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September 26, 2005
Back On Track
When I wasn't taking pictures this weekend (birthday party on Saturday, portraits on Sunday), I was knitting.
I cast on Friday and split for the armholes last night. I've already got about 5.5 inches on the back, so I'll try to finish that today. Maybe. Because of the way the pattern (Ann Budd) is written, I won't be doing short rows for the shoulders (thanks Margene!) but instead will be keeping the stitches live and doing a three needle bind off. Still an new skill for me. Basically there is no need for short rows, because it's all just straight across. Modified drop-shoulder, remember? I'm still loving the yarn and the fabric it's creating. Red is SO HARD to photograph - it's so contrasty, and this yarn is no exception. When I knit at night I'm so surprised at how RED it looks because during the day it's filled with purples and pinks. They pretty much disappear as soon as the sun goes down. It's quite interesting. There are a couple of spots where the yarn gets really thin and overtwisted and pink and I feel like they stand out too much so I've been toying with the idea of doing a duplicate stitch over them, but I'm going to NOT think about it until it's finished. The more knitting I do, the spot gets smaller and smaller and I think it will end up being on the side, so I may not see it so much. The fit will be perfect (BITE YOUR TONGUE) - it's looking a bit loose and oversized and exactly what I wanted. The only place I'm a bit concerned about is length, but I'm not panicking yet.
Want to know one of the things I absolutely LOVE about knitblogs? All the new patterns you find! Today I was reading Grumperina, a fairly newish blog for me, and she had some links to Oat Couture baby blankets. I've never heard of Oat Couture, but the patterns are beautiful and challenging. There was a time when all I knit were baby blankets. I immediately ordered all of their blanket patterns. I think they're wonderful and you know, you can never have enough short rows that make you want to kill someone in your life. Thanks Grumperina!
Tonight I'm off to an Afghan Sew-Up! My first one! I'm a little nervous though, because I'm not sure I know how to sew up an Afghan, but my intrepid hostess assures me I will have no problems. I might bring a camera. Not THE camera, but a camera. I'm a little pictured out right now.
Oh and sock pal! I'm waiting anxiously!
Posted by Cara at September 26, 2005 09:32 AM
Topics: Almost Everyday
Comments
Have fun at the afghan sew up! You'll do great. And take LOTS of pictures, please!
Posted by: Carole at September 26, 2005 10:18 AM
your sweater is coming along beautifully, makes me want to get out my bed rest to go and buy yarn and knit one. Don't worry there is always a way around making it fit in the end. I hope you got my pic of my socks on me.
Posted by: Leslie at September 26, 2005 10:24 AM
You're making loads of progress inbetween working and running. That redpinkpurple yarn is just beautiful. Enjoy!!
Posted by: Karma at September 26, 2005 10:32 AM
It looks great, Cara! I can't wait to see all that red/pink/purple in person! Not sure Williamsro will be cozying up. (I spilled the beans to the LI Turkey yesterday.)
OMG, by the time you're finished with Short Rows (The Sweater), Short Rows (The Baby Blanket) would be a piece of cake. ; ) And you're learnin' all kinds of new tricks lately -- three-needle bind-off (you'll love it once you get the hang of it) and I'm sure you'll be an excellent afghan-sew/er-upper. I can't wait to see SOME pictures (not to be confused with THE photographs).
Posted by: Vicki at September 26, 2005 10:40 AM
You're doing a great job of controling the pooling.
Once you master the three-needle bind off you will not go back. It makes such lovely seams.
Posted by: Colleen at September 26, 2005 10:42 AM
I have an easier way than a three needle bind off! I'll send it to you as soon as I can type it up. Really it IS easier.
Posted by: margene at September 26, 2005 11:18 AM
Oh, now that is pretty yarn!
Have fun at the sew-up!
Posted by: Lolly at September 26, 2005 11:54 AM
The sweater is coming along nicely. Are you doing the alternating thing? Is it a pain? I recently bought an Oat Couture pattern -- the baby Victorian T -- their pattern are very cute!
Posted by: Kathy at September 26, 2005 12:58 PM
The sweater is a loverly color and you're just flying along! Cant' wait to see the finished product.
I also like finding new patterns. The only problem is that I'm about 3 yrs behind in the patterns I already have!
Posted by: sheree at September 26, 2005 01:00 PM
I think you have issues with short rows.
Don't be nervous. Do bring a camera. Otherwise, I will not be responsible for the crappy documentation of this mini-event. xox Kay
Posted by: Kay at September 26, 2005 02:28 PM
I'm kinda off the three needle bind-off these days, although it is a neat trick. I find it too stretchable for a shoulder and mostly now I use a firm mattress stitch for structure. YMMV.
Posted by: claudia at September 26, 2005 08:04 PM
That is a gorgeous color yarn. Oh I love it, I have to find that.
Posted by: Kimberly at September 27, 2005 12:29 AM
I love the 3 needle bind off...it really looks good when you're done. The color of the yarn is just beautiful!
Posted by: Donna at September 27, 2005 09:45 AM
Enjoy those baby blankets! I can tell you for sure that (1) the Prairie Blanket, if you ordered it, is the most awesome pattern in the world, and that (2) the Curlicue blanket *so far* has no mistakes (1.5 sections in). But there are short rows every other row, no doubt about it! Enjoy!
Posted by: grumperina at September 27, 2005 10:39 AM