.
– I’m not sure yet if we’ll write up alterations for sizing and stuff – it may be we all just size our own and learn from each other’s mistakes.
– I’m not sure if we’ll each do our own translations and help each other out – or if translations won’t be necessary because the charts are so clear we can each make our own version of the sweater pulling the cables all together.
– There will be no time limit on this project as I suspect it will take a lot of slogging to get to the end of it.
Okay. That’s what I’ve got for now – fire away!
I have no idea what the yarn for the sweater will be – I’m seriously, seriously hoping it’s a DK weight (I guess I can always make it a DK weight) because I’d love to use the ton of Jo Sharp Silkroad DK Tweed I’ve got in my stash. I’ve got a beautiful pink color too. But I’m willing to buy whatever yarn I’ll need to get this right. This is exactly what I’ve been wanting for a long, long time. It’s modern, yet classic. I just can’t wait to start. I hope it’s not too frustrating. I want it to be perfect already.
I didn’t knit much yesterday. I didn’t have to time to re-do the glove hand, but Margene made me feel infinitely better about the holes. Basically she said holes are going to happen – it’s inevitable and a little darning may be necessary. Exactly what I wanted to know – thanks Zen Master! I’ve got a lot I want to accomplish today work-wise, so if I get time tonight, I’ll be trying the join again.
I’m still trying to figure out what pattern my angel socks should be. I think I’m back to a simple, yet elegant, garter rib. I may cast on those today too. I need more size one needles. Actually, I need more size 1s and 2s.
I did knit a little bit (read two rows) on the Prairie Blanket yesterday. It’s so, so beautiful. I wish I had more time in the day. Is there something wrong with me that all I want to do is knit?
OH. MY. GOD! Thank you for the link to the book. I too have to knit that, or one of the others. This book has been duly ordered, with an expected arrival date of Dec 2. I’m hoping there’s something in my stash suitable for the KAL.
Mine! I so need to knit this. I’m up for a KAL, I’m not sure I could work through this one on my own.
Sorry about the forgetting to name it. How about Kiss Me Hug Me based on the XOXO panels up the front.
Hmmm…name for the knit-a-long…. how about the “No Language Barrier Knit-a-long”? Or the “East meets West Knit-a-long”?
I’m in! I’ll give the name some thought. I came up with one-the Turning Japanese Cardi knit along, but you know, maybe not so appropriate? I ordered the book, as you know, before all the hub-ub happened. So totally freaking weird how the universe comes together the way it does. I mean! I have been looking at that book for weeks, then I couldn’t find it on yesasia.com (kept asking my daughter to get her last year’s roommate who is Japanese to figure it out for me, but she-daughter-wasn’t coming through) until just this past weekend and I ordered it, then see Mary’s post, and you go all gaga……Too fun!
I think I’ll just watch you guys do this one. It looks WAAAAY over my head. And, Cara, we all want to knit all the time. It’s our sickness.
What a gorgeous sweater. I ordered the book. I’m in. I’ve never done a KAL but will try, I’m sure I will need help working throught this one but sometimes get distracted and don’t manage to keep up.
I’m also not good with clever names but will think about it.
I will probably be stoned for the un-PCness of this, but I nominates JapaFuckingKnit! Don’t worry, I know you won’t use it, but perhaps I’ll wina consolation prize….
Wow – stunning sweater. Here are my name suggestions: Kanji-Along (Kanji being the name for japanese character set) or the “we-don’t-need-no-steenking-translation!” knit along, but that might be a little unwieldy to fit on a blog button!
Dammit, Julia stole my name! We can keep each other company while being stoned. ; )
What a fabulous sweater. No wonder you’re in love. The whole book looks great! I think I’ll have to join in on this one.
My first thought for a name for this sweater — Smitten. Because that’s what you are. You could call the KAL “Knittin’ Smitten.”
Wow, that’s gorgeous! I’m wanting to call it Helix for the glorious cable that runs next to the button bands. Reminds me of a single strand of DNA.
How about Kousa-Along? Kousa (pronounced ko-oo-sa) means crossing so it refers to the cabling but it also can mean a test or education which I think this may be.
One of my son’s former Japanese teachers is a knitter. I could probably get some assistance from her with translation.
how about the rotsa ruck knitalong?
Scooby? Is that you?
Here are my name ideas…
1) PRICEless — or $Less for the Bloggers who like shortened or acronymed KAL names — both because of the hanger they have it hung on, and because it IS — I looked at the sweater photo initially and thought, oh, that’s a pretty little Aran-style sweater…then I clicked on it to see the patterning more closely and OMG IT’S EFFING GORGEOUS! ~faint~
2) Eastern Pattern, Western Needles
3) Exquisite
That’s all I got…I’ll hope I make the prize, since I won’t be able to do the KAL otherwise…but may the best name win! ~giddy~
Oooh…I love the name Helix. DAMN. Foiled by better efforts! 🙂
Wow! Amazing. I was just thinking I wanted a cabled cardi, this one is unreal. It certainly will be time consuming but worth it. I’m going to order the book and am pretty sure I’m with you.
How about “Nippon Knits”? I’m running low today…
I know someone who speaks Japanese AND knits. Just sayin’.
I’ll not be offering a name because I won’t need a copy of the book. Yeah, I ordered it too. I LOVE that cardi!!
It is goregous. I was swooning when I saw it on Mary’s blog. Hmm…Gotta Have It Too KAL. Love Me, Love My Sweater or I don’t know. Whatdya think it’s knit in? I love that color!
You totally rock, Cara! I am impressed — hey, it’s an XS and it’s in Japanese, but why not 🙂 No name in for me — I have enough problems with patterns in English!
I saw this on Mary’s blog yesterday too. It’s out of my league but I ordered the book anyway. (they take Paypal!) Maybe I’ll kal, who knows?
It’s an exquisitely beautiful sweater so I’ll just say it’s An Exquisitely Beautiful Sweater knitalong.
Or I Want It, I Gotta Have It. Now.
Wow. Gorgeous sweater, definitely out of my league but I’ll enjoy watching everyone putting it together! Perhaps I’ll take a crack at the matching hat 🙂
I think I’m turning Japanese! (Anyone else remember that song?) No creativity here. I gotta vote for Anita’s choice: Nippon knits. Afa the sweater’s own name, howzabout “anata ga suki yo,” which according to my toddler’s Baby Einstein book “Language Nursery” means I Love You (spoken by a female). Chances are most of us making the cardi will be female, but if a male knitter joins along, his can be called “kimi ga suki.” And if you’re doing SuDoku while wearing the sweater… ahhh, forget it!
Arigato KAL
Japanesque KAL
I Knit Japanese KAL
It is so pretty!
This site might help in your understanding of the pattern. Look in the sidebar at the right under Japanese Basics — it translates needle sizes, numbers. etc.: http://www.tata-tatao.to/knit/e-index.html
How about the Sayonara KAL?
I mean, really, that sweater could just about kill you.
You know me, I’d eliminate 90% of the cably goodness and call it an ‘homage’.
But I think I DO need that book. Just to look, ya know. xoox Kay
Dangit! My idea was the I THINK I’m Knitting Japanese? along, but someone already sang the song and my thunder rumbled away. Oh well, it’s a gorgeous sweater and it looks like a challenge to really dig your needles into. Thanks for pointing it out.
have those of us who live in nyc checked the book store in rock center for it? I might stop by there today …
intrigued,
margaret
(Hours later) When I say “the sidebar on the right” I mean, of course, the sidebar on the left : )
That sweater is SO not me, but it is beautiful.
How about naming it Capricorn-along for your birthday and the start of the KAL?
I like the name “Cultured Pearl” or “Cultured Purl” because the idea of different cultures in conversation with one another kept coming to me – U.S. (or Western) knitters working with a Japanese design based on Irish Arans! Wow, the deconstructionists could have a field day with this one!
That is a beauty! I’m so tempted. Why do I get drawn to these high wire acts? My last tutee at work is Japanese…..
I can’t think of a great name, but I have a haiku:
I love that sweater.
Cable-y goodness everywhere.
I must knit it now.
Okay, here’s entry #2 because I couldn’t get this out of my mind – Crossed in Translation (yup, reference to the movie “Lost in Translation” which is about an American woman suffering culture shock in Japan)and a reference to crossing cables. Okay, I’m worn out now and need a nap.
How about Cables of Babel?
As long as you don’t actually expect it to fit . . .
you should be fine.
Lovely it is. I have several Puppy Yarns magazines, and it looks possible since the charts are legible from an experienced knitter’s point of view, but the fit? I wish you all luck.
Should have gone with the jaywalker knitalong, girl.
Oh, my! You are an enabler. You do realize that, don’t you? Wait, you are reveling in your enabling. Hmmm, that gives me an idea: Enabling Cabling KAL.
Okay, the name needs work. That’s okay because I bought the book today. This is so far out of my knitting league. I am totally insane for even considering this. I have never changed sizes on anything before. What am I thinking????
Ah, that gives me another name: Cabled to Insanity.
Whatever – I’m in. Just forward my mail to my padded room.
Hi Cara,
I’ve been reading your blog for months, but this sweater has convinced me to finally come out of hiding! I’m pretty sure my skill level isn’t up to cabling and translation at the same time, but I’d love to try making this sweater all the same.
How about “Konnyeji wa cables”, as in “Hello cables” for the knit-along name?
Okay Name entries for the Japanese sweater:
1) Sushi and Saki Knitalong (SSK for short)
2) The Emporer’s New Clothes Knitalong
3) Geisha girls knitalong
Sorry if the spelling is incorrect. First cup of coffee.
how about the ‘Embraceable You’ KAL?
or ‘Kissy Fit’
‘Rising Sun’
‘Love me Long Time’
‘Pucker Up’
the killer one that sprang into my mind yesterday (when far from an internet connection) has gone. probably when i hit ‘post’ on this and wonder off to do something else, it will come back.
How about “Embraceable”..I just LOOOOVE that sweater and it hints of kisses and hugs and warmth…all leading to “Embraceable”…is that how you spell “Embraceable”..I think so.
Well, I have that book and bought it for that sweater! Knitting this is not going to be easy cause the symbols don’t all look familiar, but if you are an experienced Aran knitter, I think you could easily do it. A KAL would be a good idea. Count me in. Judy
or the ‘admission of love’ KAL?
Arigato Knit the Twist Cardi KAL?
Beautiful! I may join you for the KAL. My sister in-law is Japanese. Maybe she can help me with translation. Do you have the book already? does it have charts?
Oh my. What an absolutely *gorgeous* sweater! And the others are pretty hot too! Must. Have. Book. Must. Knit. Sweater.
Hmmm…seems more like “Sayonara Sanity” to me…I gotta be crazy for starting this one 🙂 but I did just order the book! It’s beautiful!
Wow, what a sweater!! After a few days of futile resistance, I have ordered the book, and started a swatch using the chart done by “the Smooch”. I know the name has been chosen, but I think Kate’s suggestion, Sayonara Sanity, will be my watchword.
Ann in Ottawa
LOVE THE SWEATER, but nervous about not having any English…Wonder if someone can get the pattern translated and sell copies to those of us who need more than a chart to make the sweater.
I’m in – I already have the book! There are VERY FEW instructions, so I think that once we get the basics language won’t be much of an issue. I think the larger problem might be one of resizing – the sweater is only presented in one small size.
I THINK that the gauge is 28sts and 24 rows to 10cm
I’ve gotta do this! I so love complex Arans, and it might actually fit me… I usually have to downsize patterns. I’ve just ordered the book, so I may be a late starter.
What an amazing sweater. I wouldn’t attempt it alone, but with a knit along it might be possible. Count me in!
Joan K
I think I have this book and I read Japanese. The author is a man, who wears rather girl-like outfit on occasion and does all sorts of complex knitting and is very popular among Japanese knitters. He contributes to Keito Dama, a japanese knitting magazine published by Japan Vogue, from time to time.
I’m with you on this one. I ordered my book too. I will also adjust to a set in sleeve. Anyone know how much wool to buy and what gauge.
Lynne D
1. Cables eastward Ho!
2. Cable dream-a-long!
Need to get the book – my favorite was the pink heather colored cardigan second favorite was the cover sweater
feel my obssessive behavior coming back in stitches and what a joy that will be
but I have learned a lot while I have been lurking in the background
thanks to all the educators :O)