Second

Next up was a sweater I liked that was a Berroco pattern I saw at my local knitting shop. It was labeled an 'easy' pattern, while still having some interesting ribbing on the bottom. So much for 'easy', I must've started the thing 10 times before I could master the pattern. What I learned: do not be afraid of unravelling what you've done to try again to make the thing better or right. The sweater came out pretty good, but I really had to work to finish the neckline with single crochet--I am NOT a crocheter! And I had to block the sleeves pretty heavily--since when does a size 2X pattern have the same number of stitches at the sleeve bottom as a size S ?!?! More I learned: watch for instructions that you need to alter to make a better fit. Trust your gut on this. USE the damn tape measure. The sweater was made from Berroco Blackstone Tweed in a great cabernet color called Plum Island. The yarn was so nice, I then got hooked on other things in the pattern book...

Keeping Track

I really don't need the blog, I just need a place to park my thoughts on my knitting projects. And keep track of it. With pictures. I started knitting again last year in a very stressful time during a very stress-filled year. After the first project, I was hooked. I just feel better if I do some knitting every day. I especially love trying out yarns & colors, knitting samples to see if I like the color or to practice a pattern stitch.

The first project was the Alpaca Poncho. I wanted a simple project to start, but one that would be practical. I really wanted to make a soft, warm poncho in a neutral color. So I used Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca Grande. I started the project in September 09 and finished it in October 09. The finished project was exactly as I'd wanted. On to more projects...