March Sweater Madness!!

Thank You, Michelle!

2011-06-06T05:53:00.000-07:00

I've been remiss in posting and thanking Michelle for the gorgeous prize I received from her for my March Sweater Madness sweater.

I received 2 X 4oz braids of custom dyed Corriedale Superwash! Isn't it beautiful?! I hope I can do it justice with my beginner spinning skills.

Thank you so much again, Michelle. I had a blast during this March Sweater Madness. I am thrilled that I have a sweater to show for it that has been getting plenty of use (still need to post a modelled shot). Of course, I'm looking forward to next year's Madness?

By the way, has anyone else finished their project??

Coraline

2011-04-03T07:10:00.000-07:00

Well, we can clearly see that I have NOT finished my sweater. But I'm not giving up!!!

Hmm...

2011-03-31T16:10:00.000-07:00

Well I didn't make it however, in a last ditch effort I am going to knit a few hours before taking progress pictures to share tomorrow.
I have LOVED knitting this sweater and will keep working on it through April!
Anyone else close?

Done!

2011-03-31T08:35:00.001-07:00

This sweater is now officially done, but it didn't get this way without its share of knitting pains. The instructions were about as clear as mud and there were numerical errors. I would not recommend this pattern to someone without extensive knitting experience. On the other hand the cable patterns were easily memorized if somewhat unconventional (the smaller cable and part of the larger one is executed from the wrong side, something I've never encountered before). I did my share of tweaking to this pattern, starting with a different yarn, and therefore a different gauge. Not a major issue, as I simply ended up knitting a smaller size (once I realized that just because the gauge on the ball band matched the required one by the pattern didn't necessarily make it so!) Instead of short rows at the shoulders, I shaped them by casting off in sets of four stitches at the beginning of each row and working a k2tog and the end of each row to create a smooth contour. I cast off the band on one side but kept knitting the band on the other side once the shoulder stitches were cast off to create the neck band. I sewed the band to the sweater as I went along to get the right length and attached it to the other side. This turned out much nicer than my attempt to knit the back of the neck band as written. Because I was worried about running out of yarn, I worked a provisional cast on for the sleeves and once the body was done I simply worked the sleeves down until I ran out of yarn (I had tried to calculate the yarn required for the final cast off but ran out half way through the second sleeve and had to rip back a row of seed stitch on both sleeves to be able to finish the cast off). This is all that's left of the yarn after I finished all the seaming! Talk about stash busting. Now the sweater is going for a nice swim in some Eucalan and a blocking. Final picture once it dries.

Thanks for another great month of Madness, Michelle!

Almost!

2011-03-30T18:25:00.000-07:00

Just have the underarm stitches to kitchener in the morning! Yeay!

Maybe

2011-03-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

Stupid short rows. Or more likely my ineptitude. Short rows and I don't get along, never have. It's a hate/hate relationship. I had to rip out 2 hours' worth of knitting late last night after taking a look at my very wonky short row-shaped shoulders. Yikes. I refused to photograph the disaster. So far today I've avoided touching the sweater in case it spontaineously combusts. I will tackle those shoulders today and hope they turn out less freakish with my standard shoulder decreases. Then just to knit the rest of the sleeves until I run out of yarn. How are the rest of you doing?

Not going to happen

2011-03-28T22:32:00.000-07:00

Well -

I managed to get out of Afghanistan on a Space-A flight on the 18th. That meant that I had limited ability to haul stuff with me. The knitting went in my last box which I will get from the APO today.

Guess there is not a prayer that I am going to be able to get this puppy finished...

Next year!

How did I get here?

2011-03-22T08:13:00.001-07:00

I can't believe it's March 22. I thought I would have this thing practically done by now. The truth is, my knitting mojo has deserted me right when I needed it the most.
I've been reading instead. I don't know how it happened - I mean, I read for work all day, the last thing you'd think I'd want to read would be more literature. But someone loaned me the biography of Lucy Maud Montgomery that came out a couple of years ago, and I zipped through that. Then I got the new one on Mordecai Richler, and I am working my way through that, too. What the heck is WRONG with me this month?
I have 12 inches of the body of my blue sweater done now. I am trying to get my knitting mojo back....Darn books anyway.

Getting There

2011-03-21T10:54:00.000-07:00

I finished the lower body. I'm about to start the sleeves, but I will do a provisional cast on and only knit a small section on each one before attaching it to the body and finishing the body first. The amount of yarn may become an issue and I'd rather end up with short sleeves than an unfinished body. Here goes nothing.

Progress check!

2011-03-19T19:25:00.000-07:00

Less than 2 weeks left??? Is it just me or is March missing some days this year?
Well I have about 8 inches of the body done and am working hard at motoring along. How is everyone else doing?

Half Way Through March?

2011-03-16T09:57:00.000-07:00

How can that be? Yikes!

Well, gauge did not like me snubbing my nose in its general direction and so with two balls knit and at about 3.75", I had to rip right back to the beginning and restart--two sizes smaller! Story of my life. I recall another sweater with a similar fate. I'm on track now. I don't dare measure to prove myself delusional. I've finished one waistband chart (4 rows) and will evaluate after one more. This photo represents 19cm (7.5") of knitting. This is the side view.

Finally!

2011-03-16T05:42:00.000-07:00

I have finally mastered the set up row of this dang sweater!! i can't tell you how many times I had to rip it back and re knit. The sweater is written in pieces but I wanted to knit it in the round which didn't seem like a big issue, but geez did it ever give me a hard time.
I am now on my way with the sweater finally. Maybe this will have to be March/April sweater madness for me!

I'm in the race!

2011-03-13T07:17:00.000-07:00

Well, not really. I started this sweater a few months ago, so I'm not going for the prize. That would make me a big fat cheater pants. Here's what I'm doing:

This is the pattern photo - Ysolda's Coraline Sweater. I did not get permission to post this picture but it's the photo on the pattern I purchased. But if you're interested in the pattern, here is the link to where you can purchase it.

Here is the start to my own version. I'm not too hip on the color. Bummer. But I have the yarn and there is no stopping now. It's a copper penny color. I don't know why I picked it. What mood was I in? Hmmmm. Anyway, I am almost onto the next section which I'm looking forward to since the endless stockinette stitch on size 4 needles is getting tedious.

I would knit 500 miles

2011-03-11T05:12:00.000-08:00

So, I have almost 4 inches of ribbing! I also have had limited knitting time but comfort myself with the fact that I am knitting the whole sweater in the round.

The yarn is handspun and I'm totally in love with it. I am expecting that once I get to the actual pattern it will move a little faster. soooooo excited to be done the ribbing soon!

Barely Started

2011-03-10T22:50:00.000-08:00

Well - here it is the 11th of March and I am barely started. I have only the yarn for this one sweater here, so it is not like I can change my mind and move on to something else.

The particular Sweater is Dacapo (Hanne Falkenberg) and there are two challenges (well actually three). First the instructions are in Danish so there is that challenge. The second is ... 3mm needles and garter stitch. The final is that I have been on the road for the last several days in places where it has been too filthy to knit. Not exactly worried about the Burgundy or Navy, but cream just does not hold up well to dust and grimy hands.

At least I can show you yarn and part of the back-

Maybe....

2011-03-09T14:41:00.000-08:00

Maybe a sweater vest is a cop-out...but at least it's a men's sweater vest! All of a sudden, I have a lot going in my life. I've been unemployed for 6 months. Out of nowhere I'm looking at three offers in less than a week. I spent a lot of the last week interviewing. I've also been teaching classes and doing a lot of pattern development for a local yarn artist and a lys. I have half of the sweater vest done. Both my cameras are dead and I've yet to put them to charge. I'll post pics soon. Casting on for the other half soon.

After a Week

2011-03-08T06:56:00.000-08:00

This is all I have to show: That's only the band and set up row, one ball worth. I'm already starting to worry that I may not have enough yarn and if that turns out to be the case this could turn into a vest or a short-sleeved cardi. After all, this is a stash busting project for me.

How are the rest of you making out?

Third try lucky

2011-03-04T08:49:00.000-08:00

Well......
I cast on my sweater the other day, but realized quickly that a knitted hem was not what I was looking for. I love the look of them, but hate wearing them - they flip up and they generally annoy me. So I ripped. Then cast on again with 2x2 rib. Only to realize 6 rows in that I had twisted it. I never do that!
Third time seems to be the charm, but I am wondering if this sweater is cursed? :)

Welcome to March!

2011-03-01T17:04:00.000-08:00

Did you all cast on yet? I'm planning on casting on tonight. Throwing caution to the wind by not knitting a swatch. But having just said that, I expect to regret my choice.

Prize

2011-02-28T19:34:00.000-08:00

Did I completely forget about a prize this year? No.
Did I forget to tell you all about it, why yes I did!!

This year I will be happy to custom dye 8oz of yarn or fiber for the first sweater finisher. You must be cast off and all sew together, blocking is not a must since it takes a while to dry.

You will have to put some hustle into it, Holly is our resident sweater champion!!

Excited for the Madness!

2011-02-28T11:58:00.000-08:00

I have my sweater designed and ready to go. Pattern development is one of my favorite things, besides knitting. I can't wait to see how it turns out, as well as everyone else's.

Ready to go!

2011-02-28T06:57:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

I've wanted to join you ever since Michelle started this madness, and I guess this is the year! I am going to be knitting the Circles Yoke pullover (rav link) with all stash Cascade 220. I thought about doing a steeked cardi, but I think I am going to leave it as a pullover.
I have my yarn all wound, needles ready and pattern printed....can't wait to get going with this!

Quote

2011-02-28T06:04:00.000-08:00

"A little Madness in the Spring
Is wholesome even for the King."

Emily Dickinson

I found this quote in Interweave Knits Spring 2011. Very appropriate.

new digs

2011-02-25T20:59:00.000-08:00

I thought we could use a new look to the blog! As much as I love the pink I was a bit overloaded and plus it wasn't going to match my sweater photos (not that this will either) :D

I am ready to do some swatching tomorrow!
Anyone else have a swatch done?

Can't Wait for March 1st

2011-02-24T15:28:00.000-08:00

Woohoo! Just found a pattern I'll be knitting for March Sweater Madness. It's Turn of the Glass by Kathleen Dames from Knitty Winter 2011. I am so excited!

What will you be knitting??

Are you game?

2011-02-07T05:56:00.000-08:00

Hi Ladies!
In the midst of the craziness of a 6 month old I completely forgot about March Sweater Madness but I am ITCHING to knit a sweater.
Anyone interested in Joining me??

The End

2010-04-01T06:40:00.000-07:00

So. I was spectacularly unsuccessful during this March Madness. First time for everything. I'm blaming it on the Olympics.

On the other hand I am finally starting to at least think about knitting again...

Is anyone else of the mind that this year's Madness was a bust??

So close, but just not there!

2010-03-23T08:57:00.000-07:00

I am finished my sweater, but the sweater is not finished...I ran out of yarn.
so, I have done all I can do at this point. My friend is dyeing me a matching fiber to spin and finish up the back of the hood, but it won't be here for a few weeks.
Almost finished sweater!The ladders on the arms are yucky, but I will block them...I didn't have the right circulars!

So, I am moving on to sweater #2- Baby Surprise jacket which I wanted to wait and find out if it would be pink or blue and it looks like it will be PINK...whoo!!

Marching Along

2010-03-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

I have been March Sweater Madness-ing along, honest. Proof:

At the same time I'm still working on my Olympic sweater:

Almost done!

2010-03-18T12:27:00.001-07:00

Forever in garter stitch, but I am down to just the under sleeve seam and I-cord. Miles and miles of I-cord.......

and DONE!

sleeves sewn, I-cord finished. Just need a bit of blocking

Drops 120-45. knit from Fortissima Colori 6 fach. 10 balls (50gm) plus about 75 gms of Knit Picks Palate on 3.00 needles

quick and dirty!

2010-03-12T08:06:00.000-08:00

Progress has halted on the sweater...I have a nephew making his appearance soon and needed a welcome hat!
However here is a night time macbook pic of my progress...the sweater is knit in one piece so I just have to add sleeves and a hood and I'm done...hopefully by sunday!

Also we found out that I will be knitting from now on in PINK!!

If not one challenge, it is another

2010-03-09T10:49:00.001-08:00

So there I was with problem number one

Notice the nice 90º turn? The intelligent use of the double increase? I thought not.

second attempt

Much better, sweater now clicking along.

I finish the first front (and you can clearly see why my first attempt didn't work)

I knit the second front and started on the back extension. Reaching for another ball of yarn, I discovered a slightly disconcerting problem - only two balls of yarn left (actually three when I get attempt #1 frogged). Serious issue - If each front plus side extension takes four balls of yarn and I have two left - what are the chances I can get the whole upper back out of what I have left?

(more pain and the rest of the story here.

ugh!

2010-03-08T14:10:00.000-08:00

I actually made some good progress over the weekend on my "boom baby boom" sweater! It is knit in one flat piece and i am almost done the body. Pics to come soon!

Behind

2010-03-03T07:59:00.000-08:00

Naturally. First time since Michelle created March Sweater Madness I am not prepared to start my Madness project. Huh.

I am going to be working on finishing my Olympic sweater, which is 4 rows short of a finished body and two sleeves. I am optimistic this can be accomplished in a week (or so I hope!). Once the Olympic sweater is done, I anticipate getting right into knitting the March Sweater.

Hope springs eternal.

Baby Steps

2010-03-01T09:11:00.001-08:00

Since my fall sweater took forever I will be making 2 mini sweaters this march.
There is a little someone who will be here at the end of July that deserves his/her own handknits.
So I am starting with some handspun first and knitting a pattern called snug with some Funky Carolina in boom
The second sweater I will be knitting will be the Baby Surprise jacket, but am waiting until the 10 to find out it it will be pink or blue!

It is March 1st!

2010-03-01T07:26:00.000-08:00

Hi All!
Here it is, the first of March. The sun is shining and I started my sweater. Not that I don't have several things on the needles that need to be completed, but MSM just seems to call for something fun!

I am knitting Drops 120-45 in a bright and cheerful Fortissima Colori that I purchased on sale. Of course, it would really help if I read the pattern correctly. As soon as I get home, I will show you pictures of what I did.

-Holly

Hi Ladies

2010-02-23T05:39:00.001-08:00

Just to clarify, we are picking our own pattern and yarns this year!

Since we are all MSM

2010-02-13T10:26:00.000-08:00

Since we are all MSM experienced I think we should do a March Sweater Madness Kal! That way we can all support each other in our crazy marathon!

Now to rummage my stash and see what I want to knit! Anyone else?

2010-02-01T12:16:00.000-08:00

Thank you for the reminder Holly! My husband had surgery on friday and my sister in law is expecting soon...I may just have forgotten about MSM!! The Horror!!

I will start scheming and making plans and also taking suggestions for sweaters!
Does anyone have a preference whether we have a contest or KAL?

29 Days to go

2010-01-31T04:11:00.001-08:00

or something like that....

What are we going to knit for March Madness?

As it turns out, these last few years sweaters have been most worn and loved (the first one by my daughter, the most recent by me).

I am thinking back to Drops because they are free and really like Drops 115-1.

There is also the matter of already having enough yarn on hand....

FO Pictures!

2010-01-06T19:18:00.000-08:00

I completely finished my CPH on December 23rd, and gifted it to my sister for Christmas. Her husband was nice enough to send me a couple of pictures.

Thanks for letting me knit along, even though I took way longer than the prescribed time. And thanks for all of your encouraging words along the way!

On the needles

2009-12-03T01:20:00.001-08:00

A pile of knitting....
I will bore you today with Drops 114-3

As I am now at the endless garter stitch lower portion of the cardigan.

How about March? Are we going to start thinking right after the first of the year? I have my yarn. It is red.

I did it!

2009-11-15T07:28:00.001-08:00

I reached my goal of finishing the front before Chris comes home...literally a few hours before, but none the less the front is cast off and I can start on the sleeves now!

Drops

2009-11-14T07:31:00.001-08:00

Personally, I think this is the next one I'll be attempting. Drops 117-13.

New Sweater Love

2009-11-12T22:53:00.000-08:00

I have fallen in love with another drops jacket design - it is here.

If you hadn't noticed, on their pattern drop down - they have a list of extra patterns. So far most are available only in British, rather than American (for those who care) and several a quite nice.

My dream list keeps growing. Now how can I possibly wear all these sweaters?

2009-11-12T08:43:00.000-08:00

I have the first cable repeat on the front done. It's slower going for sure but I should have it done for Christmas.

2009-11-10T08:48:00.001-08:00

10 More inches to go on the front! I am getting there...slooooowly. This has been the longest sweater I have knit...not from start to finish, but in hours..it just won't move...never again will I make a ribbed sweater....
However, I really REALLY think Chris will love it! I am determined to get the front finished this week!

Clear as Mud

2009-11-08T14:28:00.000-08:00

I'm making progress on sweater for hubby. I figured if I started with the back and all that stockinette, I'll make progress quickly and won't want to put it down when a more interesting project presents itself. I had the ribbing done, and about two inches of the body when I decided to read more of the instructions. The increase instructions weren't all that clear, so I ripped back, did things my way and knit happily along about halfway up the back. The "as on front" was making me cranky because I wasn't following instructions; I was on the back instead of the front. I am now certain, without even a shadow of doubt that if I had just done as instructed, I would not be in this mess now. I am not clever. Do not mock me. I realize now that you should not skim through patterns, you should totally and absolutely read them in their entirety and not smirk or call the pattern rubbish until you have done so (not as I have done). What it comes down to, now that I have read every word of this pattern, is that I should have increased on the sides at specified points ("as on front"), and not evenly in the first stockinette row. Small dilemma: to rip and increase properly, as instructed, or let bygones be bygones and carry on?

My plan for now is to (don't laugh or mock me, please) cast on the front and follow the instructions to the letter. I specifically went out today and bought a set of 6mm needles so I could do this. Once I get to the same point on the front as I am on the back I can decide if ripping back will be absolutely necessary or if I'll be able to join the sides without everything looking wonky. (Another good example why patterns written for circular needles are far superior, but that is not the point here.)

Note: this sweater is not a secret anymore. My darling daughter spilled the beans yesterday. I still love her.

All but the hood!

2009-11-05T10:26:00.001-08:00

I finally finished sewing the sleeves in on my CPH - and picked up for the hood. I can feel the finish line close at hand!! How is everyone else doing on their fall sweaters?

Cast On

2009-11-05T06:14:00.000-08:00

This is what I'm working on. Drops 85-6. Shockingly enough, I got gauge on the first try using a strand of Briggs & Little Heritage and a strand of Patons Classic Wool to give me the 13 stitches to 4" on 6mm needles. I decided to knit this sweater in pieces as written to make this project more portable. I wonder what the odds are that I will be able to get this done for Christmas?

BTW, I've decided to take part in Pay it Forward again this year. If you would, too, drop by my place. I still have 3 spots open.

sweater week madness

2009-10-31T11:14:00.000-07:00

Chris is leaving for two weeks..I am going to knit like mad and finish his sweater!! wHOO..so excited!
Anyone want to kal with me and see how far we can go in two weeks?

I FINISHED THE SLEEVES!!!

2009-10-20T05:45:00.001-07:00

I finished my CPH Sleeves while at Rhinebeck this weekend.
Pictures after I block the sleeves and body and seam them all together.
:)

Speaking of March

2009-10-19T14:16:00.001-07:00

I have been looking at this sweater

which has been obviously stolen from Drops on this page.

It has a nice gauge (worsted weight yarn) with enough detail to keep a knitter entertained but should not take forever.

It might just be my March Sweater since it looks like something that could even be finished (and is not knit on size 3.00 mm needles

not done either...

2009-10-16T06:07:00.000-07:00

but I will have a bunch of time to work on the sweater this weekend so I will be back with progress shots early this week.

Thank you all so much for participating...I am looking forward to march!

Not Done..

2009-10-16T04:01:00.000-07:00

Congrats to all of you who have finished on time!

I finished my Faery Ring, but that was already in progress. (enough stitches left for two socks)
I finished my Pagode, but that was already in progress. (enough stitches left for six socks)
Fafner went hiding for two weeks in the middle and then I decided I really didn't like the way it looked so it is destined for the frog pond.

The best I can offer is Drops 108-1 (Fabel on 3.00 m needles. takes a while) and it currently looks rather strange...

ah well. It is mindless...

Done!

2009-10-15T19:36:00.000-07:00

I have some really poor pictures of the cabled duffle coat which is done but still not blocked. I decided to pass on the hood for the time being because the coat is so heavy. Definitely cuddly and warm, though.

Pandora testing the buttons to make sure I sewed them on well.

OK, don't laugh....

2009-10-15T13:23:00.000-07:00

I made my sleeves too long. WAAAAAY TOOOO LONG! Waaaaaah! I don't want to rip - I'm off to the bathroom mirror to see just how bad the mistake is...
Ha hah aaaa CRap. They're too long. sigh. Well, I'll just roll up the cuff. There's no way in hell I'm ripping back. I can live with the mistake.

I'm onto the hood. How is everyone else doing? I see more CPHoodies! WHOOHOOOO!

Almost There

2009-10-15T10:59:00.000-07:00

Today being the last day of the KAL, I am making that final push to get my duffle coat finished. The neck is done, the back hem is done, the cables are fixed on both sleeves. The front hems remain to be sewn up, the sleeves set in and sides seamed, plus the buttons attached. I hope to have all that done before the night is finished, at which point I'll post pictures.

Remember me?

2009-10-15T08:03:00.000-07:00

Hi there! Remember me? I was all fired up to join this KAL and then didn't post on the blog for the entire month? Remember? Well I'm back! And posting once again, as today marks the official end of the KAL, right?

Honestly, I don't know why I join these things, I never participate as I should. But in my defense, there has been a LOT going on chez DearKnits over the past month. For instance, the only reason I have time to post this morning is because I'm home from work, waiting to accompany my husband to the hospital where he'll be having plastic surgery on his hand for the second time in 3 weeks. Fun!

Be that as it may, I have been participating in spirit, and I have a finished object to share!

Yup, I went with the Garter Yoke Cardigan after all, knit with Shelridge Farm Soft Touch W4 in the Cranberry colourway. I bought this yarn at Rhinebeck last year, and I figured it'd be a good idea to use it before buying more this year. Sadly, I won't be going after all (see above mention of husband's surgery - *sigh*), but I'll still have a lovely cardigan! (you know, once it's done blocking and I sew on the buttons).

I think I might be addicted to this knitting cardigans thing. I've already got the yarn and pattern lined up for the next one: it'll be the Honeybee Cardigan using Malabrigo Sock. Yum! But before I can get to that, there's the impendingness of Christmas to deal with...

Happy Knitting Everyone!

Rrrrrip!

2009-10-12T12:12:00.000-07:00

It didn't take long to get to the bottom. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Throwing Caution to the Wind

2009-10-11T11:40:00.000-07:00

I finished knitting both fronts of my sweater and it's been languishing around while I debated the pros and cons of not blocking before assembly. I know there is a possibility that this won't end well, but I plan to sew it all up without blocking, that is, after I tackle the sleeve cables. I just want to get it done. I realize that knitting a big sweater doesn't exactly fall under the instant gratification label, but I really can't visualize myself waiting for the pieces to dry on the blocking boards. After the seaming, I'll tackle the neck band and hood (possibly removable).

To see what else I've been knitting skip over to my blog.

Impressive!

2009-10-09T16:18:00.000-07:00

I am so impressed by your progress Sarah, Holly and Barb! I am working on the front...about 3 inches in...looks EXACTLY like the back did at the beginning...no idea why this sweater is moving at a snails pace, but I am plugging away.

Real Progress!

2009-10-09T05:25:00.000-07:00

I finished the body of my CPH, and I'm on to the sleeves.
I am still hoping to finish all the main pieces before Rhinebeck...
Then I can just do the hood and button bands after.

Thanks Michelle and Holly

2009-10-07T04:51:00.000-07:00

You two hit the nail on the head. I suspect that the sleeves as they are now would bother me to no end, but not until the whole thing was sewn up. And yes, I would grumble and carry on endlessly.

It just occurred to me, however, that I don't have to rip the whole sleeves. That is the path to madness. I have the skill to fix this problem in a rather simple and much faster way. Duh! I had one of those 'slap my forehead' moments as I read your comments. Fix it, you said. Easy! Since there is only one cable per sleeve, I plan on tinking the bind off edge and dropping the cable stitches and simply re-knitting those! Why didn't I think of this before?!?

Thanks Michelle for providing this forum for airing out knitting issues. You have saved me going down the path to madness. Seriously!

Not the KAL but

2009-10-06T23:44:00.000-07:00

my Faery Ring is done (well ok, I will block it this weekend. Once I take it off).

one more thing off the needles -

which reminds me, I know what I want to knit next march. Look at the new Drops catalog. There is a fabulous cardigan with just the right amount of cabling....

Cabled Duffle Coat Update

2009-10-06T10:59:00.001-07:00

Back. Left front almost to armpit decreases.Two sleeves. Can you figure out my oops? Since I knit the sleeves first, I didn't realized that I made a mistake until I was knitting the back, at which point I chose to ignore my screw up. But now that the coat is getting rather close to finishing, I am starting to wonder if there will be more ripping in my future. The problem is that I crossed the cables every 8th row on the sleeves instead of every 6th. Now it's starting to bother me. Maybe that's what has been causing my right eye to twitch in that most annoying way. Grrrrr.

What would you guys do if this was yours to deal with??

One Front Done!

2009-10-06T05:16:00.000-07:00

I finished the left front of my CPH! I'm hoping to finish at least one more piece of it tonight, because I'm hoping to block the body before the weekend. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Fafner Update

2009-10-01T07:28:00.000-07:00

and a few other things while I am at it.

Returned from a conference in Munich last Sat so late that it was Sunday before I arrived home. Or maybe it wasn't, but I was too tired to know the difference.

I did make some progress on Fafner while I was gone - this is the back because the front on the right looks the same and the left is plain for adding the dragon.

Then there are another couple projects that have just been hanging on forever. Wed night I managed to finally finish up Pagode. It is a Hanne Falkenberg pattern. So think 3.00 mm needles and endless garter stitch. Since I did not want to knit it in 3 pieces, but instead essentially turned it into EZ like origami - that first row was almost 1000 stitches long.

and this is where I am on Faery Ring - no so far, but have made more progress from here and have only 16 rows to go on the second sleeve... After that - it will only be the hood to go. Argh!

CPH III Update

2009-10-01T05:08:00.000-07:00

Knitting continues, somewhat slowly on my Central Park Hoodie. I had the chance to work on it first at knit night, then at a blues concert last evening. I don't think the glass of wine I had while I was knitting even caused me to mess anything up!

I love the way this yarn is knitting into a really soft heather-y fabric, and think my sister is really going to enjoy getting it as a christmas gift.

So far, I have knit the first 12 inches of the body. Thats only 2.5 inches to go before I split to knit the fronts and back separately. I cant wait, cause I am sure progress will seem much quicker then.

Slowgress

2009-09-29T12:09:00.001-07:00

Progress update:
I measured him today...he's 15" so far and needs to go to 26 for the back. Turns out there is no shaping so I will just keep knitting and knitting until I reach the end!
There is a very good chance that I am not going to be finished this sweater on time which totally bums me out because it will be my first time not hitting close to the deadline, but I will still keep trying and see how close I can get...on the flip side...Chris is going to LOVE this sweater!

Thrilled

2009-09-28T15:35:00.000-07:00

I am very happy to report that I did meet my goal of finishing the second sleeve on Saturday. I also started on the back and made decent progress on it yesterday, although haven't touched yet today. Plan on knitting on it during House.

I didn't want a big chunky knit but I have to admit I like how fast it's knitting up! I look forward to having a cozy coat to cuddle into as the days get shorter and colder. I've actually been looking at the pattern and wondering if this design would accommodate a hood without looking overly bulky around the neck.

Extended Madness

2009-09-28T10:16:00.000-07:00

Since I have completed exactly 4 cable crosses on my CPH, I will be extending my "madness" until the official end of the fall season. Normally, finishing a sweater in a month wouldn' be too much of a stretch for me. I think I just got distracted by all the quilting I've been doing. Anyway, I hope its ok with everyone if I keep posting my progress until I finish the sweater. Hope you gals will do the same if you don't finish!

2009-09-27T19:15:00.000-07:00

Note to self: Do NOT pick secret knitting for a one month sweater!
My progress is so sad...I keep knitting...but am STILL on the back...ugh ribbing!

Back in the Game

2009-09-25T17:49:00.000-07:00

No, it's not your eyes playing tricks on you. I ended up frogging the rest of what I had knit before. I hummed and hawed for a while and after stash diving, I came up with a different group of colours, ones that appeal a lot more to me for this project. I knit through the season premier of Grey's Anatomy and had about half a sleeve done by the time the credits rolled. I got back at it today; it was a miserable rainy day, perfect for knitting and this is my progress so far. I hope to have the second sleeve done by the end of tomorrow but that remains to be seen.

I'd love to see everyone's progress, no matter how small.

Before and After

2009-09-24T07:46:00.000-07:00

Before:

After:

Sometimes it's wiser not to mess with the pattern. I got gauge. I should have realized that all the other numbers were written as they were for a reason, and I would pay dearly for messing with them. Oh, the pain of learning the hard way. I was to the sleeve cap decreases, almost 20" worth of knitting, most of which I had to rip back because where the pattern said to increase every 4th row, I increased every 6th row, thinking that the sleeves would be too wide as written. Apparently the designers write the patterns to save me all that nasty thinking stuff. Go figure.

I finally cast-on!

2009-09-23T07:17:00.000-07:00

I finally cast on for my Central Park Hoodie yesterday. It will be a Christmas Present for my sister - so I am super glad for this blog to talk about this otherwise secret knitting.

The yarn is Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed in a light gray colorway (number 360010). It has flecks of black, light pink, blue and green in it. It is a super soft yarn - and a two ply that has the look of a singles yarn. I was able to spit splice the first two balls together perfectly, which I am really excited about because it means less ends to weave in and I will save a little extra yardage.

I am knitting the fronts and back together, and will split at the armpits...for now I have finished the 3.5 inches of ribbing, plus the first 4 pattern rows for the sweater.

And as you may notice, I marked each cable with a F or a B to say whether or not to hold the cable to the front or the back, now I don't have to watch the pattern anymore, just my row counter. I am really excited to see this fabric shape up!

You wanted a picture?

2009-09-22T11:10:00.001-07:00

I'm afraid it isn't too thrilling of a pic...it is grey and rainy here today...the sweater is grey...doesn't make for too exciting a photo, but none the less here it is!

The sweater is a garter stitch rib all over so I have about 5-6 inches of the back done.
We had a big wedding last week and a big birthday this week so progress is slow, but he's coming along.
I can't wait to get the back done and start on the front...the back is always the most boring part...so far I don't think chris has caught on that I am knitting something for him..I do it mostly at night and am feeling sneaky because I knit in bed while he sleeps...Muwah ha ha!

Finally Started

2009-09-21T06:37:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I managed to figure out the colour combination of yarns (three!) that would give me gauge. See that? An honest to goodness swatch. I even cast on the first sleeve, but didn't make much progress beyond the first 4 rows.

I'm here!

2009-09-18T20:44:00.000-07:00

Hi ladies, I am still here and have started my sweater...sorry for the lack of blogging. Chris' brother is getting married tomorrow and as chris remarked he has probably done more for this wedding than he did for his own! It has been a bit crazy...next week (my mom's 60th birthday) should be a bit calmer after our house guest's leave so i promise a progress report!

Halfway to Cast On

2009-09-18T14:14:00.000-07:00

I didn't get your comment in time, Holly, to select my yarn first. Now I finally have a pattern selected that I am practically drooling over but still searching for yarn, which is a combination of two. The pattern I have in mind is called Cabled Duffle Coat from Knitter's Fall 2006. The link takes you to a picture and what it would cost for a kit. Outrageous!

Look at how fast I can knit!

2009-09-17T14:12:00.000-07:00

I cast on yesterday and look how far I am today! MWOOHAHAHAAAAA JUST KIDDING!!!

This is my sweater that I started months ago. It's my first Central Park Hoodie in a wierd 'raw hamburger' sort of colorway (by the way, thanks for all the encouragement about that darn pink color). I'm almost done with the sleeves and have to start looking for a place the block the huge thing . . . any ideas? I still have the whole edge thingy to knit - oh and the hood. Honestly, I don't know how you people can knit these things in a month.

I know. . . I'm cheating. I also started (about a million months ago, too) a sweater for my new niece that should be arriving any day now.

b14-27 Jacket by DROPS design

Barely Started

2009-09-17T13:07:00.001-07:00

In the evening, the light in my room is horrible. Energy saving bulbs are all well and good, but taking photos without flash shows you just about how dark I find the place.

This yarn is what most of us would think of as fishermans. A nice weight natural colored yarn that is meant to show of stitches and pattern while happily being obscured in the background.

I have cast on not quite 200 stitches on my 3.00 mm needles and am cussing my way through twisted rib while listening to Bellweather by Connie Willis in audio. I didn't want anything stressful, ugly or mean. No thrillers, mysteries or blood. Back to scifi with ideas.

One month? I must be nuts!

Already Behind

2009-09-17T08:06:00.000-07:00

Would all believe that I still haven't picked out my pattern? Or the stash yarn that I plan to use? I have been flipping through about a dozen knitting books and hope to have something selected and hopefully even casted on today.

I'm looking forward to seeing your yarn selection, Michelle.

A Day Late and Dollar Short

2009-09-16T09:54:00.000-07:00

Well, I'd say I meant to cast on for my sweater project last night, but was unable to on account of my husband severely cutting his ring finger and needing to be taken to the emergency room. But that'd be a lie. Not that Hubby didn't need to go to the emergency room (he did), but rather that I had no intention of casting on last night.

The trouble is that it turns out I'm - basically - a fickle beotch when it comes to knitting. I think a fair amount of fickleness (fickleosity?) is sort of a natural side-effect of evolving into a proper Knitter, along with UFOs, WIPs and a stash. But really, this is getting out of hand.

I started out just wanting to knit a(nother) sweater, because I was high on the exhiliration of a completed cardigan for myself (Laura Chau's Amelia). I really had no idea which pattern I would choose, I just knew I wanted it to be knit from the stash.

Then I thought "Wouldn't it be nice to knit a sweater for the kids?". I have 2 children, a 5 year-old daughter and a 2-year old son, and I haven't really knit anything significant for them in a while. Great idea! But drat, I don't really have the right yarn for those kinds of projects in the stash, and I couldn't guarantee my credit card (or my marriage for that matter!) would survive a perusal of KnitPicks intact. Besides, in addition to being fickle, it turns out I'm also quite selfish, heh. Screw the kids, I wanted to knit something for myself!

So scratch that. Maybe I could get the jump on Christmas knitting? I've been meaning to knit my Dad a sweater for ages.... But the thought of knitting a sweater for a size 42-inch chest within a month left me staring off into space, making incoherent noises.

Now I'm smitten with Laura Chau's newly released Honeybee Cardigan, but don't have the yarn for it, natch. And then it hit me: The Garter Yoke Cardigan. I've had some lovely Shelridge Farms worsted in the stash for a year that I think would be awesome for this project.

Oh yes, this is the one. Or, you know, not. :)

My Stuff

2009-09-16T04:26:00.000-07:00

I am going to have to cheat and call my version "March Finish-the-Sweater-I'm-Already-Working-On". My first grown-up sweater is nearing completion and this KAL will motivate me to finish it so that it can actually be worn this fall.

My first Central Park Hoodie:

And were off!

2009-09-15T07:06:00.000-07:00

Hope you are all ready to cast on today! Just think...in one month we will all have new sweaters!!

Tom

2009-09-14T07:25:00.000-07:00

I decided to use this opportunity to knit chris' christmas sweater!
I will be knitting Tom from the queensland collection book in Mission falls that chris picked out some time ago. I try to knit a sweater for him every year and I often fail to get the right fit so this year I measured him and am hoping for the best!

Blogger is having image upload issues right now so I will have to wait to show you the yarns.

Ready to cast on tomorrow...now just to find my needles and swatch!!

Brage

2009-09-12T23:38:00.001-07:00

If no one minds - I have a sweater to knit that is going to accomplish dual duty. There are four of us on the Ravelry Elsepth Lavold Group that have decided to recreate "that dragon sweater."

Since there is not a pattern (except in her first book of some runes and Fafner's head) each of us is obviously going to be doing a slightly different version.

I have also decided that everything, for the rest of this year, needs to be knit from stash (excluding things that come only in kits - if I am desperate for a pattern, all bets are off).

I am going to
1) change the runes on the front to say something other than the sweater's name. I might put ruins up the sleeves rather than the cable patches on the elbows
2) thinking about turning the sweater into a cardigan (steeks of course) and extending Fafner's tail to make a line of button holes down the front.

-Holly
(meanwhile, as of Sat eve, I have just the finishing on Pyramide, the shoulders, neck, collar and armhole ribbing on my vest and Stillwater has been frogged).

YEAH!! (an intro from Sarah)

2009-09-10T05:02:00.000-07:00

Hey all! I just wanted to chime in and do a little intro. I am so glad to be part of Fall Sweater Madness! I will be knitting my third Central Park Hoodie out of Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed. I was lucky enough to get some of this on sale...it is supersoft and the gray with flecks of pink/green/blue/black/white is really pretty, and quite neutral.

A sweater that goes with everything is what I am aiming for, as this is a super-secret surprise Christmas present for my sister Jen. This is the perfect forum for me to share the progress. I can't wait to knit along with you all starting on the 15th!!

Funny You should ask!

2009-09-09T19:50:00.000-07:00

We are gearing up for the Fall Sweater Madness KAL which starts on Sept 15th. A collective decision was made to just knit along on our own patterns and race to finish a sweater in a month as opposed to myself dictating the patterns and having prizes...we will do that again for sure in March.

So if you would like to KAL with us, just let me know and I will add your name to the MSM blog so you can show us your progress!

Several of the ladies asked me for some inspiration in choosing their patterns and I had come up with a few that I was going to suggest so here they are...all free patterns in worsted weight!

February Lady Sweater

Hey Teach!

Mariah

Titania

Once again you are free to choose your own pattern and weight, these are just some suggestions that I would have used!

Our KAL will run from September 15th to October 15th and we will be cheering each other on and showing our progress and of course modeling our newest FO!

My plans include a Sweater for Chris...I often am knitting the night before Christmas so I thought this would be a great opportunity to get his sweater done early!

Join us!

Madness News?

2009-09-09T08:34:00.000-07:00

Hi Michelle! Hi Everybody!

Has there been a decision made on a pattern for the Fall Madness? Yarn and gauge requirement?

Now that I've finally finished my March Sweater, pictures posted at my blog, I'm ready to roll.

So who will be joining us?

Madness or Kal

2009-08-24T20:01:00.000-07:00

Hi Ladies,
Quick question. would you prefer to do the Fall sweater madness as we do in march where I choose the pattern or would you prefer to do a month long KAL where you choose your own pattern and we all knit along for the month to finish an adult sized sweater...so you can knit whatever sweater you would like.
Kal or Madness...what do you think?

Fall sweater madness

2009-08-23T07:23:00.000-07:00

As many of you know we do the March Sweater Madness race every March, but this year a few of the ladies and I are itching for a fall sweater and have decided to KAL for a month. We will be starting our KAL from Sept 15th to Oct 15th and the patterns will be released on the morning of the 15th.

Yarn requirements and gauge descriptions will be posted earlier so that you may stash dive for supplies!

Let me know if you are interested!

September sweater madness

2009-07-28T13:33:00.001-07:00

Anyone interested in a Fall round??

Looking ahead

2009-07-23T14:18:00.000-07:00

Ok - has anyone looked at the lovely patterns that are coming out from Drops this fall?

There are vests, cardigans, and sweaters.

Perhaps if we start thinking about it now?

-Holly

(who needs to start finishing up what is on the needles....)

Let Sleeping Dog Lie

2009-05-05T07:12:00.000-07:00

I guess this will be the end for yet another year of March Sweater Madness. It was fun while it lasted. No, I didn't get my sweater finished, first time in three years. On the other hand, I did finish a UFO in April. The pictures of the baby sweater can be found on my blog.

Holly I still owe you a gift for finishing your March Sweater Madness. I will get in touch soon to get your mailing address.

Have a great year and knit on.

Multi-Tasking

2009-04-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

Hi! Where is everyone? Out enjoying the nice spring weather? I know I have been. In light of that I've switched to a smaller UFO that needed my attention.

This is a wool sweater that I'm designing as I go along, for my cousin's baby, who is 9 months old. I have to get this done ASAP before he grows out of it without a chance to wear it. I've just started on the second sleeve, then need to knit the button placket and a hood and assemble it.

Let's see what the rest of you are working on.

Still Working on It

2009-04-10T08:19:00.000-07:00

I vow that this Drops sweater will not remain a UFO much longer!

April Is For UFOs

2009-04-04T09:41:00.000-07:00

Holly had a great idea! Let April be a month of UFO completion.

I already started. On April 1st, I finished a dishcloth that's been gathering dust for more months than I care to admit to. Then I knit two more the same day. And that is how I got my knitting groove back. Thank goodness! On April 2nd, I picked up my March Sweater Madness sweater after almost a two week break, and as of last night I am up to the armpits and ready to cast on the sleeves. Long live progress.

So will we have any joiners this month?

Holly, I forgot to ask when you finished your sweater, would you like a first finisher gift or to do a mini swap?

Progress

2009-03-22T10:46:00.001-07:00

I have the first button hole made, as well as the first set of side decreases. That is progress, right? Slow, but progress nevertheless. After all, I've used up two full balls of ALaFloss Lopi already. May I take this opportunity to congratulate Holly on her speedy finishing of her March Sweater Madness sweater. Great job, Holly!

May I also state that I am quite disappointed that no one else has joined us this year. There is still time, ladies.