Category: Knit Page 63 of 88

Yup. I finally finished the blue sweater. It took 2 evenings to sew up, crochet the collar, and weave all those ends in. And I used one skein less than I originally calculated.

It’s a basic drop shoulder sweater to replace my favorite sweatshirt. The silouette is almost identical to the sweatshirt that I bought over 10 years ago. I bought it on a trip and have never been able to find another one like it. And it looks a bit ratty now. Or should I say katty? It’s got punctures from all the kitty cat claws over the years.

Now that I’ve figured out a pattern for it, I foresee at least another one in the near future.

No pictures until the weekend. That’s how I’ve decided to solve the problem of not posting more often. I don’t have time to fiddle with the pictures, cropping, uploading, and then updating the blog during the week. I feel guilty for not updating more often. I stress. And I post less.

Well, I’ve decided that I don’t have to have pictures every day. And feeling guilty and stressing defeats the purpose of this blog. It’s supposed to be fun. It’s supposed to document my progress through exploring the various fiber arts. It’s not supposed to be a point of stress.

I’ve always hated finishing. Seams give me the heebeejeebees. Picking up neckline stitches give me nightmares. How do you pick up the stitches without puckers? What’s the right ratio again? And don’t get me started on sewing up sleeves to the body of the garment. How do you get rid of that unsightly seam?

I’ve found a great reference. How to Become an Expert Knitter is just what the doctor ordered. My sleeve seams are gorgeous. And that “zippy” feeling when you tighten up your stitches is pretty nifty too.

With that, I should be wearing a new sweater sometime this week.

There are 3 more days in the quarter. I’ve been trying to tackle all the WIPs to cut it down a bit in order to come close to my quarterly goals. I’m one sleeve plus 3″ from finishing one sweater, and most of a sock to go. I don’t know if I’ll make it.

My optimism went out the window after I bought yarn and started a holiday sweater vest for moi! the evening before the party that I wanted to wear it for. And the following day was a work day. Needless to say, I didn’t wear new duds for the party.

Overall, the vest took about 10 hours to do. I might have made it if I didn’t have to work that day. Once deflated, it sat in a corner until Boxing Day.

In any case, my shoulder is hurting again, and my left thumb is hurting from the way I hold my left needle. Yes, I can change my style for something more ergonomic. But that means slowing down. If I slow down, I don’t meet my self imposed deadline…

Some beautiful rovings came in the mail from The Dye Pot. I really want to play with it, but I have to focus on finishing this sweater.