Chic Knits Ariann

Hi Everybody!

2008-06-11T16:20:00.000-07:00

Just checking in to say hello! and that this KAL is being maintained now as an archive. Many of us still enjoy taking a spin through all the gorgeous gorgeous work everyone did :)

If you need any help, drop me a line here: stashoutATgmailDOTcom...

Best to you all and Thanks for all the Fun!

anybody home?

2008-04-29T15:04:00.001-07:00

I finished my Ariann this past week and thought I'd post a photo just in case anyone is still stopping by here every now and again.

I made the long sleeved version but I think I'm going to need to cut off a bit of the sleeve length and knit new cuffs since the sleeves are really too long for me. I knitted an I-cord for the tie belt rather than crocheting a chain.

The yarn is Cascade 220. :)

no new Ariann's?

2007-06-30T07:56:00.000-07:00

There's been no posting for several months here and I've been wondering if anyone else hit a wall in their knitting. I'd finished the knitting of the body to the point of starting the sleeves and then knit a whole sleeve when I realized that I really didn't like the feel of the knitting. I'm using Cascade 220 and getting the recommended gauge, but I just don't care for the "mushy" feel of the knit. The pieces have been "marinating" in a bag for months now. I've decided to just bite the bullet, rip everything out, wash and reskein the yarn and begin again. This time, I'll knit at a somewhat firmer gauge and compensate by going up a size in the pattern. Here goes nothing...:)

A finished Ariann!

2007-04-25T13:43:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

I finished my Ariann last week and just love her! More pictures and details can be found on my blog.

Karen

http://needlesandwool.com

At Last!

2007-04-24T05:25:00.000-07:00

I've finished Ariann. Though I knit her 1 and 1/2 times and she's a little narrow in the middle for me to button - I love it. I'm a cardigan fan through and through and this will get a lot of wear. I've learned a lot by knitting this pattern, particularly how to handle raglan decreases. It's also my first complete sweater. Thanks Bonne Marie for the great pattern, for the encouragement, and the couple of compliments I've already received this morning. Thanks to all KAL participants who stopped by with comments. It's been fun! Now off to find the perfect buttons.

Ariann, With Sleeves

2007-04-15T09:08:00.000-07:00

Well, I have gotten the sleeves attached to Ariann, and I am now on the neckline decreases. This is periwinkle TLC Cotton Plus.

FO at last

2007-04-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

I'm very pleased to present a finished Ariann! I loved knitting this and am happy with how she turned out.

There are a few more comments about this project on my blog. There are always things one would change after the fact, but I must say that I'm pretty much happy with this one. The pattern was fun to knit and Bonne Marie's attention to detail is helpful indeed. I had to do a fair bit of redrafting, particularly on the raglan shaping, to accommodate my DK-weight yarn.

As for several other KAL participants, she came out a bit smaller than planned. But so much the better -- the more fitted look is okay with me.

Lisa

Back on Track

2007-04-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

I have gone back to Ariann after weeks of time-out away from her. I worked a couple of inches on the body this past weekend, then frogged that and several more besides. The body is now back on track, and I have a couple inches more to go before the length for sleeve attachment. I am also glad to report I had an "Ah-hah!" moment with the sleeve, and now have six stitches in pattern on either side of the join, yay! the yarn is TLC Cotton Plus in periwinkle.

Arianne JR?

2007-03-26T12:22:00.000-07:00

I've been planning on a 2nd Arianne ever since I finished the 1st - this time in a 3/4 sleeve version with a less-warm yarn (the 1st is Alpaca.) I started a sleeve with Rowan Summer Tweed, but not only are there gauge issues, I'm finding the yarn's lack of elasticity is making my hands hurt! Any suggestion? Has anyone made this as a spring sweater? Lyn

In the home stretch

2007-03-25T15:52:00.000-07:00

I think, though I 'm not certain, that this blob of knitting may indeed become a sweater. I know from my swatching that she will be markedly improved with some blocking.

I'm about two inches or so from the front collar shaping and am very much enjoying the rapid decreasing at this point. The rows seemed soooo long after joining all the pieces together.

I may be reporting an FO within the week. I have a fair bit of "will it fit" anxiety, but will try to chill out. I ended up with five buttonholes rather than four, more due to my poor planning than anything else. They are at least evenly spaced.

My Ariann is here!

2007-03-13T23:42:00.000-07:00

I am happy to report that Ariann is finally finished and I believe this might be my best sweater.
First, I would like to thank Bonne Marie and you all for your encouragement to me!

Even though I've tried hard to pay attention to all of the details until every thing is done, I really enjoyed this project. She turns out well!

I once started all the body part over again. It was sad... I felt a setback rising often but I really wanted to complete this sweater so I could escape from giving up this project somehow...
The point I attentively worked was to adjust the size to one that I needed. It was quite hard to me. I blocked her carefully but I'm not sure that this sweater fits me nicely yet.

This weekend was spent working on Ariann. This project takes a very long time. It didn't work as planned. Yes, I put it aside for a while several times and re-work it later when I'm less frustrated with the project because I've busied myself in working. But I enjoyed working on Ariann so much. I've learnt a lot from this pattern.

The only change to the pattern I made to fit my taste and body was the length of body and needle size. I knit the pattern exactly as written, so I ended up with a shorter version. It's just about perfect sweater length for me.

It's been already high temperature here in California in the daytime.. Ariann seems to miss a golden opportunity for a debut.

and I'm "behinder"

2007-03-13T15:24:00.000-07:00

I was sailing along on the first sleeve and almost finished with it when I noticed a mistake that I can't live with waaaaay back near the beginning, so it's ripping out and starting over time. Fortunately, this is a relaxing and enjoyable knit, so I'm being pretty philosophical about it. :)

I'm Behind

2007-03-09T12:16:00.000-08:00

My second sleeve waits patiently as I am continually interrupted at lunch. I'm not going to make my deadline of March 14th I'm afraid. I had hoped to debut this at the Grand Canyon - the color would have been perfect. I'll look for some alone time this weekend, add the plane ride and maybe...

Ariann Continues

2007-03-02T08:33:00.000-08:00

I got disgusted with the sleeve for Ariann, and set it aside to begin working on the body. I kept doing increases on the sleeve, but the stitch count stayed the same. Think I was trying to work the pattern into the sleeve, and not having paired increases and decreases. Whatever.The sleeve is back to a few inches. The body is a little past the first decreases. I had a hard time getting those daffodils to pose. I also had a hard time getting that Addi circ's cable to cooperate.

Late Start

2007-02-26T14:50:00.000-08:00

Well, I finally got started this weekend, and after redoing the sleeve once already, I have a few inches on the sleeve. I am working on the 3/4 sleeve version in TLC Cotton Plus in Periwinkle. the background is a dress I got inspired to sew after finding the periwinkle color goes with Ariann-to-be.

gray mule-spun yarn & buttonholes

2007-02-23T09:10:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I swatched and cast on for Ariann using Beaverslide yarn in color Cottontail.

After working on it throughout the week, I’m ready to knit the first one row buttonhole. This is my first cardigan and I’ve only knit buttonholes on kids knits using the yarn over method, so I decided to try out a few before placing the first of four 3-st buttonholes on this cardigan.

One Row Buttonhole

1 – Elizabeth Zimmermann’s one row buttonhole from Knitter’s Almanac without turning the work
2 – slipping the stitches knitwise (Hint du Jour by Bonne Marie - Buttonhole Version D)
3 – one row buttonhole, slipping stitches purlwise (video here)

I’m going to use Bonne Marie’s suggested buttonhole since it looks neat and sturdy.

This has been a really satisfying project thus far – the pattern has a nice rhythm to it and the yarn is knitting up beautifully, showcasing the elegant stitch pattern. I can’t wait to spend the weekend immersed in knitting my Ariann.

Brooke

finally making headway

2007-02-17T08:13:00.000-08:00

Well, I've finally made some headway 'round here and have completed the Blogger switch and reached the second buttonhole on my Ariann. It's been an inspiration to see all the other Arianns in progress and completed. This is truly a pleasure to knit, and I'm making mine in Cascade 220 (color number 2440, Vinci). No pictures yet, but with a week off for midwinter recess I'm hopeful that I'll be wearing this beauty when I head back to work on the 26th. Now for a trip to Tender Buttons for just the right buttons!

C'est Fini

2007-02-13T20:36:00.000-08:00

Great pattern! Only modifications I made were too lengthen the arms and I did not carry the stitch pattern under the arms - it suits me better. My first real sweater that fits - it's official - the pattern is sooo well written, a monkey can do it if I can! More details are on my blog.

fertig / finished

2007-02-11T04:12:00.000-08:00

Ariann is finished completely, buttons fixed and I'm very happy with this warm and well fitting jacket. The pattern is really easy to follow and the result is marvelous. I used Anny Blatt "Cachemir"and changed the pattern for a 3,75 needle. After blocking Ariann fits perfect. Greetings, Iris
More details in German: My blog

Cool Ariann in Colorado

2007-02-10T12:43:00.000-08:00

I finished my ariann and brought it to visit in Colorado. Since it was made from the 100%wool Selkirk in Plum, it was warm enough for most days. I like the fit. I made the 3/4 sleeves but I have short arms and it ended up be a full sleeve after blocking. The yarn is still a bit scratchy but claims to soften with each washing.
Thanks Bonne Marie for a great pattern.

Lengthening the body?

2007-02-10T02:42:00.000-08:00

Hi all
I have finally started knitting this gorgeous pattern, and have a question re: lengthening the body? I'm not sure whether to do it before or after the decreases for waist shaping - ultimately, I'm going for the same look as Cara at January One's version, this is what sold me on the pattern in the first place!
Any help would be very gratefully appreciated!

California Bound

2007-02-08T14:09:00.000-08:00

Here is my cousin's Ariann knit by me - eleven balls of All Seasons Cotton in Mocha, US 4 & 5 needles.

I am going to be the 700th person to say this, and it certainly cannot be said enough, I love this pattern. Well-written, lots of lovely details, very flattering. Really.

The yarn was not my choice. She wanted a washable cotton in a chocolate color, and All Seasons was all I could really find. I think the yarn is too heavy for Ariann's gauge - as indicated by the fact I had to drop three needle sizes to get it, which I NEVER have to do. When I do knit this cardigan for myself, I think I will use Cascade 220. Can't beat the price and color selection.

I have really enjoyed watching the progress of everyone's Arianns. Thanks so much for contributing your experiences as they helped a bunch and thanks to Bonne Marie for such a great pattern.

Woo Hoo!

2007-02-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

She's done! And I am so pleased with the result; this will be a sweater I will wear a lot. I can even see making this pattern again, with something fancier, and I almost never think that.

As you can see, I made the 3/4 sleeve version, size 38, and I used up about 4 1/2 balls of Cascade 220. I was a little nervous at the end, since I probably should have gone up a needle size for the sleeves, but I blocked the hell out of them and they turned out just fine.

So thank you, Bonne Marie, for such a wonderful pattern (and so well written - extra smooch for that). And thanks to everyone for letting me watch you knit. It was especially motivating when I was frogging those first few inches for, let's say, the twenty-second time.

There are a few more details here, for those that are interested.

Katherine

Snow Day for Ariann

2007-02-03T06:54:00.000-08:00

We've finally got about 6 inches of snow last night. That's a first for this part of New England in winter '07. Looks like a good day to stay in and work on Ariann. This Green Mountain Spinnery yarn is a joy to work with, though I think it's going to require some serious blocking. I'm just starting the increases and with the Superbowl tomorrow there should be lots of progress this weekend!

Spic'n'Span

2007-02-01T20:39:00.000-08:00

In some type of kookoo hiccup, some of the list of authors for the KAL was just plain messed up.

I've resent invites to many of you so you can post and comment, etc.

If it is a duplicate, I bow low and beg your forgiveness.

If I missed you, drop me a line: stashoutATgmail.com

It is -4 degrees here in the Big Windy tonight - perfect sweater weather!!

Another FO!

2007-01-28T07:17:00.000-08:00

Ariann
Yarn: 12+ KP Andean Silk in Chocolate
Needles: Addi Circulars in US #6, 7 (8 for bind off)
(10/14/06 - 12/29/06)

I finally got the courage to sew on the buttons last Thursday evening. Yes, it took me almost a month to get the courage to sew buttons on this. I'm still not sure on the placement though. It still needs a good blocking but that will come later.

Thanks Bonne Marie for an excellent pattern!

phew, Blogger move went ok...

2007-01-27T12:08:00.000-08:00

I have been slow in posting finished pic, with buttons. It turned out very well. I used Cascade 220, about 4.5 skeins for size 38. I did the sleeves both at the same time on a circular, magic-loop style.

Thanks, Bonne Marie for a great pattern. :)

I did it, so can you!

2007-01-27T08:39:00.000-08:00

The switch was a snap. I'm on the collor and expect to block her this weekend so I will post my FINISHED (yea!) Ariann next week.

I fought the Law Blogger and the Blog won...

2007-01-27T06:28:00.000-08:00

Hello teamates! Happy Weekend -

I've bit the bullet and converted to the New Blogger!

The Downside: you can see the member list looks trimmed by the migration although all original posts are intact. If you don't see your name, you've been given a *Guest* designation until you migrate [sign in] with a Google account. Once you do that, all is well.

OR, if you like, I can send you a new invite - send me an email to: stashout@gmail.com

I already had Gmail, so I used that sign-on. The process was fully automatic and migrated all of the existing accounts I had (even as Admin) to the new format. No Drama that I could see/feel.

Everything seems to be working OK now - so I encourage you to switch! :)

uh oh I think I lost my adriann

2007-01-19T10:25:00.000-08:00

I can't find it anywhere... (yes I have quite a few hand knit sweaters this is possible). I maybe rejoining this KAL.

UPDATE: I have located it. I left it in Vancouver when visiting friends at Xmas time. So much for the 'memories' of wearing it since I returned. It is being mailed back to me.

I had to frog it:(

2007-01-19T08:56:00.000-08:00

I'm sooo sad. I planned on using Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece and it was right on for stitch gauge but not for row gauge. I was almost done with me 13+" of the body when I realized that I only had 2 button holes. I'm going to try knitting it with some Cotton Ease or Cascade 220 in superwash.

It's Not Much Yet But I Started!

2007-01-19T08:46:00.000-08:00

I know it's not much but I have finally re-started on my Ariann after frogging once because I couldn't get the eyelet pattern down...LOL I am out of practice I tell ya and this is the pattern I chose to get back into the swing of things and fulfill my New Year's resolution to finish a garment this year!

I've chosen Cascade 220 to knit Ariann with - so far, it's wonderful to work with.

Thanks for looking!

Roxanne
http://knitnpurlzen.wordpress.com

Warning.....

2007-01-17T06:44:00.000-08:00

Don't try to knit a sleeve and incorporate the pattern while watching American Idol! You will find yourself lost and ripping like a banchee!

My First Sweater for ME!

2007-01-16T05:45:00.000-08:00

I am a little late to the game in posting to this knitalong, but that's okay, right? I finished my Ariann last week (except for the buttons - it is held together with a pin in the picture), and I LOVE it.

I started mine before I read Bonne Marie's post saying that we should allow for two inches of ease. I based the size that I chose on my favorite sweater, which does not have any ease. I knit Ariann in the smallest size, which is my exact bust measurement. I am so pleased that I made it this way. I know that mine fits differently than almost all the others out there that I have seen, but since this is how I wear all my cardigans, I wouldn't have wanted it any bigger. Since I am tall (5'8") with long arms, I made my sweater longer in the body and the sleeves. This is the first sweater that I ever knit for myself, and I am not sure I can ever go back to store-bought sweaters with their sleeves and bodies that are always too short for me! Oh, and I used Ultra Alpaca, which makes this sweater so warm and cozy. I really couldn't be happier. (And thank you Holly Jo, for encouraging me to start Ariann!)

I will post another picture once I have the buttons. In the meantime, you can read about my endless Ariann ramblings here.

Underside Exposure

2007-01-15T21:55:00.000-08:00

Well, since we are exposing our underside, I will show you mine. I knit them a little different than how Lisa chose to knit hers. Ignore the sleeve on the left - it is ugly and I have since frogged it. On the right-hand sleeve you can see I put in more eyelet than Lisa's. I didn't leave any knit stitches right up the center. Once I had six stitches on either side of the BOR I put in half of the eyelet pattern. Really though it is the WHOLE eyelet pattern, the other half is just at the end of the round. Beginning of round is between the SSK and the K2tog.

These sleeves have been the hardest thing for me! I have never done sleeves with an eyelet pattern, and I struggle with ribbed sleeves so this was quite a stretch for my somewhat inflexible brain. :)

I have really enjoyed reading about everyone's Ariann knitting. It has made my Ariann more successful. Thanks to everyone for posting and sharing your experiences about knitting this great pattern.

Sleeve Underside

2007-01-15T20:08:00.000-08:00

In response to Michelle's post earlier today, I thought I would post a picture of the underside of the one sleeve I've knit so far.

I did just what the two responses to your question suggest: insert half a repeat once you have enough stitches to do so. I've left a minimum of 10 stitches in stockinette in the middle (five at the beginning of the row and five at the end).

Since the swatch I knit was in stockinette instead of the eyelet pattern, I'm a bit curious about what's going to happen after wet blocking. So I've decided to block this sleeve as a kind of big swatch. I expect it to expand widthwise, but I'm most curious about the length. I'll let you know if the dimensions change, and if so, by how much.

Cheers,
Lisa

Michelle made it a last...

2007-01-15T15:20:00.000-08:00

Yippee!! I made it into my 1st KAL. Many thanks to http://www.black-dog-knits.blogspot.com/ Nora... for directing me to you ladies. I started Ariann about 2 weeks ago. I got all caught up in the love affair that http://www.januaryone.com/ described over knitting this piece. Thank you January One! I love, love, love this knit! I am happy to be here!

Question... on the sleeve's underside... once we complete a few rounds of K1 M1... do we knit the stitches as we did on the sides of the sweater? or do we begin another pattern repeat?

Just Starting

2007-01-10T11:15:00.000-08:00

Hello to everyone! I just began my Ariann a few days ago and am slowly making progress. Those first few rows seemed like two rows forward, one row back as I got used to the pattern. But now I've hit my stride and I'm really enjoying the pattern. I'm using Cascade 220 in shade 8415; it's a beautiful raspberry color that's actually a bit darker than this photograph shows.

After taking this picture I noticed that I SSKed when I should have K2Ted and vice versa (you can see it in this picture). Although that bothers me...it doesn't bother me quite enough for me to rip it out. Does anyone know if it's possible to drop the stitches down and fix such things? If not, I think I'll just live with it. I can handle leaving one mistake in (I think).

Take care,
Katherine
http://fuzz.typepad.com/weblog/

A Quick Hello

2007-01-10T07:07:00.000-08:00

I just got approved for being a part of this KAL and I wanted to stay hello to everyone. All the finished Arianns are beautiful! I started the pattern once but had to frog because I read the eyelet pattern for the wrong size - silly me...it's just been too long since I've knit a sweater! I have previously knitted Bonne Marie's Ribby Cardi and just love her patterns! My New Year's Resolution to myself was to knit a garment so here I am, doing another Chic Knits pattern. I am using Cascade 220 for my yarn - found it in the stash!

Take care,
Roxanne
http://knitnpurlzen.wordpress.com

Happy New Year!

2007-01-05T14:38:00.000-08:00

First of all, let me wish you all the best and biggest foot forward in our happy new year 2007 - may your needles SOAR! Congratulations to all the FINE knitters who finished an Ariann in 2006 and new KUDOS to those beginning...

Secondly, an update on subscription woes. Some people were having trouble responding to the invitations Blogger sent out after they were enrolled as a member. I want you to know I've been tearing my hair out over this with no solution in sight on my end. Please know that you've been entered into the system correctly but then something goes haywire. :)

How and why Blogger is chewing some of them up is a BIG mystery - feel free to engage them if you dare. My own head exploded about 24 hours ago.

Repeatedly re-entering an email into the system does not solve the problem so I have ceased this unsuccessful approach...

Ariann in DK Yarn

2007-01-04T08:18:00.000-08:00

I'm very happy to be here, after having the same troubles as some others with the Blogger invitations. Many thanks to Bonne Marie for her perseverance, as it took four tries.

I'm a knitter, spinner, and dye-crazy mom in Vancouver, Canada. I chronicle my fiber adventures here, if you'd like to read more. I've been inspired by all of your posts so far. I'm proud to show you my Ariann progress to date, as I approach end of the body and prepare to begin the sleeves.

As you probably noticed, the most-excellent Ariann pattern specifies that double-knitting weight yarn will not work for this pattern, because it is made in one piece and has raglan shaping. Always a bit pigheaded, I've decided to see whether I can make it work. I'm using Green Mountain Spinnery Cotton Comfort, which is 80% wool, 20% cotton with a crisp hand. The colour is "Storm." The ballband suggests you can get this yarn to work up at a worsted gauge, but I found my swatch too loosey-goosey. So I'm getting about 20.5 st/4 inches in stockinette, and can bridge the stitch-gauge gap by simply knitting a larger size. The row gauge, however, is a lot more compressed than the pattern calls for and this is where it gets tricky. About 15% more compressed. This is simple enough to accomplish in the body and sleeve shaping, but I'll have to see how it goes when I get to the raglan shaping. Fingers crossed. I'll be deserving fifty lashes with a wet skein if it turns out that I really should have stuck with the tried-and-true Cascade 220.

I'm also hoping that the ribbing curl that you can see in the photo will be banished with a good steam block. If not, I've vowed to snip a stitch and reknit downward on a larger needle. Can anyone who has finished comment on curling ribbing?

Onward,
Lisa

My first successful sweater in '07?

2007-01-03T07:20:00.000-08:00

Hi all! Started my Ariann before new year's and love the pattern. I was on the fence about whether i could actually complete a sweater -- but the photos and posts on the knit blogs i frequent convinced me ... i can do it!

I'm knitting it in a dark wine color -- Cascade 220 -- that i had in stash. But these heathery green/grey numbers are killing me. Let's hope i finish this with flair and can start on one in a sagey color ....

Happy knitting!
denise in Charlottesville, va

Last Knit of 2006

2007-01-03T07:18:00.000-08:00

Ariann is finished and I'm thrilled with her! You can see the photo shoot on my blog.

Margene
http://zeneedle.typepad.com/

Good Things To Come

2007-01-03T03:44:00.000-08:00

Hello from Massachusetts. Once my "Red Scarf"' is complete I'm aiming to begin Ariann, most likely in Cascade 220. So many colors to choose from though! Looking forward to seeing more beautiful finished projects.

New Ariann-er on board

2007-01-02T19:46:00.000-08:00

Hi all, finally got Blogger sorted to accept BM's invitation (grrrr at Blogger!!)!
Anyhow, I'm a knitting mum from Australia, and even though it is currently 33C ( 91F) as I type here in the middle of summer, I'm currently swatching for Ariann. I became quite besotted with the design after seeing Cara's modified version on her blog, and am swatching with a 100% worsted yarn that I got for a bargain at my local K-Mart - for cheap yarn, it is pleasantly soft and sturdy, perfect fo winter here!
I hope to have some progress to post when I return from a much-needed holiday in a couple of weeks.

first post

2007-01-02T11:24:00.000-08:00

hello from sunny southwestern Ontario, Canada. :)

my Ariann is nearing the finish line (if i would only sit down and finish the collar ;)). she's sort of become my hockey-knitting project; the Canuck's are playing tonight so there is hope she will see some action this evening.

feel free to poke about my blog for a few larger pics.

really enjoying everyone's photos.

Lori

Sleeve Progress

2007-01-02T09:50:00.000-08:00

Hello, I'm a new member of this KAL and I really like this pattern. I started Ariann about one week ago and I've just finished the first sleeve now. The second one is on the needles and I hope to finish Ariann soon. Here is a picture of the first sleeve in progress.
Greetings to all, Irisine

An Ariann for Christmas

2006-12-26T19:54:00.000-08:00

Hello, everyone! My name is Jennifer, and although I've been a part of the KAL for some time now, I haven't had a chance to post until now. I finished my Ariann up in time to wear her for Christmas, and I'm in love! I wrote a more detailed post on my blog.

I've enjoyed watching everyone's progress and the completed Ariann sweaters! I hope everyone has a safe and fun New Year's.

Ariann arrives in the colonies ...

2006-12-22T05:58:00.000-08:00

Hi there

This is the first KAL I've actually participated in, so looking forward to all the photos of Ariann and of course, completing my own project as soon as possible. Ariann seems to be the kind of knit you just don't want to put down!

I'm using Eco yarns Pakucho cotton in Sage, which has a good stitch definition and appears to be a beautiful cotton to knit, with stitches just sliding off the needles.

Living in Australia I'll not be able to use Ariann for a number of months, but it's always good to plan ahead and of course, one can never have too many projects on hand!

new to the knitalong

2006-12-17T10:24:00.000-08:00

I've just recently joined, have the pattern printed out and am shopping through my stash to see if I already have a suitable yarn for this lovely sweater. I'll be able to get started on it over the Christmas holidays and am looking forward to it very much. If I don't find the perfect wool for it in my stash, I'll be very tempted to order some Black Water Abbey, something I've been wanting to do for a long time anyway! :)

Site Tweak

2006-12-14T17:50:00.000-08:00

Hello everybody! I've been tweaking the side bar a little for easier viewing...

There are some important links to look at - yarn recommendations, etc.

Welcome to all the new KALsters! Have a look at the FAQ and start 'er up!

In a NutShell:
1. Ariann uses Worsted Weight Yarn. Look on the ball band of the yarn you might want to use and check that the recommended gauge is 18-20 sts per 4". For instance, a Cascade 220 ball band recommends GAUGE: 4.5 - 5 stitches per inch - this is the type of yarn that will work well with this design. DK weight yarn will not work with this design.

2. Gauge is very important - 19sts/24 rows over 4" St st. If your stitch gauge is 20 sts per 4", your sweater will be too small. If you aren't getting 24 rows per 4", your raglan shaping and buttonholes will be off. Go up a needle size to get the proper gauge if you need to. For Cascade 220, #8 needles are the starting point.

3. This sweater will need to be blocked before wearing for fit and finish.

4. Be sure to measure early and often -

Have FUN! With a little early prep, you will have a sweater you will love to wear!

Be sure to email me: info@chicknits.com with any questions or concerns, or yarn recommendations.

Finished Ariann Pics on my Blog

2006-12-13T07:44:00.000-08:00

Here's the link....I had fun knitting this! Thanks again to Bonne Marie for another great pattern and I'm looking forward to the next one!

2006-12-12T08:35:00.000-08:00

I finish Ariann, I love this pattern, however, the collar really got me. I still don't know what I did wrong? Even so, I am going to try her again and see if I can figure out what was my problem. I used Jojo wool, it became really soft once I washed it, I love the way she feels and I can tell she's going to be warm in spite of all her eyelets. Merry Christmas to all and Happy New Year!!!!!

Iris in Germany

I've learnt a lot.

2006-12-11T17:13:00.000-08:00

I made a swatch and measured it up before blocking on the last Friday. I soaked the swatch in the warm temperature water for 20 minutes and then shaped it gently on a thick towel for blocking. After the swatch is dry, I measured it again... (I measured it pattern to pattern, not edge to edge.)

(Before blocking , it was 4 inches in width. Now it's 4 and 6/8 inches.)

The result of my try is that the blocking makes the swatch thinner than I expected and the eyelet pattern is properly open. All that happened to my swatch surprised me so much.

Any way... after blocking, my swatch got 15 percent bigger than one that was not blocked. It happened this time that I got 15 percent bigger but I don't know generality. So, if I want my fabric in a 33.5 inch size, I should have to keep my Ariann body at least 14.5 inches in width before blocking. It means... I have to start all over again.

I think this time, it was worth to make a try. I'm now satisfied myself that I did something incorrect.

OK., I will start Ariann newly!

Are there anybody else to join me??

I THANK YOU ALL so much for kind help.

Blocking's Going to Work!

2006-12-07T18:31:00.000-08:00

Here's my blog entry on Ariann - I just blocked her and she measures exactly what I wanted her to!!! I'm so relieved.

A smaller pic if you don't want to click away to the blog..

MUST SOLVE!

2006-12-07T12:27:00.000-08:00

My Ariann has been on the needles since I started in October. I have been in my country, Japan for 5 weeks and came back here on this past Sunday. I kept myself busy with what I need to do there. Any way I have made slow progress on Ariann there. If I was in the mood, I worked on my Ariann.

**I'm now working on the smallest one, so it's supposed to measure 16.75 ".**

I am now concerned about a few things with the body I had already knitted up, though. First, my Ariann's body looks really compact. The photos that other knitters show on the KAL are that it's supposed to be wider than mine. Their eyelet holes form clear line on the body. Mine forms tight and thick. Did I choose wrong size of needles?For that reason, I tried working on the sleeve with lager needles than I used. Surprisingly I could make the gauge fine and can see my eyelet holes clearly without expanding the fabric. Obviously I was wrong, so I have to frog out all the body and redo...
Is that right?

But the road is long.

2006-12-07T09:16:00.000-08:00

This is my first post and I'm so excited to be a part of this KAL. I've been a lurker forever and now I'm posting!!!!! I just started my Ariann and I am so in love with the pattern. I'm making the largest size (I wear a size 14) so it's not going to go as fast as you thinner ladies. I just love the fabric it makes. I'm knitting with Cascade Pima Tencel. I live in Florida, so wool really isn't as good a choice most of the time. The color is called Periwinkle, but it's really a dark grey with a purple cast. I love it - it will go with almost everything I own. The photo shows my progress so far.

Thoughts on Ariann

2006-12-05T12:25:00.000-08:00

I seamed up the underarms last night while watching WATERLOO BRIDGE and BABY FACE and RED HEADED WOMAN and played with the collar some more - still playing with the right width for the collar - although my neckline still seems kinda big and loose and i am fearful of it getting worse with blocking.

i may have to rip and redo the decreases to make it snugger.

i wish i had done my sleeves flat - the pattern increases are kinda wonky in one of them - and even on the other where i did it better they still look wonky.

anyway, i loved the pattern - i made it longer.

Finished the Knitting on Ariann...

2006-12-04T23:53:00.000-08:00

Finished the knitting on Ariann last night, except for the collar. Like everyone else has said, it is snug, but I'm taking encouragement from how much my swatch "grew" after washing it. It only measures like 31" right now and needs to measure 35.5 - I'm hoping that it will block out that much. If not, it's going to a good home, because no way in H&&& am I frogging it after all that lace! Plus the yarn is silk and mohair so I don't think it would frog well anyway. Going to do the collar tonight and maybe tomorrow night if I need two nights - then washing, blocking and sewing on buttons. Wish me luck!

ALMOST there...

2006-12-04T12:08:00.000-08:00

Stayed UP WAY past bedtime last night to finish - but made it to the end of the four inches and then was too sleepy to cast off = didnt want to mess up!

I had to RESTART the neckline decreases - had to rip back TWICE to the point where the 8 sts go on holders - for some reason i misread the the directions about the EXTRA decreases - and had 20 rows done and couldn't figure out WHY the neck was still so big! DUH then I re read and realized I had to DEC at EACH point - the two outer edges and besides each marker for the raglan!

ok. so the next time i miscounted the rows. anyway on the third time I got it ... now to cast on and try on.

I made mine a bit bigger and longer than most so it will be interesting to see....

watch this space!

2006-12-04T09:56:00.000-08:00

Ariann is done, and I'm a happy knitter.

Thanks Bonne Marie for a great pattern. Like many others, I'll knit this again. More info, including yarn choice, can be found over at my blog.

Question of the day

2006-12-04T07:29:00.000-08:00

In the spirit of new stupid questions, what have people used as the cast on method? Despite, probably knowing better, I used the cable cast on, and it looks rather tight. This was what I was taught to use for sweaters, but I think that really applied only to the tight ribbing with flare look that appeared in the 80's and has hopefully died. This is an easy pattern to memorize and work on, so I don't mind ripping out the half of the body that I have knit. I am just questioning whether there would have been a better choice, or if it will block out and look fine. I know the chevron shaping is affecting the look at the moment too.

Any words of wisdom?
Janet

She's Beautiful

2006-12-03T14:15:00.000-08:00

I finished my lovely alpaca Ariann and laid her out to block today. She might be the most beautiful thing I have ever made. I learned so much while making this cardigan. Unfortunately, I did not learn to double check that I have circled the numbers for the correct size until I finished weaving in the last end and slipped her on. I did wonder why I had two whole skeins of Misti Alpaca 4 ply worsted left over when I was pretty sure I had bought the correct amount.

I was quite intimidated by the raglan shaping, having never done it this way before. It turned out to be easy, and beautiful. With just a bit of attention to detail, I was able to match up the way the lines flowed into the faux seams . I am so pleased with the way it turned out!

Olive Ariann will shortly be gifted, and I will begin Ariann two as soon as I find some yummy chocolate brown alpaca to make her with. Thanks for creating such a lovely pattern Bonne Marie.

Updated Buttonhole

2006-12-03T08:40:00.000-08:00

I'm back in the KAL again! I've been working on my second Ariann, for a trunk show (next weekend!)

So exciting - racing to the finish line like never before.

It come to my attention that the original link for the one-row buttonhole is kaput.

I found it on the author's site - I think she did some housecleaning and moved it here from the other site: One Row Buttonhole Version D.

Many thanks to Ms. Barbara Breiter, the author for sharing this cool technique...

Almost ready to wear

2006-11-30T13:04:00.000-08:00

The knitting of Ariann is complete, and is undergoing a kitty inspection:

All that is left is sewing on the buttons, weaving in the ends, and a good wet block. She's a little snug, but since my swatch grew a fair amount, I'm cautiously optimistic that all will be well. What a great pattern, I'm definitely knitting this one again!

Slick Raglans

2006-11-26T21:42:00.000-08:00

Raglan shaping. Seamless. Maintain the eyelet lace pattern. Cripes! Someone wise posted here a while ago that it helped her to think of the eyelet lace pattern as 2 mirror images of a 6 stitch pattern, which of course, it is. I have a thing about not leaving things hanging. For me, the eyelet needs to travel neatly into the raglan or it just doesn't work. I've also been reading the lace knitters' wisdom that says, don't do the increase if you can't do the decrease. My plan for the raglan shaping is to follow the pattern from SSK to YO k1 (6 stitches) If I can do the matching K1 YO to K2Tog great. If not then those 6 stitches will ALL smooth over to stockinette and stay that way until the next eyelet meets the raglan seam. Make sense? Maybe a picture will help. This is the right sleeve. Ariann's back is on the left of the image, the sleeve is on the right. You can clearly see the stockinette panel I created by avoiding doing increases in pattern. I think I like the way this is working out. By changing a group of 6 stitches to stockinette I am creating a small panel of smooth stitches that seems to be matching quite nicely with the sleeve panel. So far so good anyway. What do you folks think?

Guerilla Photography--Ariann Style

2006-11-26T14:45:00.000-08:00

What to do on a last-day-of-vacation Sunday? You grab the digital camera that was loaned to you to take pictures for a website, you take those pictures...then you go to town, running around the apartment grabbing snaps of stuff you've been scanning because you don't have a digital cam of your own. Fun!
The first thing I photographed was my sister's Ariann. I'm a few rows away from the neck shaping. Actually, I was about 12 rows into the neck shaping when I noticed that I didn't do the final buttonhole. Doh!!
So I spent yesterday afternoon and a couple of DVDs (Serenity and Kill Bill Vol. 1) unknitting, stopping when it got too dark and I got too tired to continue.
This morning I unknitted the last row while listening to Harry Shearer's Le Show (bless the internet and streaming radio), then did the button hole and am knitting a few rows before re-starting the neck shaping.
Sorry about the bunched-upiness.
I can't wait to finish and block this bad girl...and start my own version.

2006-11-25T16:23:00.000-08:00

It's been rather busy in my world and I had to finish Cutaway before giving more time to Ariann. The body is now up to the armscyes and one sleeve has been started using the Magic Loop method. I love this way of knitting sleeves instead of log size DPNs. Hopefully I'll be wearing Ariann by the New Year!!
The yarn is Beaverslide Farms Mule Spun Worsted in Wood Rose Heather. I love it!

Margene

Blocked and Beautiful

2006-11-22T09:46:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the comments on my (almost) finished Ariann - now I've finally gotten my butt in gear to take and upload a photo of the blocked and buttoned model for ya... I have to say for the second time, that this was a wonderfully easy pattern and I love the entire finished product and the finished fabric - nice and squishy. I was a little concerned about my decision to knit the smallest size (based on my swatch), but after blocking the fit is spot on. I'm on the fence on making the belt - I started chaining, but I'm not liking how it's turning out. I may try an I-cord belt instead or just leave it as is. My second Arrian is on the needles and I've already started the first sleeve. I'm using Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Tweed again - this time in Dusk. I questioned whether I really wanted to knit the same pattern, in the same yarn, different color, but lately I've had some difficulty liking my finished products and needed another sure thing!

Not the speediest knitter....

2006-11-21T11:47:00.000-08:00

I am not as far along on this project as some of the other folks (plugging along on a sleeve...thanks to everyone who posted sleeve advice here--I did check it out before starting). I really love this project. I had a rough start (which had more to do with an active puppy looking for attention while I was knitting than anything else). Once I got the rhythm of the pattern down, I have to say, it was easy, relaxing and I just adore the results. I tend to go for things that are more basic (the color choice on the sweater is probably a good indicator), and I haven't made anything not basic for myself (like 2X2 ribbed socks or a stockinette or ribbed raglan sweater/cardigan). I am looking forward to the holiday so that I can finish this in time to wear it on my birthday in early December...apologies for the flashy picture--was in a hurry this morning.

Near the finish...

2006-11-20T10:25:00.000-08:00

TWO SKEINS left - in the middle of one of them... think i may need a few more! Using Classic Elite Inca Alpaca Rio Red (1158). Off to search the web.

Alpaca Ariann

2006-11-19T10:52:00.000-08:00

Today is overcast in Calgary, Canada. A perfect day for knitting...not so good for the pictures. I hope that you can get an idea of my Ariann anyway.
Yarn: MistiAlpaca Worsted
Colour: Olive Melange
Needles: Knitpicks options, 4.5mm for body, 4.0mm for band. Note to Knitpicks: Would you PLEASE make dpns in sizes up to 5mm?

got to the third buttonhole (see the markers on the button side) on the same row as I did the underarm cast-offs. This may be a tiny detail that makes no difference. Rather than cause myself a brain cramp trying to figure out how to incorporate the increases into the pattern on the sleeve, I just let the stockinette panel get wider. I think it will be all right.

More pictures and details on my blog: www.knittwotogether.com

Just Connected all the Pieces!

2006-11-16T12:42:00.000-08:00

I just blogged about it with a pic....

http://yarncrawl.blogspot.com/2006/11/progress.html

Ta Da!

2006-11-16T09:12:00.000-08:00

Finally, I remembered to take a pic of the completed Arianne! I've worn her many times, and gotten lots of compliments, and I just adore her. I can't believe the weather here has turned warm, don't they know I've got a new sweater to wear?

Thanks, Bonne Marie for another lovely pattern, and for this KAL - it really added to the fun of knitting this project!

What's next, guys? I'm at the Red Sweater KAL, hoping to finish Samus (from Knitty). When's our next Chic Knits KAL?

Lyn

Finally on the needles!

2006-11-13T22:40:00.000-08:00

I'm finally off and running. Yarn is Patons Natural Mix. I'm loving everything about this pattern so far. Interesting stitch, yet easy enough to knit in front of the tv after a long day at work. Thanks Bonne Marie, as per usual your patterns rock! I love all the detail you always include in your instructions, makes knitting so much easier.

I've enjoyed seeing all the finished sweaters posted here, and am looking forward to having mine completed. But in the meantime, I'm just enjoying this knit.

Back from Off the Face of the Earth....

2006-11-13T11:17:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,
I'm BACK! Finally finished my marketing project and presentation so I got to work on this over the weekend - it feels so good to make some knitting progress after having NONE for weeks.

Here are progress pics - this weekend I got a lot accomplished.
I finished the body

And started and finished one sleeve, and started the 2nd sleeve!!

Finally, a beginning

2006-11-12T19:03:00.000-08:00

My Knitpicks Options needles and lovely chestnut brown Salishan yarn (45% wool, 55% pima cotton) arrived a business day early and I started this afternoon. It is looking beautiful already and I'm glad to be knitting along and not just tagging along with this blog. I'm two rows into the eyelet, hard to tell if I'm on track but the counting came out right. I'm very happy with the color and the yarn, and it is going very quickly. This is only my second grown-up sweater, my first (a Ribby Cardi) is done save the collar (3 inches to go) and the zipper. But my new stuff came a day early...! P.S. I love the needles.

Fresh off the needles!

2006-11-11T11:28:00.000-08:00

Woo-freeking-Hoo!

Side view

Desperately needs blocking, weaving in ends, buttons, etc. - but, I. Love. This. Sweater! Thanks Bonne Marie for such a wonderful pattern. I knit the smallest size and used 8 skeins of Jo Sharp Silkroad Tweed in Beech. I have two other colors of JSST in the stash and am thinking of a second with 3/4 sleeves in Dusk. Did I tell you yet that I love this sweater? Off to weave in ends and give this girl a bath.

Sleeves Halfway Done!

2006-11-06T06:18:00.000-08:00

I was going to be clever and make the sleeves simultaneously using the Magic Loop method, but I got all twisted up and confused and the lace pattern wasn't working correctly. It was a mess.
I can do two socks with the Magic Loop. And I've done 2 sleeves. This time it didn't work so I ripped out and put each sleeve on a Loop.
I then tied a 2" x 3" mail tag to each one so I can keep track of my increases and decreases.
Ahhhh....much better.
I'm almost to the part where I attach the sleeves to the body! Yaaaaay!
I'm also working on another sweater with sleeves knit in the round and...well...I really hate it.
Takes waaaaay too long. You'd think that knitting sleeves in the round wouldn't take so long, but damn.
When I do my Ariann, I'm knitting the sleeves flat (both at the same time on a circular) and just dealing with mattress stitching the seams.

done and blocked

2006-11-04T15:13:00.000-08:00

I tried to give it to my mother-in-law so that I have a good excuse to make another one soon.

Check my blog for a little more detail: click

Almost there!

2006-11-03T01:53:00.000-08:00

Wow love all the finish images. I am currently knitting the second sleeve. Hope to be done by this weekend. I was sick for the last week with stomach problems. I plan to take my new sweater with me when I visit the States next month. Can't wait to post a picture of my completed project. Happy knitting!

Iris in Germany

closeup of Merlin

2006-11-01T10:56:00.000-08:00

As requested I took a closeup of Adriann in the yarn merlin...the white is paper. to make the stitches stand out...although in the end a little bit of sun really made the difference!

So looking at the closep I was wondering if the raglan decreases would look more even if I had stopped the eyelet pattern every 12 stitches instead of every 6. Because the Ktog/SSK go straight into the raglan decrease but the YOs don't. Maybe I was supposed to do this anyway but I never read instructions until it all goes to hell in a handbasket. If this doesn't make sense, ignore me I'm just being pedantic.

It's a crappy pic but here she is!

2006-10-31T18:19:00.000-08:00

I love it! It was worth every minute that I spent fighting it! There are a few more details on my blog, not many, but a few. Thanks for the great pattern Bonnie Marie :)

unblocked, but finished knitting anyway

2006-10-31T12:05:00.000-08:00

Here is mine, unblocked. I hope to get it done very soon (I'm away from home at the mo'.)

Tada!

2006-10-30T12:51:00.000-08:00

I finished! Yarn = Merlin by Louet Sales (30% linen, 70% wool). Modifications = 1 inch longer in the body and a ribbed collar instead of garter stitch. The yarn is supposed to machine washable so I gingerly put it in the gentle cycle to soften it up and then blocked it.

Also done!

2006-10-28T05:49:00.000-07:00

I finished Ariann Thursday night, blocked it and wore it all day yesterday! Haven't had time for a picture, but will soon. My husband said it looked very professional - I gave full credit to Bonne Marie's wonderful pattern! I'm so pleased with the result, I just loved wearing it yesterday, I might wear it all weekend!

Finished with the knitting!

2006-10-27T18:42:00.000-07:00

I actually made it through to the collar, woot! Now I just have to find some buttons and crochet the belt. She is blocking right now, can't wait until it's ready!

Making Progress

2006-10-27T09:58:00.000-07:00

I'm happy to report that I'm am finally making some progress. I've done 2 increases and about to add the 2nd buttonhole. I started over once to change needles and soften up the yarn a bit as my yarn did not like the Denise needles at all. I'm looking forward to seeing some finished results from everyone.

In case anyone else needed it spelled out

2006-10-27T05:43:00.000-07:00

I'll just be the one to ask all these simple questions - lol! How do we do the decreasing on the neck shaping? Decrease right at the edge? or knit one stitch and then do the decrease?

On the collar...

2006-10-26T07:16:00.000-07:00

click here
Click on the box to see the image (what am I doing wrong with blogger that it won't let me upload images?

but I am presently being swallowed alive by work which is cutting into my sleeping and more importantly my knitting time.

So I am now knitting the collar. I am not making a garter stitch collar but am continuing the rib pattern ...I'll add a few rows of garter stitch at the end to stop any rolling. I hope there is no major design reason why Bonne Marie used garter stitch that I won't find out until the garment is finished.

I am concerned by the size of the garment....well when blocked it should be fine as long as it holds its blocked shape....if not it will yet another too small sweater to add to my list of 'when I stop breast feeding and my chest returns to normal'.

Question about raglan decreases.

2006-10-26T05:48:00.000-07:00

I swear I really have knit a sweater before, just not one with holes in it. When we get to the raglan decreases, are we supposed to be decreasing 8 stitches each decrease row? I do okay for the first dec. rows, but then on the fourth row I start to lose more stitches than eight. Am I just supposed to do whatever it takes to make it only 8, like knit 2 instead of doing a ssk before the last 3 stitches? I don't know why I can't wrap my brain around this, I really feel dumb now.

I wish I could think!

2006-10-25T07:12:00.000-07:00

I am getting so frustrated, only because of lack of thinking on my part. I'm making suah a hard time for myself just because I don't think enough, pay attention, or I overthink. I have joined the sleeves and body 3 times now! I just finished ripping again this morning after having 18 rows done after the join. I keep getting confused with the decrease rows and the eyelet pattern, ending up with the wrong # of stitches and such. I'm hoping that my fourth time will be a charm and I can start making some progress instead of repeating the same parts over and over. I know it should not be this difficult, I just have problems. Sigh. Anyway, wish me luck, send good knitter vibes, anything will help!

Even the guys are impressed...

2006-10-25T06:39:00.000-07:00

I live in a household of men. My husband, 4, count 'em, 4 sons, even the dog is male! Needless to say, though they are very nice about trying to be supportive of the knitting, it's not of great interest to them. However, last night, I showed my 15-year-old my progress on Ariann - I'm on the collar, so it looks like a real sweater. His comment:

"Oh, grey sweater, I knew you when you were just a swatch!"

Ariann Progress

2006-10-24T19:46:00.000-07:00

Here's the full view - I am about halfway between the 1st and 2nd buttonhole. Wish I had more time to work on this over the past week, but the upcoming week should be good.

And a close-up - I really like the increases and decreases in the pattern.

Hint du Jour: Wraps per Inch

2006-10-24T18:48:00.000-07:00

Hello all! This is sort of a hint :) [More of demo?]

This weekend, I made a wraps-per-inch yarn stick for Ariann, using worsted weight wools I thought might work well in this pattern. [If you aren't familiar with this concept, here's a great explanation written by the fabulous Jackie from Heartstrings Fiber Arts: http://www.heartstringsfiberarts.com/wpi.shtm]. I've been playing around with the WPI of various yarns for awhile now and must say the more I explore the better I like this way of categorizing yarn. It uses the physical characteristics of the strand to describe a size range - IMHO, more useful than yards per gram/oz or those sometime misleading gauge suggestions included with most yarns.

[I posted some of this on the Chic Knits blog earlier today, too.]

Joining you...

2006-10-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

...and thought I'd say 'hello'! I cast-on yesterday and had completed the bottom ribbing when I decided my cast-on edge was too tight. So, I frogged and cast-on again today using a larger needle. Hopefully, that'll do the trick.

I'm using Rowan Kid Classic in color 845 (Battle). It's a lovely olivey green. It has some mohair in it, so it's a bit fuzzy and I love it. I'll post a photo when I have some progess to speak of.

Everyone Arianns look beautiful so far!

On a Roll

2006-10-24T06:33:00.000-07:00

I'm finally posting. I've been working on Ariann for about two weeks now. I just started the first sleeve. I have to say that my Ariann is looking "loose" compared to others, although my gauge is spot on. I'm sure it is my yarn. I' m using Elann Uros from my stash. It is a mix of Llama and Peruvian Wool. Interesting mix. It is quite furry and it tends to split and alternates between winding and unwinding. That said I like the overall look! Pictures next time (as I am one of the few blogless knitters)! Love the pattern Bonne Marie!

Another newbie

2006-10-22T21:40:00.000-07:00

I am also new to this KAL, but purchased the pattern shortly after it came out. I am trying to get some other projects wrapped up before starting this. I also haven't decided on my yarn yet. I'm considering KnitPicks new superwash worsted weight yarn, Swish, as I have two small (translate: messy) children, and a husband who does almost all the laundry (translate: machine wash only). Mind you, I'm not complaining about either, but rather trying to create something compatible with my environment. Anyway, has anyone heard anything about Swish? I'm curious as to how soft it is, how it holds up after washing, etc.

Dang buttonhole anyway.

2006-10-22T15:18:00.000-07:00

Any way to put a buttonhole in 6 rows after it should have been done?! I finally got the sleeves and body joined and that's about what I've knit today before realizing I'd forgotten about doing a buttonhole. I just can't win today!

Finally posting

2006-10-22T09:43:00.000-07:00

I too purchased the pattern immediately after I saw it offered and joined the KAL soon after. Just slow start and slower to post. I'm using Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Tweed in the Beech colorway and it reminds me alot of handspun. The fabric is quite lovely - very squishy! I can't wait to finish and I only hope my sweater turns out half as nice as Bonne Marie's.

Kandy