A Pearl of Great Beauty

Well, interest in a Pearl Buck Swing Jacket knitalong has been positively underwhelming!  I've noticed a rather wide gap between those who love the design and those who don't.  One of the more disdainful comments seemed, though, to be directed as much at IK's choice of an Asian model for a Good Earth-inspired design, which in IK's defense seems to be a no-win situation -- either they are derided for having a white model wearing an Asian design, or they are accused of racism by "stereotyping" an Asian model.  That said, I think that the design itself -- which is, after all, the important thing here -- is lovely.  It's one of those things that looks simple and difficult at the same time -- perhaps that puts people off.  It's certainly very restrained, despite the pleat in the back, not the in-your-face kind of thing that seems to be so popular these days.  Maybe that's why it appeals to me so much. 

Subtle, yet chock-full of interesting details.  The box pleat with its interesting diamond detail, the half-diamonds edging the front opening, the back yoke worked side-to-side -- well!  Not to mention the scrumptious Jaeger merino.

I know that I won't be able to start on this until after the Aran is finished, so it would be a month at least, maybe two.  But I've posted a link to here on the 2006 Knitalongs page at keeping me in stitches (a very handy list, by the way, for those in search of knitalongs) -- if anyone does want to work on this project, post a comment here, and we'll see how things go!

Comments

[Shara]

I love this sweater and would like to try my hand at it. Let me pull through my stash and see if I have a good yarn to use.

[Anne]

I'm interested! Already have the yarn - Elsbeth Lavold Silky Wool - although I haven't swatched yet.

[Ola]

I'd love to join a knit along. I'm just waiting for my yarn to arrive (Rowanspun Dk) then I'll start. I posted a topic about it on the Knitty coffee shop in the Knitalong section. Maybe that might generate some more interest?

[Suse]

I'm interested! I hope it's not beyond my knitting capabilities ...

I'll investigate the pattern (and wool) further, and check back with you.

[Vicki]

I love this jacket. Count me in! Now, what yarn should I use...I guess I'll have to go shopping!

[Mary!]

You know something, even though I read Kate Gilbert's description that her inspiration for the sweater was the garment worn by Chinese women in the book, etc. I have to say that I think of it as the kind of thing that Pearl S. buck would have been wearing while writing the book and if not her, then a whole host of Bloomsbury or aesthetic movement women. It doesn't seem remotely "asian" to me. I might have to join in on this kintalong fun, but it will be a while and only if I can find something appropriate a la stash. Can't wait to see your progress!

[Shelagh]

I purchased an IK subscription just to get the pattern for this beautiful coat. It may be a bit beyond my chart reading capabilities, but if there's a knitalong, I am more than happy to join and give it a go. Please keep me posted.

[Kat]

I'm planning on starting this soon, as well, and I would love to join this KAL. I've already bought the yarn but I just need to finish one project before I cast on.

[Theresa]

I'd be happy to knit along... although I have to admit, I've already started this project using Lavold Silky Wool.

[Fern]

I'd like to try this. This will be my first knit-along.

[Lyn]

This jacket was one of the reasons I bought the magazine, too, so I think I'll join in this, although I won't be able to start for a while - going to try to spin the yarn first!

[Mary Cadwell]

I think this coat is great and intend to knit it for myself. Considering I never knit for myself, this is how great I think it is! LOL