It turns out that the Shalom I knit last fall is definitely my most-worn knit. I reach for it so often - the size is just right, the weight is perfect, and I love the simple style. I'm thrilled with my choice to have made it long-sleeved. Sadly, though...my yarn choice might not have been the best. It has piled almost to the point of not really being decently wearable after just seven months. (Well, truth be told, I will likely continue to wear it for a very very long time. But it's 'presentability' is seriously fading.) It's a sad tale. (I've seen other often-worn Shalom's in the same yarn, but darker color that has held up just fine. Which makes me wonder if there's something about the white yarn that has it leaning towards piling? Hmn...I wonder....)
The flip side of that sad tale is that it meant knitting another Shalom (free pattern found here) was in order. And well, that's a happy flip side indeed. Especially when it's made with yarn right from my stash, meant for something else that never materialized, which for some strange reason, makes it feel 'free'. (It's Katmandu Aran Tweed held together with a strand of Rowan Kidsilk Haze. So ridiculously soft and just a little bit fuzzy. I love it.)
I followed my notes for the last one, and made it nearly identical. This time, though, I used the fun twisted rib in the yoke at the bottom hem, and also on the sleeves. I think I like that.
What, might you be asking, would one do with such a warm wooly sweater in the summer month of June? Well...I fully expect this one to have many, many days of autumn and winter wear in it's future. And until then, there are always the cool nights at the beach, and the ever-important after-dinner family hula hooping party to wear it to.
Shalom!
