I have to say that I really enjoyed this project. I'm always digging the raglan shaping and no seaming goodness. And Sarah & Rachel really match my style. I love everything they come up with and they are just so gosh darn nice!
- Yarn. I got the Lana Grossa for so stankin cheap it wasn't even funny. It has roughly the same fiber makeup as the Brown Sheep yarn this pattern calls for and so I thought I would give it a whirl. It worked in the pattern like a charm. It's not quite as soft as the Brown Sheep yarn (or even the Cascade I substituted in the Green Gable pattern) but it's not scratchy or rough my any means. It works up really well, has great stitch definition (but what cotton/wool combo doesn't?) and I only found one yucky patch in all the balls I used (no knots!!!).
- Changes. I didn't make any big changes besides using a different yarn. The only part of the pattern that I didn't do was the ribbing on the sleeves. I was never happy with how it turned out on my Green Gable and so I just did a loose bind off and that was that.
- Sizing. For whatever reason, I don't think the sizing on this one was the same as the Green Gable pattern. I got gauge (I thought...?) but maybe using a different yarn somehow changed my sizing? I don't know, but it turned out to be just a bit smaller than I would have liked. It still fits, but the sleeves don't poof real well. Kind of a bummer. I'm sure it's a case of user error, I just wish I could figure out what exactly I did wrong.
- Final Verdict. I give this sweater one thumb up. The pattern was fun and the yarn was great, but the fit is not stellar. It's a lesson learned sweater for sure.
Close up of the lace panel
09:05
Posted in 2006 Finished
, Finished
, Rusted Root
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October 18, 2006
The Land of Rowan
I think I understand a bit better why the Rowan patterns are a bit, um, quirky. I just spent the last 5 days in London with my sister, who is studying abroad there. We did and saw so much that it's hard to put into words but I'm hoping pictures and some stories will suffice (which will follow in a few days). One of the best things, though, was simply people watching. The personal styles there are so unique and fabulous. You can see everything from business suits to punk rock to mismatch to whatever! People seem to be much more accepting of a variety of styles than they are here. And I loved it! Rowan really does a good job of capturing the wide variety of styles that exist in Britain. Unfortunately, with our terrible exchange rate, any yarn I saw was just too too expensive to buy. But I did get a lot of knitting done, especially on the plane ride.
Here is my progress on Rusted Root:
It should be done in the next few days! I'm so excited about this. It is just oh so cute! The coloring in this photo really does not do it justice though. I've also started on the Log Cabin Socks from Handknit Holidays but right now it's only ribbing. Not too exciting.
I do have a lot more to post about but I'm still winding down from travel and getting back into the swing of 'normal' life. The new VK was waiting for me at home and wow! I am really psyched about this one. So until I get my thoughts and photos more organized...happy knitting!
10:45
Posted in Rusted Root
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August 31, 2006
Please, please dry!
The argyle vest is finished! Well, all except for a couple of stray ends and the fact that it's still pretty wet. It's times like these that I wish for central air. It's been raining and muggy here all week so the humidity is running rampant. Fro'd hair and wet wool abound!
I tried it on right before soaking and it seemed to fit ok but with blocking I think it will fit even better. I'm not totally thrilled with the width of the shoulders but with a proper shirt on underneath it will hopefully look better. Modeled shots to come soon (oh will you dry by tomorrow? Saturday? next week?)
Since I finished the ARGYLE, I've been working a bit more on Rusted Root. It doesn't look too difference from the last picture I posted, but trust me, it is. I had to rip back about 3 inches of work because I had a duh moment and started working the XS size. Not good.
I love the lace panel!
09:37
Posted in Deep V
, Rusted Root
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August 11, 2006
Of Argyles and Roots
Oh, I can't compare this feeling to anything else! The feeling of a break from school. The feeling of 2 weeks off without a stitch of homework to stress about. The feeling that I can watch as much tv as I want and knit my heart out and not feel guilty!!
And with that said, I have much progress to show.
I'm still trying to figure out the whole 'throwing' of the yarn thing so progress hasn't been as fast as I'd like on the Argyle Vest as I'm doing it mostly one handed. However, it's coming along nicely. It's definitely going to be part of a sexy librarian type of outfit. I'm about 10 rows from armhole shaping and beginning the steeks. I am really looking forward to beginning/learning the steeks. Everything Fairisle has caught my heart and already I'm looking for other fairisle sweaters for fall/winter. Erin was just mentioning on her blog about how swayed she is by advertising. I fall right in there. That KnitPicks telemark 'ski' sweater makes me want to become a snow bunny asap. And thinking about being a snow bunny makes me want snow! I never seem to be satisfied with the weather as is. As soon as summer reaches Aug 1 I'm ready for fall and red leaves. Then I get a taste of the snappy weather and I'm aching for snow and Christmas. I'm constantly learning about being content. Being a Christian, that is a primary part of my spiritual walk!
Moving on, here's some more knitting progress, since this is, in fact, a knitting blog...
I started Rusted Root with some Lana Grossa Novella that was on super sale from Herrschners. Love that place! It's roughly the same consistency as the called for Brown Sheep cotton fleece but has, I think, a slightly nicer texture. And the color is just delightful as well. This is going fairly quick so far. After green gables, I think I have the hang of the top down raglan. And this one has the lace bit to break up the monotony once I get past the armholes. Stellar! I'm sure you're enjoying my make-shift stitch markers too :) I was away from home when I started this and realized that, oops!, I left my stitch markers at home. Why there are still no 'real' stitch markers on there, I couldn't tell you. Lazy I guess. But the paper clip works quite well!
Enjoy your weekends, I'll leave you with a bit of a laugh.
08:55
Posted in Deep V
, Rusted Root
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