Monday Musings: Neutrals, Needles, and a Little Bit of Madness
Happy Monday, ladies. I hope your weekend was calmer than mine, which involved more muttering than knitting and one too many rounds of ripping stitches out. I picked up a new sweater pattern a few weeks ago…something to stretch my brain a bit. And it’s doing exactly that.
Every time I think I’m on track, I catch a mistake a few rows back and have to frog the whole thing. Apparently, this pattern is considered “easy” by other knitters, which has only made me more determined. With over fifty years of knitting behind me, I thought I’d sail through it. Instead, I’m questioning my eyesight, my attention span, and whether social media has completely fried my ability to focus. But I will finish it. It’s a gorgeous soft taupey gray, and I keep telling myself this is probably good for my brain, even if it’s not doing much for my blood pressure.
And while we’re on the topic of gray, I think I might be officially over it…at least for now. Maybe it’s the sweater, maybe it’s just mid-September fatigue, but gray suddenly feels a little… flat. Black isn’t always the answer either. Lately, it’s started looking a bit harsh against my complexion, which seems to be getting fairer by the year.
What is calling to me? Rich, ashy chocolate brown. There’s something quietly elegant about it, and it offers the contrast I’m craving without going full drama. Cool browns like this are surprisingly flattering on cooler-toned complexions, and thankfully, they’re everywhere this season. I spotted this beautiful bag over the weekend…with silver hardware, no less. It’s not quite cool enough for my persnickety self, but there are so many options this year, I’m hopeful I’ll find one.
My love affair with raspberry is still going strong…it’s the one color I keep coming back to, and now it’s followed me into the makeup drawer. My daughter and I went on one of our lipstick expeditions (also known as “poking around Sephora without adult supervision”), and I found a Rare Beauty lip oil stain in Wonder.
I use the Crazy in Love lip pencil from Charlotte Tilbury first to define the edges…which also helps keep the stain from settling into those not-so-fine lines around my mouth, and then apply the stain all over my lips. It gives lasting color with a soft, slightly glossy finish, and it really hangs on. Honestly, it’s one of the better combos I’ve tried in ages. These shades are technically in the rose family, but I’m so fair, they look raspberry on me.
Back at our condo…the floors are still. not. done. The project has dragged on with one delay after another, and I won’t even say how long it’s been because frankly, it’s embarrassing. We’re living with chunks of concrete showing and a sense of optimism that’s starting to feel… fragile. Let’s just say I’m one warped board away from cracking.
And lastly, I dipped my toe into the oversized trend this weekend. I tried on a few jackets that looked great on the hanger and even better on someone else. But on me? Not so much. I’m bigger on top than on bottom, so those exaggerated shapes just made me look top-heavy. I love the look, but some things are better admired from a distance.
Further down the mall, I spotted this gorgeous navy coat, which is a much more flattering shape on me. I would need the sleeves shortened, but it’s really pretty nice. It has the illusion of being double-breasted with a single button closure.
This week feels like a strange little cocktail of persistence with yarn, curiosity with neutrals, and just enough vanity to justify a new lip stain. Some things fight us, some things flatter us, and some things…like living with bare concrete floors, simply test how long we can stay sane.
So tell me, are you rethinking your neutrals this fall? Or have you already found a color that feels like it’s perfect on you?
I am off to Sephora for that lip oil stain.thanks for recommending it. As for a fall color, I am using the forest green from Chicos to jazz up my usual gray/black/ khaki brown this fall.
I’m also an older knitter—75 and still going strong! I was drawn to the beautiful combination of cables in the pattern you’re working on. I looked it up on Ravelry, but found several patterns with the same title, and none seemed to match the cables I see emerging in your photo. Could you kindly share the exact pattern name or designer? I’d love to knit it myself.
I am new to your site and blogs. You have inspired me to find a new neutral. I have silver hair and pale skin. I am looking at both burgundies and deep chocolate brown. FIrst, I must clean my closet of 5 feet to rid myself of items I no longer tend to wear.
Thank you for your insights on more than fashion.
The pattern is here- https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cabled-cardigan-4. I have to weed out my closet too!
That pattern top down on circular needles is difficult. Only someone bragging about their skills with the needles is tooting that horn. I’ve done a lot of cable designs in my knitting days and found top down the hardest with the increases. Once you get to the body it should be easier but not easy. There is a strong need for a little click counter with these types of designs. But you still have to count. I still strongly recommend that you have a simple straight knit project on the side so you can relax with your knitting and actually enjoy it.
I’m 3 inches shorter than you but proportioned like you are with slim hips and thighs but short legs. My broader shoulders and maybe a little larger bust are challenging to dress. That darn muffin I hide with untucked tops is also a challenge. I look ridiculous in those oversized jackets! I need them in petite for the shorter length especially in the sleeves. I like my jackets to skim in at the ribs which looks like I have a waist which is only five inches less than my hips. Try to find pants! They all want ten inches between! I watch you closely for proportion and color except for the raspberry red. It looks good on you but not on me. I will stick to my pale blues and grays. I get paler in winter as well. Thanks for your recommendation to use the Olaplex No.4 Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo. It really has made my mostly white and silver hair glint in the sun. I took advice given to mix with the plain Olaplex No. 4 in my gloved hand and then shampooing only every two weeks. Works great!
I’m glad you tried the Olaplex! I love it
Hello Jennifer
Remodeling has always been my passion until this year lol I suppose age has something to do with it but I’m just over it so I feel your frustration and hope it gets resolved soon.
I’m turning to more reds and browns this year . There are lots to choose from so I am enjoying the outfit’s you have been sharing.
We are in Victoria and I am surprised at the outfits I am seeing women wearing. I know most of us are vacationing but it seems very casual is the new attire. Not much jewelry or accessories.
Thanks for sharing your shopping finds.
I see that too and wonder what has happened to accessorizing!
Your sweater yoke is gorgeous. I recently started a sweater, got to the point of sleeve separation and the yoke back was way too big. Had to take back about 6 rows to a place with plain stitches, drop down a hook size, and recalibrate stitch count for sleeve distribution! Yes, great for the brain.
I have a hard time wearing grey and browns. I go for the classic jewel tones in winter. Speaking of looser fit trends, I simply cannot wear the wider leg pants. Boot cut, straight or slim for me. Your choices today are great.
I think you look pretty darn cool in the oversized brown jacket! Just sayin’! I think you can pull that look off! 🤩
And … the navy Veronica Beard coat is fabulous!
Beautiful coat, looks terrific on you. Your knitting is beautiful also. Does not look like an “easy” pattern to me. But I’m not that great a knitter.
Thanks
Hello Friend, I always feel better after reading your very real thoughts, woes and solutions. I smile at the knitting and it puts peace in my heart – when my 86 year fingers do not pay attention to my plans on the piano.
And I “need” that navy coat which beautifully enhances your figure. But $1000, and I live in Phoenix.
I actually like the oversized bomber on you. Possibly a bit more with a slimmer pant. But maybe because I have an oversized top? Proportions are definitely important.
Thanks
Love the humor in your posts! Am enjoying all the browns out this year as I am an autumn. Picked up knitting late in life and enjoy it but am not good at fixing mistakes. Enjoy the finished products however. Good luck on yours. It looks fabulous!
I tend to think of knitting as therapeutic and meditative. This one isn’t 😱
You make me chuckle by the way you express yourself…(the color gray, losing the ability to concentrate due to social media). I really do like your common sense approach to style also.
Happy Monday!
I started looking at my shoe/boot collection for fall and winter. It’s hard to think about boots when it’s still nearly 100 in MO. I love booties with jeans. I forgot I had burgundy ones! Actually 2 pairs, one low heel and one 2 inch which is high for my re-constructed ankle. I am excited to start putting together fall outfits.
You just reminded me I have an old Munro burgundy pair too. Wow, I’m going to miss that brand as things wear out and need replacing.
Love the coat, I’ve found that I love grey, but the color does nothing for me…for some reason, I look my best in white or pink…I do have a chocolaty/burgundy ish sweater from Quince that I bought last year, really love it, but the weather has to get much colder, I fear that I’ll be wearing a tank top at Thanksgiving, the Bay Area weather has really done some ups and downs this summer. I’m built slightly bigger than you are Jennifer, small top, bigger hips….but I love my oversize jean jacket I bought from TopShop a few years ago, somehow it balances me out, so I go over size. Good luck with your floors, remodeling is a challenge, I’m finally done with my condo, Have a great week
Hi Jennifer,
Can you recommend a few other brands of Mary Jayne shoes? The ones you have on are not in my price range. Thanks.
Chris
Madewell makes a fabulous Mary Jane as does Rothy’s. I could link some if you like
Avid knitter who has kind of quit for a while. Checked out simple cable cardigan on Rav and it is, just that, really simple with one cable on the front. Can’t quite find your pattern, but love the cabling across the back. It would take me much tinking to do that, but it looks like a great challenge.
My pattern is here-https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cabled-cardigan-4 Sorry, I should have realized a lot of you ladies knit too!
Love love love the sweater pattern!!!! The Grey is gorgeous too!!! Stretching out brains and focusing is so important…keep knitting :-))
Thanks for all your excellent, informative posts. I especially appreciate the technical support ones. I agree your sweater is stunning. I do basic knitting and find it relaxing. I especially loved the raspberry flats and ordered a pair for my birthday present to myself. 😊
Happy birthday! What a joyous gift!
Well at least you know how to frog. I am a very amateur knitter. If I make a mistake I’m screwed or leave it because I don’t know how to un knit and fix my mistakes! would you care to come give some lessons? lol
lol. I usually pull the needles out and rip back but this one is so hard to follow I’m unpicking it stitch by stitch, row by row or I will forget where I am. It’s a practice in patience and tenacity.
I’m a white-haired “winter” and apparently my favorite neutral is navy because I seem to have an awful lot of it in my wardrobe! I also enjoy wearing black and ventured into the gray arena last fall/winter with the purchase of a couple sweaters. I don’t love the gray near my face, though. I do love your raspberry sweater and lip tint! I understand your impatience with your floors. We downsized into a townhouse about a month ago and have done a lot of “hurry up and wait” for plumbers, electricians, and furniture and rug deliveries. We figure we’ll just about get everything in order by the time the contractor comes in early October to tear out our kitchen! Hang in there. I’m sure trying to practice what I preach.
Hang in there!
That coat id gorgeous! I may have to wander down to Sephora for my own unsupervised explore.