Love or Hate? A Valentine's Day post devoted to garter stitch

So what say you? Do you love or hate the Marmite of the knitting world that is garter stitch?

Love 

As you may have figured out from my post on Elizabeth Zimmermann evangelising, I'm a lover, not a hater. The inimitable EZ of course devoted an entire book to the subject, Knit One, Knit All and one of the most famous knitting patterns of all time is her ode to garter, The Baby Surprise Jacket.

There is something about the repetition of all those knit stitches (and maybe some purls if you're knitting in the round) that's rhythmic and soothing, and the simple garter stitch is especially useful if you're into sub-titled Scandinavian television crime shows. Sometimes it's nice to switch from a complicated lace or cable pattern, get back to basics, and just enjoy every stitch.

Aside from the pleasantries of knitting garter stitch, it does produce a fantastic, wearable result when used properly. Take this classic and oft knit design by Melissa LeBarre, the Garter Yoke Cardigan. I knit it ages ago and still love the end result. The simple structure of the cardi looks great on so many different people, as you can see from the projects on Ravelry.

There some other really stunning garter stitch projects out there; my friend Rikke loves garter stitch even more than I do and she's a real pro at choosing patterns that use it wisely. Here's her grellow version of Stephen West's Clockwork:

And one of my favourites, the Blackcurrant Shawl by Veera Välimäki:

And last, but not least, THE Rikke Hat, named in her honour by Sarah Young: 

She's got lots of other garter-lovin' projects on her Ravelry page, so if you're still not convinced (or just crave a bit more garter squishyness) do check out her page here.

Ok, just one more... this is a delicious new pattern from the Quince & Co Scarves etc. collection. Yum!

Hate 

Some knitters I know are not so keen on garter stitch. My very vintagey friend downright despises it. Is it that garter stitch has a too rustic, or on the other hand, a too modern look? Stripey garter stitch is a popular trend at the moment, but for me, not so much.  In garments, you also run the risk of getting that Michelin Man look if the yarn is too bulky, or doesn't have the right drape.

So tell me what you think. Are you hot for garter? Does it make you break out in hives? Or are you wondering what all the fuss is about - it's only a stitch pattern after all! Cast your vote below...

create a free poll on pollsb.com

And to finish, here's a Valentine from me to you, my current favourite happy love song, Emmylou by First Aid Kit.

Keep your eye out for some retro shawl eye candy in the video and see the duo in some great Scandi knitwear here.

Cardiganarama

Lots has happened since my last post. Lots meaning cardigans.

Here's the finished Herringbone (rav link):

I haven't worn it anywhere but around the house so far. It's almost too cold already for it to be of any use now, and I feel like in the summer it was a bit too warm. It shall be my "house jacket." When did I become a housewife?!

Far more exciting are my Garter Yoke Cardigan and my Duotone Cardigan, both from Vogue Knitting Fall/Winter 2008's piece on top-down raglans.

Cute no? Both really easy, both really cute. Definitely outside-world-wearable.

For the Garter Yoke Cardigan I just used a load of random buttons from my grandmother's old stash. They don't match and are all different sizes, but the gold in them brings them together and I am really liking the effect.

In other news (sort of), Murray and I just got back from the End of the Road Festival this weekend. I camped out. Seriously. But I did bring my knitting. The weather was glorious, so I actually didn't really need to actually wear any of my knitting - who knew the sun could come out in England in September? See below:

Anyway, glorious it was and I got started on what I will call my "Festival Socks" (Drops 103-11 Long Socks) because I had every intention of wearing them all weekend with wellies to keep out the mud, even though I never had to. See proof of said glorious weather in this sunset shot:

Bliss.

Eating: Garganelli with Pumpkin, Sage & Goat's Cheese (so autumn-y and lovely)

Listening to: old Tori (because I saw her last Thursday night!) and Vetiver (because they were one of the best at EOTR).