When Levens met Manos and went to a Wedding

While I was knitting away on the beautiful Levens two things happened. One, I fell in love with some bargain Manos Silk Blend in Atlantic and just HAD to have it. I wasn't too sure what it would become, I went for yardage that would make a Somewhat Cowl as that seemed like a contender. Then thing two that happened was an invite to the evening do of a wedding. By then the yarn was here and it caught sight of Levens and loved the ruching and said "I should be a little shrug with Levens ruches. I would like to be a little shrug with Levensy ruching that goes to the evening do of a wedding." it said. (Luckily having bought Maggie Righetti's Sweater Design in Plain English to help me out with this demanding stuff I find that this kind of chatter is all just fine and not early onset dementia.)

So back before Levens got finished I had to wind some yarn and swatch to see whether it was all talk or if it would live up to its big ideas. I made a kind of miniature prototype minus the sleeves and it didn't look too shabby. Then the lingering doubts set in: could I really sort the numbers out, would it be too warm for a summer do, would I look like a fool in a Christmas sweater?

So the yarn went off for a sulk while I gathered my wits about me. I showed my idea to Mama on Friday and there's nothing like a Mama to help you believe in your abilities. I worked out the maths I needed for the start and I'm nearly to the armpits of the back. Looking good so far. I'm knitting at a loose gauge to get the drape I loved from Levens which I hope will also make this a nice weight garment for a summer evening.
It's not a Christmas red, it's more a cherry red? Hopefully on track for the effect I want. We'll soon see as the wedding is just a couple of weeks away, so I must be bold and knit on if I'm not going to look like a nut with a knitting needle still attached to her outfit.