Sweater #1

The Christmas Knitting is completed. The gifts are all wrapped. There is only cooking and fun family events left to attend, so I have focused my attention to the beginning of my year of knitting only for me. We've had some big snowstorms here in SLC, so there have been some evenings too cold and slick to go out. These have been great evenings for watching Christmas Specials on TV and getting started (a little early), on "Sweater #1.

I am focusing on getting the perfect fit this year, even though I don't have the most perfect body. I've purchased a "Fit to Flatter" pattern, which was written to fit me exclusively.  This is the back piece.  You can see there is a lot of body shaping going on.  I have customized the design, by adding the lacework from "Peabody" to the back and along the plackets of the front pieces.

The fronts are getting close to neck and armhold shaping. Knit from "KnitPicks - Swish DK (Garnet Heather)", I am so pleased with the outcome, so far. This sweater is part of a KAL, Amy Herzog is having for her new "Custom Fit" software. A brilliant idea, which had turned her world upside-down, and has opened a brand new door for the sweater knitters of the world.

The finished sweater will be a long-sleeved cardigan. I haven't decided yet, but it may have a tie closure in the front. We'll see when we get there.

I've purchased the yarn for Sweater #2, which has decided it neads to be Amy Herzogs "Afterlight".

The swatching for Sweater #2 is complete, and it is just waiting for the completion of Sweater #1. My fingers are itching to caston, but I am trying to control myself to focus on #1 until it is complete. Sweater #3 yarn has been purchased and a pattern selected, but I've got to quit getting ahead of myself.

Several years ago, I knit this sweater for my Son. He chose the pattern, the yarn, the color, but when the sweater was completed, he thought it was much too bright to actually wear. He wouldn't even wear it for me to take pictures, so this is my Son-in-Law modeling it.

This sweater was knit to replace the blue one. It is simple, it is gray, he does actually wear this one, and was willing to model for some pictures for me. Thus the blue sweater has been folded in my sweater closet, for years. However, this year it gained new life.

I was a bit insulted, when asked if I had a sweater that could be worn by my other Son-in-Law to an "Ugly Sweater" Party. I offered up the old blue one. This is what he turned it into. I think it is hillarious, and my feeling of insult was quickly turned to laughter. I've requested that the sweater remain "as is", in case we have need for it in the future. I hope he won the "Ugly Sweater" contest.

In January, 2014, my knitting group will be starting a knit-a-long (KAL) of the "Poor Baby Sweater". I've decided that my readers may want to join in on the fun. On January 1, three Patterns for the "Poor Baby Sweater" will be awarded to commenters on this Post. If you are interested in winning a Free Copy of the "Poor Baby Sweater", simply write a comment. If you are interested in joining our KAL, the pattern can be purchased on Ravelry.  I'm hoping to post pictures of all of the KAL sweaters in April.  I hope you'll decide to join us.

Happy Knitting . . . and Merry Christmas!

. . . . . tis the Season

Today we received the first snow storm of the year, and it is a doozy! I love the snow, as long as I can stay at home with a hot cup of cider and my knitting. It's the driving that kills you, literally. Along with the snow, came the end of my Christmas gift knitting. I am done, done, done. This wouldn't normally be an issue, but I am so excited to get started on my "Year of Sweaters for ME".

Here is the finished "Drew Sweater", which I knit for my Dad.  The pattern was written and the sweater (vest) designed by "Marly Bird".  I had some difficulty understanding the pattern in a few spots, so there are what I think are a few mistakes.

The fan design would have looked better if it continued up under the collar. I thought the pattern indicated stopping the fan design when you started knitting the collar. I may have misinterpreted this, or it was a design flaw.

And the collar was knit wrong-side out. This was my mistake, I should have been paying closer attention. I added sleeves the original design, which was a vest. I am extremely happy with the result, despite the mistakes. I think it looks great, although not perfect. I wouldn't want anyone to think I was perfect, by any means!

It was knit of Knitpicks Swish DK in the color Squirrel Heather on size US 7 needles. My "Drew Sweater" is blocked, boxed, and wrapped for giving. Phew . . . I'm glad that one is done.

This is Christmas gift #2. The "Peabody" sweater, designed by Leila Raabe for Brooklyn Tweed's Wool People.  I modified the design, by making the pullover into a cardigan.

It is knit of Brooklyn Tweed's Shelter, in the color Button Jar (a blue/green tweed, with flecks of yellow, orange and red)

You can read about my project on ravelry.  It is hard to see in the picture, but the buttons are clear crystals.

Three sections of the lace pattern end at varying heights on the back.

I really love the lacework on the Peabody, and I plan to use it again on my #1 "Knit for Me" sweater. You'll see more of that later.

Thanksgiving was great, especially since my sister did all of the cooking, cleaning and table setting! It was great to have a year off. This is how my newest Grand-daughter arrived at the party. She is so stinkin' cute!

I've been doing some crocheting too. These "Gatsby" inspired headbands look great in long or short hair.

On long hair, your hair can be rolled and tucked into the back of the band, and pieces of hair from the front can be woven in and out of the bands. Or they can be worn over straight hair, to keep it back and out of your eyes.

They look cute on hair of all lengths. Knit of extra bulky yarn with the J hook, and buttoned in the back with a large button. They are easy to put on and take off.

I was busy cooking when this "selfie" was taken. At least they didn't cut off anyone's head or half their face.

Remember this?

Well . . . it is now this. The "2014 Knit for Me" has begun a little early. This will be "Sweater #1" and my first Fit to Flatter Recipe.  The pattern was custom written to fit me, and only me.  This is the Back, and you can see a whole lot of body shaping going on.  Amy Herzog has developed this fabulous software, that will custom write a knitting pattern to fit anyone.  You just plug in your measurements and swatch information, and it spits out a pattern perfect for you, without any math involved.  You can see that I am using the "Peabody" lace design again, but this time it is for ME.  It is moving along quickly, and since it is part of Amy's Knit-a-long (KAL), I'm hoping to have it finished by the first of the year. 

I hope your Holiday Season is off to a great start!  Mine will be too, once I brave the drive home and can tuck into the sofa for some great TV and a whole lot of knitting.  Happy Knitting . . . . . .