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?
When you were at JJILL you wore teal cord. jeans that were calling my name. That color is beautiful and it’s the color I gravitate to. That will be my color this season.
I am sticking with black, navy and gray basics with lots of jewel toned colours near my face but have finally found a couple of cool brown pieces so I will try them this fall and winter. The ’80s really turned me off brown but time has changed how I dress.
Love the Veronica Beard navy coat. It’s way out of my price range. But.. .fun to admire!
Your knitting is beautiful! I love the pattern! I am self-teaching using You Tube. I wonder very often if I will ever be able to get beyond a pot holder and especially something that is not a triangle😂 I keep trying. The purse very nice, too expensive for me, I change out my purses constantly.
I love the pattern and color of the sweater you are knitting. Just beautiful. Almost makes me want to take up knitting after 30 years. Hang in there, I can’t wait to see it finished.
About neutrals, I am loving gray and navy. Looking for a gray purse for fall.
I have a complexion that demands bright, clear colours in medium tones. Fall/winter clothing offers very little of this. Most clothing in these seasons looks sad on me. Neutrals aren’t great. I’m either overwhelmed with dark, heavy colours or washed away. Bleh! Is it spring yet? 😉
LOL. There are lots of brights around…check Talbots and J.Jill
I’ve been a knitter almost as long as you have. That is NOT an easy pattern. It’s beautiful, but a bit challenging I think. Good for you for challenging yourself. I’m currently adapting a pattern from “Knitting the National Parks” from a hat pattern to a baby sweater pattern. I’m doing Sequoia National Park and am quite happy with how it is turning out. It’s not hard, but takes too much concentration toknit on a curvy road. (I wasn’t driving!)
That sounds fascinating!! I’d love to see it. Do you have a link?
Hang in there with the knitting. That pattern looks very complicated to me. Love the color! I might have to take up knitting!
I love the handbag, but did you hear me gasp at the price? But still quite a lovely inspiration.
Love your knitting photo! I’m looking to knit something cabled too and looked up Simply Cable Cardigan on Ravelry and it doesn’t look like it has as many cables as your does. Who’s the designer if you don’t mind me asking?
Love your fashion sense and direction!
The pattern is here-https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/cabled-cardigan-4
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.
Remodeling is a nightmare for sure. I’ve decided the older I get the less patience I have for chaos in our home. I’m really turning to chocolate brown and red. Raspberry is great too. Good luck with your knitting project!
Dear Jennifer, after reading so many sites about personal colors, I have found my cool colors also give me the compliments saying, “you look so rested and lovely”. My compliment getters are blue under toned jewel colors and taupes, and blue greens. Not beige or brown or even dark black, but deep grey-blacks. I’m British descent, in my 70’s now YIKES, with fair skin and dark brunette hair (before miss Clairol”) and have a short stature with wide shoulders and hip structure, short waist and petite at 4’8’ and 88 lbs. everything must be a try on due to finding clothes that balance me, hit me at waist and skirt or pant lengths which don’t make me “drown in the clothes”. I think classics and non fussy styles are my best choices. You hit all my targets every post! Keep staying true to yourself and encouraging us to do the same. Love your ideas so much.
Sandra Winfield
Ah, those colors are so lovely. If I could choose one favorite color (after blues) it would be cool taupe…the color my hair was under all that bleach I subjected it to in my youth. Hindsight is 20/20. Have a great day.
What have you done with items from 50 years of knitting?
Many were gifts or for loved ones. My favorite personal successes have been worn until they’re shabby.
Love the navy coat! You know what would make it look fabulous? A raspberry scarf! It is definitely your color. Your face lights up in every photo I’ve seen of you in a bluish red layer near your face. I gave up black years ago because my skin also gets fairer and fairer. There’s nothing I can’t do with a good blue, though
It would!
After 5 years of wearing lots of color, I really feel the need to go back to basics. My silver white hair reacts well to black and all forms of gray. But I plan on adding more taupe if I can find a grayish one. I’m actually changing over my wardrobe (slowly of course) because when I retired I went all in on leggings and colorful tops. Now I prefer to get my color from jewelry, shoes and bags. Weeding out the flowy sweaters, long tunics and skinnies. It’s a process.
I love the sound of what you’re doing with your wardrobe. I only have one colorful bag and it occurs to me that since most of my wardrobe is neutral, I should play with color in accessories more often.
I’m turning away from my love of navy blue to camel and chocolate browns. It’s been a nice change for me. I like what they do for my skin tone.
That’s fun!
What is the new makeup you are using?
It’s this No Makeup Makeup. Really love it.
The sweater project is AMAZING! I love to knit cables but that many would “put me over the edge” – congrats on doing it – can’t wait to see finished project! Raspberry color is great too!
As a fellow knitter, I’m curious as to the name of the sweater pattern?
As far as neutral goes, I recently purchased some camel-colored pants. I’m too cool-toned to wear that color closer to my face, but the color feels classic to me.
It’s called Simple Cable Cardigan. I found it on Ravelry. I love camel, ditto near my face. I look like I have the flu when I wear on top.
Good Morning Jennifer: I’m so impressed with your knitting skills and love the color of the yarn you picked. Being a blogger, can we please blame social media! 🙂 I’m shaped like you, so the bomber jacket would have to be a firm “no” for me also. And you look fabulous in that Dickie coat! Regarding neutrals, I’ve found myself buying more rich browns this season. Not sure I’ve seen any ash browns. I’ll have to pay more attention. Thanks for a great read today. Always look forward to your posts.
Yes! It’s social media 🤣
First let me ask what wool and colour is that? I would love to do something with it. Secondly, I spotted that brown you spoke about in some pants at Old Navy. I’m definitely going back to get them.
Hang in there, I’m sure your floors will be beautiful when they are done.
There’s a link under the photo. It comes in lots of gorgeous colors and mine is “clay”
I’ve been struggling with the “is black too harsh now, but what is better besides navy?” conundrum recently too. But, not ready to do a massive closet changeout. I don’t buy much in the fall-winter because the fabrics are usually too heavy for Florida life. So I guess I’ll hang onto my Eileen Fisher gift card awhile longer (it’s burning a hole in my pocket).
I did try a new lipstick…the Wonderblade lip stain, in Romance shade. Quite like it and it does last longer than others I’ve tried, but definitely not “all day” as advertised.
I’m not a knitter, so can give you zero advice there. But I admire your persistence!!
Jennifer, I look forward to your Monday musings every week because of your sense of humor! I think you’re a really good writer. I am strangely comforted when hearing about your trials and tribulations. it actually helps me deal with my own frustrations with a lighter heart.
I am also questioning neutrals as I’m finding that I really need some color or I just feel / look flat.
I’m so glad to hear that. It’s exactly why I share my personal life. Happy Monday!
Nope, not falling for the brown this time. Not even the cool tones ones. Never kept any if it the last times it was in style. Sticking with my black, navy, gray core and feeling some of the beautiful navies and dark wash denim.
Normally, I stay away from browns, but the dark chocolate slacks, shoes and handbags are very tempting… and who can resist chocolate? My neutral has been navy year-round. I still love it; it’s just that every fall I want something new. So far, burgundy has dripped into my closet, and I think dark brown is going to be next. I also feel like grey drains me, so I only wear it for accessories and slacks.
Hello! Thanks for the great information, I seem to be tending toward a dark chocolate brown and a navy blue color as my neutrals. I’m too pale for black, and too clumsy for white lol.
lol!
Hi Jenifer, I love your posts. They are full of insight, as well as good fashion for us older women. I have ordered a couple of your suggestions after seeing them on you.
Sister knitter here- I feel your pain. Wow. I can see why this is causing grief. I think it will get better once you get in the rhythm of the increases and cable pattern. Really beautiful though.
I’ve been on an (almost) everything navy kick for the last year.
I hope so. There seemed no rhyme or reason to it until just the last two rows.
I absolutely love the navy coat! Also the brown bag, and that lipstick!
I am loyal to black but am thinking of branching into some chocolate brown this fall as well. So many shades to choose from, it can be tough to find the right one.
I am in awe of your knitting project. I cannot wait to see the finished sweater. i bought a learn-to-crochet kit that is essentially collecting dust at this point, but you have given me motivation to start it.
That sounds fun. I never could crochet
Everything blue again! Deep dark indigo with a few cheap necklaces to brighten..,,I did order three neutral tops from Quince that fit beautifully and at such a great price! And with our very warm fall- so far- just perfect!
You know I adore blue!