So Close

Here's my Glory Days saddle-shoulder cardigan, following the general instructions in The Knitter's Handy Book of Top-Down Sweaters. I added a foldover collar, which I finished with an I-cord bind-off to match the body.

I was at a photo shoot and snapped a shot on a mannequin when everyone wasn't looking. All that's left is the zipper. I ordered one from Zipper Source but it will be a couple of weeks before it ships. I thought about ordering it earlier but I'm glad I didn't -- the I-cord edging tightened up the front opening and I would have ordered a zipper that was too long.

A Completed Body

I finally finished knitting the body of my sweater from Briar Rose Glory Days yarn. I worked I-cord bind-offs on the sleeves and lower body, which gives a nice, unobtrusive edge. I also picked up stitches along the center front selvedges and worked I-cord bind-offs there as well. All that's left is to finish the neck. I still think I'll work a fold-over collar, but I may change my mind once I have the stitches picked up -- maybe a simple I-cord bind-off would be nice, too.

Another Top-Down Sweater

In the past weeks, I've taught several classes on knitting sweaters from the top down with a focus on circular yoke and raglan constructions from The Knitter's Handy Book of Top-Down Sweaters. I've taken a few garments from the book along for inspiration.
I guess it worked, because when I was teaching at Wild Purls in Billings, Montana, I found myself purchasing yarn to make a version of the Weekday Raglan (page 92) for myself. The sample sweater was knitted in a skimpy size 34", which is fine for models who are paid to pass on chocolate, but which makes me look like a badly stuffed sausage.
I chose Grignasco Champagne (75% extra fine merino, 25% mulberry silk; 165 meters/50 grams) in a soft periwinkle color (#375). I really shouldn't start swatching this until I finish the saddle-shoulder top-down cardigan, but I probably won't be able to resist.

And The Snow Keeps Falling

It's springtime here in the Rockies, which means anything goes as far as the weather is concerned. We're accustomed to schizophrenic jumps from snow to dry sunshine in April, but this year is much heavier on the snow side of things. Living in an arid climate that's had more years of drought than not in the past decade, I'm grateful for any moisture.
But I do wish I could see the daffodils and tulips that started blooming a couple of weeks ago. Instead, this is what my backyard looked like a few days and 10" of snow ago. And there's another storm in the forecast.

Good thing I have my knitting to keep me busy!

I'm speechless

I was going to publish another post but, given the tragedy in Boston, I think I'll observe a day of silence instead.
Wishing you all peace and safety.
Ann

Another Winner

Thanks to everyone who responded to the 200,000-hit raffle.

The random-number generator chose Needleworker, who, on 

April 9, 2013 at 2:16 AM

 wrote:
I am a late reader of your blog (very enjoyable) as are your books. I am a new knitter & am looking forward to Knitting numerious things your books seem so sensible giving me the the tools to be creative :) I have a lot of your books all the sock ones as well as the patterns & sweater books :)So I would really like (if I am lucky)

Knitted Gifts: Irresistible Projects to Make and Give Thanks you Ann for Joy re blog & books long may you continue


Congratulations Needleworker! Send me your mailing address (click on the link at the upper right corner of my blog page) and I'll get the book in the mail to you.

Approaching 200,000!

Check out the meter at the bottom of this blog page -- it will hit the 200,000 mark today! Either a lot of people have been reading this blog or a few people are visiting the site an astronomical number of times. I prefer to believe the former.
Those of you who have been following for a while know what this kind of milestone brings -- another raffle for the print copy of one of my books.
Respond to this post and tell me which book you'd like (sorry, the upcoming Scarf Style 2 is not eligible -- it won't be available until this summer) and why (it helps me know what appeals to readers). I'll use a random number generator to draw a winner Wednesday morning. I'll then post the winner on a separate post. If I don't hear back from the winner within three days, I'll draw another winner, and so on.
Good luck!

Inching Toward the Hem

I've been knitting on and off on my top-down saddle shoulder sweater and was certain that I must be at the hem. But when I stretched out the stitches on a piece of string, I found that I still have 3" to go on the body and a few inches for each sleeve.

I'm so close that this will become a priority so I might be able to wear it before the weather gets too warm. Once the body and sleeves are done, I'll decide about the collar and send away for a perfectly matched zipper. Stay tuned.