Let's Win One For The Zipper (or two)

My zipper order arrived yesterday, so I spent today sewing in zippers. I ordered the shorter length for my new Ribby and got it finished up today. I also stole Matt's Ike while he was out for his bike ride to switch out zippers (it's the only time he doesn't have it on).

I love my new Ribby! (oh and it's warmer than expected!!!). So let's do the project stats:

Ribby II
Ribby Cardi by Chicknits in Silk 'n Wool
click to enlarge
Project Stats:
Pattern: Ribby Cardi by Chicknits
Yarn: Moda Dea Silk 'n Wool in Plum and Pewter
Adjustments to the pattern: I widened the sleeves about an inch (added 4 stitches at cast on. Made no other adjustment, so there's also 4 extra stitches at the top of the sleeve. Worked out fine and a much better fit for my heavy upper arms).
Problems with the pattern: None. I also didn't get the gap this time across the back, as I did with my first one. I think that may have been an issue where I didn't track my decreases well enough so that the back was a little longer than the sleeves. Then when I seamed, I adjusted, creating a little bit of a fold at the back.
Overall Impressions: I love this pattern. It's so pleasant to knit. Interesting enough to keep me interested, yet not complex that it requires a lot of attention. I love how it fits. The yarn was an absolute delight. It's wonderful to knit. It's mostly wool with just a little silk. I did a simple steam blocking and it worked beautifully. The colors are lovely, and really really hard to photograph.

I also have a new zipper for my first ribby, as it's fine for me. Even with the shrinking, it still fits me fine (tho' it's a little short for Matt). However, he's now got his Ike, which he doesn't take off:



So I took out the too heavy and wrong color zipper and replaced it this morning. So much better. He may now start sleeping in it...

The Waiting Game

Ribby II
Ribby Cardi by ChicKnits in Silk'n Wool
click to enlarge
Almost done. However, I bought a 27" zipper (when I first started this). I should've bought the 24" (what was I thinking?). Anyway, instead of trimming down the too long zipper, I just went and ordered a new one. Plus a new zipper for Matt's Ike. I was never happy with that zipper. It's too light in color and too heavy for the fabric. It has actually distorted the bottom of his sweater.

So I'll wait til I have the zipper installed before I give my final review (to verify fit). So far, let's say it's lookin' good. The yarn is delightful to knit with. The colors work really well together. I love this pattern (tho' I did add a little width to the sleeves). I'm already thinking about the next one (a pullover version for Matt in the Kathmandu yarn that he loves so much).

However, I'm going to work on some other projects that are sitting here. I have the Boku wrap that I'm enjoying knitting on. Plus a few others... but you know it won't last. Having a set of 7's & 8's without a project on them just doesn't feel right to me... something will probably get swatched.

Oh ya... blogging...

The blogging muse is escaping me right now. Just not feeling very chatty about my knitting projects I guess. Ironically, it's actually helping me feel productive.

I'll have my new Ribby done this week (I'm almost to the armhole shaping on the right front). To say that I love this pattern is an understatement. There's something very relaxing about knitting it.

I've also been working on a wrap cardigan (the one from Knitting Pure and Simple) in Boku. Misread the increases for the fronts, and had to rip back to the armholes. Eh, it happens, but I'm loving how the Boku knits up. It's a wool/silk combo similar to Noro's Silk Garden, but frankly, it's better quality. No knots, the spinning is much more even and the long color repeats look fab.

I'm still plugging away on Roam. I'm still not 100% sure about it, but all that seed stitch is actually kind of nice. The back waist shaping is done, so it's just seed stitch until the armhole shaping.

Those are the three main projects I'm working on right now, and all are progressing very well. I am feeling a little restless, and I'm looking forward to having the Ribby done, as I'll use that as an excuse to cast on something new. Just not sure what... the suggestion box is open.

I'll have photos of Ribby when completed, and hopefully pictures of the new cast on project.

The Weekend

It was a fun weekend with lots of surprises.

It all started on Friday when the mail came. A received a very unexpected box. From Elann. That had been mailed November 28, 2007. Yep, that's right. The long lost package from Elann that I ordered Thanksgiving weekend showed up in February. Gotta love the postal service!!

I was rather heartbroken over this lost package. The drawback of buying from Elann is that yarn sells out quickly and they don't always restock it. The Estelle Silk went quickly and I couldn't replace it. So they refunded my order and of course I bought some of their own brand of silk (very similar, but the Estelle is softer). Good think I ordered a very different color! So I'm thrilled that it did come. In February. I just don't think there's any excuse for a Priority package (ordered during the holiday rush season) to take that long.

So that's how my weekend started. I had my afghan class on Saturday, and the rest of the weekend was spent knitting. My new Ribby is progressing nicely. The back is done as is one sleeve. I started the second sleeve. I'm also on the first sleeve of the Eyelet Cardigan and got quite a bit done on that during the Superbowl last night (knitting in the round is good for sports watching!... and Yay! Giants!!! Woo-Hoo!!!).

That's basically my plan for today as well. We'll see if the daylight is ever going to happen today or tomorrow (rain forecasted) to get some updated photos. Dreary Mondays... how fun!