But I don't want to knit sleeves anymore

Ya, the sleeve thing has gotten old. Still plugging away on Mermaid (during breakfast), but Matt's sampler cardigan is, uh, annoying me. The second sleeve is started, but stalled.

I needed something else. Something bright and cheery and summery... so let's cast on some lace!

Surplice Lace Top in Cotton Fleece
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Oh ya, that soothes the soul! Bright, summery and an easy lace pattern.

Ya, ya, I'll still get Matt's cardigan done. I'll do that tomorrow.

Mini Heat Wave is over

Matt's Sampler Cardigan in Cascade 220
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Thank goodness the weather is back to normal for this time of year. I might just get this wool sweater done before the next heat wave. That'll be it for wool for the summer then (not including Mermaid). I'll focus on lighter weight/summery projects after I finish this up.

I'm much much happier with these sleeves. Matt's 12" biceps are tricky. I did a 14" sleeve to start, but it didn't look proportional to the sweater, so I frogged back and made them 16". It'll be a nice relaxed cardigan for him (and let's not count that I've now attempted these sleeves 5 times... but I'm pretty sure this is it. Just have to do the other one!).

My Mermaid is also progressing (sorry, forgot to get a photo) and the second sleeve is well underway. This might be some kind of record for me. All this finishing up of older projects. Kind of fun too! (however, I'm going to have to start thinking about my sweater storgage soon. I'm not sure where I'm going to put all these finished projects... it's just as bad as finding room for all my stash!)

What the...

It's seems like spring has lasted a long time... with temps just not quite warming up.

Until the weekend... and today. It's about as muggy as it gets. You know, like when you get a shower with the window open and the mirror just never unfogs (until you hit it with your blowdryer?). Ugh.

I'm not quite ready yet (Matt sure it. He's been waiting very impatiently for warmer... dare I even say hot... weather. His best finish of the race season was yesterday).

However, I'm still trying to finish up some wool projects!! Matt's Sampler Cardigan is simply too warm to sit in my lap right now (of course, I "could" knit the sleeves seperately then seam them in... but why bother????). I guess I'm going to have to break down and put it aside for the time being and either work on smaller projects like afghan squares (and trust me... with heating oil cost $5/gal, we'll need all the afghans I can make) or maybe some cotton tops. Or I could just finish up the second sleeve on my Mermaid. Even tho' it's wool, it's a lightweight wool and the sleeve isn't real warm on my lap.

So we'll see. I just want to get that Sampler Cardigan done so very very badly!!! Maybe I'll just suffer thru it for a while... before it gets even warmer?

A Misc Post

It's a holiday here, so I'm just going to do a quick update on different things.

No pictures, as I spent yesterday sorting thru my stash (added a bunch of stuff in Ravelry that I'm looking to unload... I'll probably eventually get them up on Ebay as well). That was a lot of work, but my stash room is fairly well cleaned up (my living room... not so much. Need to sell it and get it out of here!!).

Would you believe that I haven't bought yarn since Maryland Sheep & Wool? This may be the longest I've gone with no yarn purchases. Quite frankly, I don't even have a lot of desire to buy more. So many projects, so much stash... I really am feeling maxed out right now. I have stuff I want to get to Right Now!!

Which brings me to the current status of my projects.

Still knitting sleeves. The first sleeve on my Mermaid is done. It looks a lot more "normal" now that it's done. I just think it's hard to tell while knitting side to side. As I said, I'm just not used to knitting sleeves in that direction, and I think my perspective was off. They're still short... and I think that's actually good. I know the garter will stretch down and I've seen a lot of people mention how long their sleeves are. I don't think they'll be short for long...

Matt's Sampler Cardigan is currently sleeveless. However, I went ahead and added the length to the pockets that he wanted and I put on the buttonband (easier to do without sleeves anyway). I'll pick up the stitches for sleeve attempt #3 today. Oh, and since I was asked by Ruth in my comments, the pattern I'm using is by Sarah James called "Sampler Cardigan". She's got several versions of these patterns (a pullover, a tee shirt, the cardigan and I believe a coat). I've made some changes to the pattern, but it's a fabulous basic pattern and having the mix of stitches makes it very interesting to knit.

In other knitting news... do you have a project that you want to work but just doesn't? I've been playing around with St. Brigid for a while now. I even bought Alice Starmore's Herbidean yarn to make it. I started it, put it aside, tried other yarns and tried the Herbidean again. I want it to work with that yarn. It simply doesn't. I bought a dark purple (similar to the color in the book) and the yarn just isn't working with it. The color is dark. The yarn is soft and not evenly spun. Sigh. I must stop trying. I've cast it on in that yarn 3 times now. I know I'll be happier with Cascade 220 and I'll use the Herbidean for something else.

Okay, off to pick up stitches for Matt's cardigan. Or I'll work on something else. As today is all about baseball games and knitting!

I looooooove sleeves

Since I'm on this "finishing" kick, I'm knitting a lot of sleeves right now. I think I have mental issues with sleeves.

Back in college is was a feet thing. When I had life drawing classes, I would always try to center my figures so that the feet were cut off. I simply can not draw feet.

I'm beginning to think I can't knit sleeves without issues.

Well, the Cindy Must Knit This Cardigan (which should probably be renamed "Cindy Must Wear This Cardigan") ended up being a fairly simple fix. Also my Mermaid sleeve looks much better as I've progressed (I'm not used to side to side sleeves... it's a hard visual adjustment).

However, on a super simple project, I still have sleeve issues. And dumb ones at that.

Matt's Sampler Cardigan in Cascade 220
click to enlarge
I'm knitting the sleeves top down (one less seam to sew) and the first sleeve is almost done. That's the second attempt on it. My first the sleeve decreases weren't working (the sleeves were coming out way too wide). So I frogged back and did them more often. That looks better.

Ah, but there's still a problem. One I didn't notice until I started the wrist ribbing. The fabric feels "different". Huh? I used the wrong size needle for the sleeve. Don't ask me how I did it... but I used a 7 instead of a 6 (which would explain why my sleeves were coming out too wide, eh?). So even tho' I've now knit this ONE sleeve twice... I'll be frogging it back to knit it a third time. So this cardigan will have had 4 sleeves knit for it before I'm done.

Oh well. At least it's an enjoyable knit (I do love this pattern... this is my third version of one of these... and I'll probably will knit it again and again.) I think I'll frog off that sleeve then do the button band (and extend the pockets by about 2") before I tackle the sleeves. Again.

At least I'm prepared...

Bring On The Complex Lace

I'm prepared

Cindy Must Knit This Cardigan

Cindy Must Knit This Cardigan in Black Water Abbey yarn
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Okay, I couldn't stand it! Had to get a photo up. Not great light, and not accurate color (it's a beautiful seafoam green). Overall I'll be giving this a thumbs up, but there are some things I would do differently. Anyway... the stats!

Project Stats:
Pattern: Must Have Cardigan (Paton's Street Smart)
Yarn: Black Water Abbey in Seafoam (the photo color is a little dull. Much prettier in person!!!)
Problems with the pattern: uh, the sizing? 13-1/2" wide sleeves? you gotta be kidding me!
Changes to the pattern: A lot. First thing I did was upsize it via gauge. Using 18 sts to 4" and size 8 needles. I followed the dimensions of the pattern, and had to rework the sleeve cap to fit (specific directions will follow). I changed the diamond pattern to start at a point rather than the widest part and I added some length. I also mirrored the diamonds.
Overall Impressions: I'm fairly happy with it. I should've started the points at the cable cross rather than right after it. I wish I had used a size 6 needles for the ribbing (I used 7's), as it's not as firm as I like my ribbing. The color is perfect, the cables pop beautifully. While the Black Water Abbey yarn is not next to skin soft (but I don't think most wools are), it's got great stitch definition and I know it's going to last for a long time. My sleeves are way too long (again, I did follow the dimension of the pattern, and the photo on the model shows her sleeves hitting her knuckles... and that's about where mine hit... should've paid more attention). This is going to be a well worn/well loved cardigan. There's a reason I called it "Cindy Must Knit This Caridgan"... favorite color, favorite styling, fab cables.

So let's say this is on your to do list, but like me need something for a fuller bust and heavy upper arms. Lets say that a 44" finished size and 15" wide sleeves would be ideal. Here's what I did:

I followed the directions for the largest size, using the same numbers to cast on/decrease and worked to the dimensions on the schematic (warning: the sleeves are long. I used 18" as my goal, the length on the smallest size and my sleeves are probably about 3" longer than I like). The only change I made was I added about an inch to the armhole opening (making it 9" rather than 8") and I had to adjust my sleeve cap to fit.

Here's what I did for the sleeve cap: I followed directions except I continued decreasing every other row until I had 41 (rather than 55), then I decreased every row until I had 25 stitches. I then cast off 3 stitches the next 4 rows (leaving me with 13 stitches) and then cast off the remaining stitches.

Sleeve cap detail
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I have to say that the sleeve cap is very tailored and I love the way it fits. I'll get a modeled photo one of these days, as I'm thrilled with how it fits (well, except the long sleeves).

More sleeve detail
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Can You Stand It???

Okay, I know this a complete tease... but my Cindy Must Knit This Cardigan is all done (sans buttons). Blocked, seamed, steamed... ready for the fall (sans buttons). Of course Matt goes to the office one day a week... Wednesday. So no modeled pic. I'll try to get one on my dressform later today (with buttons), but it won't show the masterpiece that is my sleeve cap.

Yep, my sleeve cap worked beautifully. I know you're asking me how I did it. Well, I took my 16 years of knitting experience, my life time of sewing... and guessed. Bwahahaha! I realize that's not the most productive way of doing it, but I came to the conclusion that I really enjoy knitting and hate doing math, so why not just do a little trial and error? Ya, well I know I got lucky, but it was sort of an educated guess.

So if anyone wants to make the Must Have Cardigan in a 44" finished size (I'll have to recheck my final measurements for that... I do know that my finished sleeve width was 15") I'll post how I did it via gauge. It's not that hard, as the only real math change is the sleeve cap and I'll write out my decreases.

All in all, I'm pretty happy with it. The sleeves are waaaay too long. I'm not sure I'm going to change that. Longer sleeves are sorta in style anyway and I don't really want to chop off the cable at the bottom.

Full project stats and photos to come... I promise.

Meanwhile... I'm still in this odd "get as much done as I can" mode and I'm working on Matt's Sampler Cardigan (ya, I'll get an updated photo of it too... yikes!). Again, I just have the sleeves to finish... well now just one and a half sleeves. Got a lot done on the first sleeve yesterday.

Right now, I'm off to dig thru the button box for my Must Have!

Patience is so overrated

The sleeves for the Cindy Must Knit This Cardigan are blocking... only time will tell if my mods will work.

(of course it's a damp rainy day... perfect for fast drying)

Procrastination

I minored in procrastination when I was in college. It's actually quite productive. When I'm avoiding something I don't want to do, I get a lot done. I vacuum. I do laundry. I clean out the fridge. I work on other projects...

Vanna's Tote Bag
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I started this tote bag last year. It's a simple crochet bag (free pattern from Lion Brand) to be done in cotton. Well, I had some Vanna's Choice and thought it would make a nice sturdy bag. Got so far, and put it aside to do other things. While procrastinating on my second sleeve for the Cindy Must Knit This Cardigan, I decided a little crochet would be a nice break. Within a day I had it almost done (I have one large pocket to finish). I still will have to line it and seam it up, but it's going to be a nice little tote bag when finished.

But I can only procrastinate so much... and I did get the second sleeve to the sleeve cap yesterday. So today will be the day... to figure out the right ratio of decreases to get this cap to fit. I did block the fronts and back over the weekend, so I can also seam up the shoulders and get the front ribbing on. That's not really procrastinating... since I'm working on the same project, right?

Maybe I Should Stick To Vests...

I'm concentrating on two projects right now: Mermaid (older photo, the body has been completed) and Cindy Must Knit This Cardigan. I'm at the sleeves on both. Both are having sleeve issues.

I decided to knit the medium of my Mermaid after trying it on at Stitches in the fall. The body seems to be fine (not yet blocked), but I'm able to try it on and it fits me fairly well (the boobage area is snug, but the styling of it doesn't really matter, and again, it's not blocked yet). However, I'm better than halfway on the first sleeve. It's freakishly small. It seems short and not very wide. Yes, I know the wool and garter stitch (side to side) is going to block, but I'm in a panic mode with it. Since the construction is side to side with short rows, I'm not sure if I can "fix" this one. So let's hope that I can block the krap out of it... if not, I'll have to do a gusset, as I'm not going to even try to mess around with the math for this one.

Now the sleeves on the Cindy Must Knit This Cardigan I knew I was going to have to do the math. Since the sleeves are set in style and I've changed gauge to upsize it, I knew that the sleeve caps were going to be an issue. My first attempt was to pretty much follow the directions (hoping that the gauge change was going to be enough). Um, it doesn't. I'll have to recalculate the sleeve cap (yikes!). However, I'm going to be smart about it... I'm going to knit the second sleeve to the sleeve cap so I can either do them at the same time or back to back. I know that even if I take notes, I'll still not remember exactly what I did by the time I get to the second sleeve cap.

Meanwhile... I think I'll start looking at my vest patterns...

Perfect Weather for a Wool Cardigan

Cindy Must Knit This Cardigan
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Don't even ask my why this got put aside, as I love knitting it. I'm sure I was distracted by an other project and during a "clean up" it got tossed into the closet. In the last two days I finished the second front and I'm halfway done with the first sleeve.

The pattern is my kind of knitting: simple to work and easy to memorize, yet it looks fab. The Black Water Abbey is not a smooth yarn, and I do get a little "rug burn" on my index finger if I work too long on it (actually, that might be why I took a break from it in the first place).

Just as an update on this project, I've done some changes to this pattern. First and most importantly, I've had to upsize it. The pattern is sized very small (and I understand from other's that even on gauge, the finished sweater runs smaller than the pattern states). I'm upsizing via gauge. I should have about a 43" to 44" finished sweater. I also changed the pattern set up so the diamond patterns start at a point rather than the widest part.

So it's rolling of my needles again and I hope to have both sleeves done over the next few days. I know that I won't be able to wear it anytime soon, but it'll be wonderful this coming fall. Beautiful cables in a beautiful yarn in my favorite shade of green. Let's just hope that the weather doesn't warm up so much that I can't bring myself to work on a wool sweater... at least until I get it done.

Still Disappointed

I frogged and redid the neckband on Matt's Gedifra pullover, and I'm still not satisfied. It'll be fine, but after loving this project, it sucks that it ends on a disappointment.

Matt's Gedifra 509 pullover
click to enlarge
I thought about different options, and considering the "unfinished" styling on the bottom, I figured a simple rolled neckline would probably work well with the pattern. While it's a huge improvement over the originial neckband, it seems to not quite work. The idea of ripping back and redoing it however is not in the least bit appealing... plus I'm really not sure if there is a better option.

So let's call it done for now... but with the option that the neck finishing might get readdressed down the road.

Project Stats:

Pattern: Design 509 by Gedifra (in Highlights 033)
Yarn: Cotton Ease in Hazelnut (fyi: doesn't photograph accurately)
Changes to the pattern: the pattern is written for women, so there's some waist shaping that I left out. I also changed the raglan shaping to compensate for Matt's broader shoulders/biceps. I obviously didn't do the pattern's neckband. I added the ribbing to the sleeves, as I know Matt is picky about how his sleeves fit.
Problems to the pattern: in typical translated patterns, some things simply aren't clear. I knew that I would be doing my own raglan shaping, which is good, as their directions made absolutely no sense to me.
Overall impressions: this was an absolute delight to knit. Knitting the Cotton Ease at such a tight gauge really makes for a great fabric. The cables were fun and I was very excited to work on this... it wasn't until the end when I just couldn't get the neckband to my satisfaction did I have any problems with it (and it's always hard to give a positive review when the last thing you did is the thing that you dislike the most). However, I still have to give it a thumbs up. Matt's very happy with it and likes the lower neckline (he really didn't like the turtleneck on the first attempt). He loves the way it feels and how it fits... and I can't argue with that.

Even as I write this, I'm thinking of other neckline solutions... and I'm wondering if even less of a neckband might work... like a slip stitch crochet edge? Ugh, not going to worry about it now. I've got other things to work on and maybe I just need some time to appreciate it. (as that does happen to me... other projects that I was super disappointed in when I finished end up being not as bad as I thought...)

So it's cold, dark and dreary today. Seems like a good day to cast on a new project, eh?

A quick update before bed...

I just cast off the neckband for Matt's Gedifra sweater, and the neckband isn't working. The pattern has you continue the cables up the neckband, but it's just not sitting right on him (plus it flares out and looks a little "frilly" for a guy sweater). So while I theoritically finished it by my self imposed deadline, it needs a little tweaking.

As for the rest of the sweater? He's thrilled. The fit is perfect (including sleeve length, one of his priorities). The pattern is interesting and unsual and the fabric has a great density (and is next to skin soft... an other priority). So tomorrow, I'll frog back and redo the neckband to just a simple 3X3 mock turtleneck. Shouldn't take long.

As for my other current project? I'm working on Mermaid's first sleeve. The good news is that I'm almost halfway done with it, the bad news is that it seems small... really small. My gauge should be the same as the body (I'm using the same needles), but these seem short and not very wide. Hopefully it's just a "blocking" thing (wool and garter should block well, right?).

So it's a good news/bad news kind of day. I was really hoping to go to bed with a project off the needles, but it'll have to wait til tomorrow... just like the photos.

Can't Put It Down

Matt's Gedifra Pullover 509
click to enlarge
Oh ya, I'm that close. I have to say that I really enjoy knitting with the Cotton Ease. It's simply pleasant to knit and seems to just glide over the Knitpicks Options needles, even at this tight gauge. I'm thrilled with my stitch definition and I think Matt's very excited to have me finish this.

I should have it done this week. The front is progressing exceptionally fast. I think doing the sleeves in the middle was a great idea. I'm still a little concerned about the raglan sleeves/funnel neck, but it's an easy fix if it doesn't fit.

First priority today is a little organization. I must find space for the purchases that came home with me. Plus I want to keep my current WIP's to just one or two around my knitting nest (and only one breakfast knitting project). I find I really do get more done when I limit how many things I work on. So I've got to clean up my knitting nest and get some of these "swatches" that I've been playing with put away. Maybe I'll just finish the current repeat on the Gedifra pullover before I tackle that....

Yes, I Do Own A Camera

but it never left my bag the entire weekend at Maryland Sheep & Wool.

It was a pretty nice weekend. The weather stayed nice (and actually got pretty warm on Saturday and I ended up with just a little sunburn). I have to admit that the crowds get to me. Julie and I arrived very early Saturday (around 8:30) so we were able to get into some of the booths before it got bad, but by 9:30-10:00, the barns were uncomfortably crowded. We did a quick walk thru, then went back to get a couple of things we had seen that we liked. Poor Julie was out of luck, as both of the kits she wanted were sold out. She was able to just get the pattern for one, but the other was a rug hooking kit and they were gone. All of 'em.

I got some yarn from Green Mountain Spinnery that I had been eyeing up for a couple of years now. Seemed like a good year to get it. Plus a new kit from Sheldridge Farm (of course... now I just need to actually make one... 3 kits and none are even cast on).

I will say that you could see the impact of the ecomony. Prices were higher this year. Noticably so. As a matter of fact the knitting kit that Julie missed out on, I had bought a year ago... and I paid less than what they were selling it for this year. It's just across the board. Things simply cost more.

So I think that's it for me this year. I don't plan on going to any more festivals/knitting conventions. I simply need a break. I simply don't need anything and I can't keep myself from coming home with 4 more projects. I think a year off will be good for me for many reasons. I need to use up what I already have... at least make a small dent in it. Plus I think I hit so many that I'll be more excited if there's a small break.

I will say that I am even more motivated to get some things done after these kinds of events. Matt's Gedifra sweater is still progressing nicely. Back and both sleeves are done, so it's just the rest of the front (which is cast on with one cable repeat done). I also needed an other "breakfast project" since Mr. Greenjeans is finished. I ended up dusting off my Mermaid... which only needs sleeves at this point. Got quite a bit done of the first sleeve this morning.

I'll dig my camera out of my bag at some point today and get some photos.

Speed Metal and Caffeine

a very productive combo!

I got quite a bit done on the Matt's Gedifra second sleeve yesterday, thanks to Squizz and Starbucks Tassimo.

I also got the laundry done, but I still need to pack for the weekend (leaving this afternoon for Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival). I'm driving, so no car knitting. Hopefully I'll have lots of photos (ya, I know, I never remember to take pictures). I'm not looking for anything in particular this year, and not really too excited about shopping... I simply don't need anything. Want is an other matter, so I'm sure I'll be bringing some lovely fiber home with me.

Hmmm, maybe I should make an inspirational playlist for the trip, I'm sure Julie is a big fan of Rage Against the Machine. I mean, who isn't, really?

Huge Thumbs Up

Mr. Greenjeans in Moda Dea Visions
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Still a little damp (especially on the ribbing), but close enough to get some buttons on it and a little photo shoot. All I can say is that this will get a lot of wear this coming fall/winter season. Here's the back:

Mr. Greenjeans Back View
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oh ya baby, that's some back! Works well with my sweatpants too, eh?

Project Stats:

Pattern: Mr. Greenjeans by Amy Swenson
Yarn: Moda Dea's Vision in color Karma (impossible to photograph, but lovely in person)
Changes to the pattern: gauge change. I was getting 4 sts to an inch rather than the 4.5 sts per the pattern. Easily calculated. I also decided to add buttons all the way down the front (giving me the option of just buttoning the top one or all the way down the front).
Problems with the pattern: None at all. Actually this was one of the clearest, well written patterns I've ever used. If you are considering your first sweater, this is an excellent choice.
Overall Impressions: A big assed thumbs up on this. The yarn was nice to work with, the self striping is subtle and lovely. I love the fit of the finished sweater and I know I'll be wearing this a lot when the weather gets chilly again.

I think I'm happiest with the fit. I wasn't sure if I was going to like the fit, based on some I had seen on Ravelry and the actual pattern photo (the sleeves seemed a little too dolman styled for me), but I think the fit is one of the favorite things on this. I think it's shapely on me without emphasizing my large bust. Not so easy to do with my figure.

Okay, now I'll concentrate on Matt's Gedifra sweater. I decided to tackle the second sleeve next, saving the front for last (seems less tedious that way).