"Lady Kina" - sample #2

My "Knit Night" group will be starting a KAL in September. The "Lady Kina" sweater, designed by: Muriela. I've missed seeing my "Knit Night" ladies during the Summer, and can't wait to see them again.

This was Sample #1.  As you can see, the sweater is far too small.  I thought I had used measurements that were too old.  The measurements were taken at the first of the Summer, and my Grand-daughter is 12, which is an age where she is changing daily.  

 

 

 

So I tried again.  This time I sized up, and used a heavier yarn [Rowan Cork/Tangerine (discontinued)].  This is one of my all-time favorite yarns, which has been discontinued, and I was lucky enough to score 6 skeins on eBay.  This time the fit was perfect, but I guess that was just a fluke!  I thought I had knit the sweater in a Size 34" Bust, but on later inspection, discovered the pattern was written for French Sizing.  The conversion to US sizes meant the French Size 34 = US Size 2. 

Wow, it is a good thing Emery is so skinny.  Anyway . . . the sweater fits her perfectly and she seems to just love it.  It will make a perfect addition to her new school clothes.  And, I found the perfect necklace to go with it, on my friend's website:  http://nowyours.com/.  She'll be returning to 7th Grade this week.  She is growing up soooooooo fast! 

I know that I committed to only knitting for myself this year (2014), but I thought I could produce a sample for my KAL more quickly, if I knit the "Lady Kina" sample in a smaller size.  Oh well . . . I guess everyone makes mistakes.  My mistake in reading the pattern, caused me to knit 2 samples, and was time-taking problem!  Thus, the "Lady Kina" sweater for me is still on the needles, and will likely not be for me anyway.  The sizing confusion will likely produce a sweater that is 4 sizes too small for me.  I'm sure one of my daughters will oblige.  We'll see who it fits???     

After knitting up some prizes for my next "Knit Night", I've got "Stella" underway, and packed for an upcoming trip.  The yarn for "Stella" is a lace weight, and is wrapped on a cone, so it is perfect to pack along on a plane ride.  Hopefully, I'll get her finished before the Summer is totally over.

You still have time to WIN this little pink sweater.  Simply sign up as a "Follower".  The drawing will be held on Labor Day.  If you want a chance to WIN a FREE copy of the pattern, for making your own, simply "Comment".  Happy Knitting!!!

F2F #5 - The Laura Leaves Tank

I've finished my F2F Sweater #5, which was knit as a part of the Custom Fit Summer Sweater KAL. It is another "Laura Leaves Tank", with added Custom Fit direction.

  

This is how I like to show it . . . on my dressform.  She never has the yo-yoing weight issues, that are always a part of my life.  However, I have got to learn to deal with this issue. 

 

 

Here is how it really looks.  The fit is perfect, thanks to CF.  Even though it is nicely packed.  Knit of Fyberspates Scrumptious, it has lots of stretch and recovery.  Hopefully I will get on that bike and shed a few pounds, so I can put the recovery to the test.

I finished up my second "Lady Kina" sweater, and I'm just waiting to have some time with Emery to take a few pictures.  I think this one is going to fit her . . . so much better.  It pays to take new measurements, each time you start a new project.  Unlike me, Emery is simply growing, as 12 year olds do.  I need to learn . . . "short-cuts never pay!" 

Along with "Eva" and "Stella Pullover", I have cast-on for my "Lady Kina".  As per the swatch pictured above, I am incorporating the pattern from the "Growing Leaves Cowl".  As per instruction from CF, I have decided to knit my "Lady Kina" according to my shoulder measurements, and I'll increase for the bust.  I'm testing out their theory that fit through the shoulder is the most important fit for a sweater.  It is coming along nicely, and I'll be ready to split for the sleeves soon, however I think I need to commit some time to "Eva" for a bit, as she has been tucked away for a bit too long.  I'm planning to take "Stella" with me on a little vacation I have coming up soon.  The yarn for "Stella" is on a cone and will be so easy to tuck into my travel bag.

I spent some time trying to make zucchini chips this past weekend.  It was a disaster.  I was tending a grandchild at the time, and kept burning them!  The first batch was cut too thin, and they quickly turned to ash.  The second batch I added some parmesan cheese too, and the cheese started burning long before the chips were crispy.  So I left the next batch plain.  They were coming along nicely, until I started smelling that burned smell.  There is fine line between crispy and burned.  I'm watching for another zucchini to appear in the garden, so I can give it another try. 

Don't forget, I'll be drawing a name from my "Followers" on Labor Day, to win a "a Poor Baby Sweater".    It is bright pink, and would be so cute on any baby girl in your life.  In addition, you can add a "Comment", telling me who you would knit this little sweater for, for a chance to win a free copy of the pattern.  The sweater has an easy back zipper, which makes it easy to slip baby into.  Get signed up for a chance to WIN!

I hope you are enjoying a fun, knitting Summer.  Happy Knitting!!