Three steps forward, two giant steps back

First, no Mr. Greenjeans. That baby must be ripped to the CO, and I must admit I'm considering other patterns for that yarn. Drooping at the shoulders, baggy across the back and too small at the hips is a recipe for a sweater that lives in the bottom of the drawer and I like this yarn too much for that fate. I'll try to get photos for the next post for proof of it's hideousness, but no guarantees because it depresses me. More likely that I'll just suddenly jump up, screw the ball winder to the table and have at it. I'm not giving up on the pattern forever - I just need to make a smaller size with a more giving pattern at the bottom, but I'm not feeling the love today.

So, that's giant backward step one... here's two:

Cast on about the same time as Mr. Greenjeans and victim of the same over-sizing. This is Rowan's Foxtail pattern in their Tapestry yarn. It's a cute little swing jacket that should be a no-brainer. The bottom portion is knitted as one piece, so it is supposed to be 40" for me. Wha'da'ya think, is 11+" of ease a tad too much? Jeez! Feel like an idiot that it took 10" of knitting to notice this, but my excuse is that it's been jammed on the needles so the true width was hidden until I gained some length. Also, it's been my carry-around project since before Christmas that I've picked up and put down 100's of times. So, while I'd occasionally think "damn this thing seems wide", I'd check the pattern, see that I was (supposedly) on track and keep at it. Did some spot measuring and it seems my gauge meanders from the spec'd 22 to as large as 20.5.

The fabric doesn't show that variation - it looks lovely. I like the yarn too, though on the #5's I used to get gauge I had a little trouble with splitting. Now I'm going to CO on with KnitPic's #6's (sharper tips), but with 12" fewer stitches. I've yet to count, but my guesstimate is this will knock off a good 50 stitches plus per row and I'm ok with that.

So, what's moving forward?

Finished all eight panels of Skeppsta. This has been excellent evening knitting. I'm going to miss the click clack of those huge needles and the fun of building those short row wedges. Now it's time to block and sew. Going to start the sleeves after sewing up the body since it's very wide. I don't mind this one wide - that's the design, but I do have short arms, so I think my sleeves will be more stubs than sleeves. Need to get a good measure to refigure the increases. I want to finish this one soon while we still have cold evenings around the house.

Another step forward, and into new territory no less:  Aran Sweater from Interweave Winter 2005.

This is not TV knitting for me, but I can listen to audio books. Thrilled to be using this long stashed  Jaeger Shetland Aran and an old magazine. This feels downright virtuous! Very happy that I downloaded the improved chart. No mistakes were made on the original, but that one lower part of the X on the right side is different from the repeat and I don't think I would have seen that on the magazine's tiny chart. Color coding is my new favorite technique!

Only one mistake so far and I'm letting it go (right side just below center in this photo). This is the back side, so once I'm finished I won't have to look at it.

Hum, what was that third step forward ... ? Oh yeah, I'm starting my blocks again. Found three discontinued colors of the Plymouth Tweed on Webs that my LYS didn't have. I really needed some more darks, so that cool brown and dark blue are perfect. The light aqua on the left is new too.

For you quilters, I've got some of that brewing too. Planning to tap this New Year's time to clear the decks energy.

Comments

[Maria]

I'll cry with you over the Greenjeans! I just felted and cut up a huge Big Kureyon cardigan. It was too big, so I tried to felt it a little bit. It stayed as wide and just got shorter. I cut it up and I'm either going to make a bag or pillow out of it. The most expensive pillow I've ever owned!

I love your blocks and I'm waiting on quilt stuff!!

[Geri Barr]

Those blocks! That is a seriously gorgeous piece of knitting! What is the pattern? I love your choice of colours! A visual feast.
Geri

[Julia]

Oh, I have so had my eye on that Aran Sweater from the old 2005 IK. I love it, but have had some trouble justifying a sweater that warm here in Texas - it's just such an all over/turtle-necky/completely covered up warm sweater - but I love it! Also, I love your blocks. I do not want to make those blocks - I just want to look at yours.

[Julia]

Oh, I have so had my eye on that Aran Sweater from the old 2005 IK. I love it, but have had some trouble justifying a sweater that warm here in Texas - it's just such an all over/turtle-necky/completely covered up warm sweater - but I love it! Also, I love your blocks. I do not want to make those blocks - I just want to look at yours.

[Ruthanne (in Seattle)]

wow - I can't remember seeing those blocks before Nancy. . . that is spectacular! What pattern? Where? How did you come up with such beautiful colors? I know you are a color person so that helps enormously I'm sure!

I am so impressed with what you've done. Sorry about Greenjeans!

[ellen]

I'm feeling your pain on Mr. Greenjeans, or maybe it's just the arthritis in my thumb.;=)The aran is looking great; I hope you are having as much fund with cables as I am. Actually, last night I had a serious mental lapse and crossed 3 cables the wrong way and didn't discover it for 4 (or more) rows. BTW, what is kitty's name?

[moni]

oooh! can't wait to see your quilting projects! I'm getting back into it now that I have a new sewing machine. I am in love with Blocks. It is simply beautiful.

[Teresa C]

I love those blocks!

[Julie R.]

Hiya Nancy,

I am so sorry about Greenjeans, that is so darn depressing and annoying, but at least you caught it in time to save the yarn. You color sense is in great working order--the blocks are gorgeous. You've got a gift where color is concerned. At least the other two projects are coming along and beautifully too. Take care!

[Maria]

You got an award at my blog!