Monday, April 10, 2006

Since I'm still luxuriating in the accomplishment of the finished sweater, here's details. I literally have to order Thing 1 to take it off, which makes me even more sad that I was so worried about the amount of yarn I had and needed to make it so slim. She won't hear of me ripping out the bottom to extend it, and so I'm just going to have to plan to make her another sweater later this summer to wear next winter. Hey! it's a good thing that it's so rainy, I guess. She'll have more cool weather to wear this before she outgrows it. That should happen in about a week, given her age and past history.

Folks have mentioned that the other kids can wear it, but I'm not sure Thing 1 will be able to handle that. It might just go into the cedar chest I've commissioned from Eric (heee) for future grandchildren, years and years ahead.

Since typing that has made me woozy, without further ado, here's sweater closeups:

Front shot. Bonus points if you can spot the error that is going to make me rip out a seam and redo it. For those of you who wonder at my sanity, I'm leaving some "cabling on the wrong row" errors on the sleeve saddles and one mis-done seed stitch. So there. I'm not nuts.


The sleeve cap fudging (I made them much shallower than the saddle-shoulder pattern I was referencing suggested) worked well. I started the decreasing, and then just kept laying the sleeve caps (on the needles) up against the fronts and backs until it looked about right. Apparently that kind of "improv within structure" knitting works best for me, since I'm mostly incapable of following instructions.

Here's the back. Nice bit of trash on the floor, no? I swear, I ask them to pick up. . .


And a closeup of the folded collar. This was a new technique for me, and I love the stretchy feel of it. I'm not certain that a purl folding row works in 1x1 rib, but it's what I've got. And no, my fingers are not purple, although it's cold in here. They're. . . finger colored.


And that's that. I have a new design for a hat on the needles, and if it works as well as I hope, I'll post a pattern when I'm done. Meanwhile, I have to re-do the seam on this sweater, deal with sick children AGAIN, and get the house back under control.

The DI team didn't place, so we don't have to stress about not having enough money to travel to the next level. I still think they were marvelous, but some technical difficulties during their performance lowered their scores. C'est la vie, and I don't think they're too traumatized. I'm loving the idea of having our time back from rehearsals!

And, I think that Suzee needs to make up her own non-fiction book meme. Can it count as tagging if I just command her to do it? Consider it done.

9 comments:

sewingsuzee said...

Ahhhhhh. It is a thing of true beauty, all still and perfect on the ground. I'd only seen it in motion.

I just read the chicken story...that is VERY funny. I can just imagine a chicken strolling down our street.

I will think on the meme. I think it might make me look like a TOTAL nerd. Which I am, but I try to fake being normal.

Stefaneener said...

You might look like a nerd, or the internet being what it is, you might find 10,000 people just like you.

I bet I haven't read half of the nonfiction you have. Come on! Internet fame awaits you. Can you imagine having this conversation with Mr. Sewingsuzee?

jen said...

My word! That is completely gorgeous.

And did I read you right when I read that it was your own design? Bliss! I wish for a cerebral transplant. I will take the knitterly part of your brain and exchange it for the... er... athletic part of my brain. Sound good?

Cause I'm SO athletic.

Emma said...

Soooo nice! You should be very proud!

String Bean said...

I can't see the mistakes and I'm sure you can see them on a prancing pony.

K said...

Man that is one fabbo sweater! Wanna adopt me and make me one? LOL

I love it that your daughter won't take it off. It suits her!

Rain said...

It's gorgeous, the leaves up the front look fantastic. I can't see any mistakes, so unless it keeps you awake at night, I'd leave it alone. I bet she doesn't stand still long enough for anyone to look that closely at it.

A said...

man, such a thing of beauty. I don't blame thing 1 for wanting it on. Full of mama love + lovely to boot.

I want to see the nonfiction meme, suzee.

S, what is with the sickness this year? It's incredible.

amanda j said...

That is so beautiful! You should be so proud. And when you aren't knitting, you should remind yourself how to crop pictures in order to get rid of all rubbish and trash on the floor. All manner of crumbs can disappear with a good cropping.