Umm. Somewhat unsurprisingly, I didn't do quite as well as I would have liked on the FO front. And I realised that I'd forgotten to mention, in yesterday's list, the Debbie Bliss Fiery Bolero from the Summer 2005 edition of Interweave Knits that nearly drove me mad. It's waiting for the ribbed band to be added it but the math doesn't seem to work on my version (despite the fact that I ripped it and started again). So it's also in the leather box next to the sofa where unfinished items languish.
I did finish the Cashmere Lace Scarf, blocked it AND sewed in the ends. I suspect that it'll be coming to work with me tomorrow. Pictures to follow. AND I did block the back and two fronts to Bea. Although that took me the best part of an hour and a half and nearly drove me insane. So I didn't do too badly.
As a pet rant, can I say that I wish there were way more measurements on the schematics for patterns. I always seem to end up with a calculator in my hand working out the other measurements (like the width of the sleeve at the armhole). And I am useless at the math and apparently at reading too seeing as I always misread the number of stitches etc and then wonder why the measurements I have don't match my garment in the slightest. Let's just say there's a fair amount of swearing involved when I block.
On a calmer note, I started the Debbie Bliss ski sweater back in November.
The sweater is from the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK book and I got to try it on in the autumn when Debbie presented her latest collection at Peter Jones. It fitted me perfectly and I decided I needed one. Without the sequins. (If you live in London, it's still on display in the yarn department at Peter Jones. Last time I was there, I was seriously considering running off with it.)
I made fast progress with the front, back and sleeves. But then once I started the fairisle yoke, it all ground to a halt. I'd never done fairisle before and was really very nervous about the tension.
If you can see on the picture above (you'll need to look carefully), you'll be able to see that some of the stitches are seriously receding. Some others are almost completely vanishing from sight. Eek. And yes, I do know about yarn dominance having read Kris' post about the matter as well as Nona Knits' post.
But I took it to Liberty and the girls assured me that it was fine and nothing that a good blocking wouldn't sort out. So now I am holding my breath.
Here's the back. I am actually strangely proud of it.
Posted by Amelia at February 11, 2007 07:37 PMThat is a beautiful sweater and I think your work looks really neat and even, you are right to be proud. I haven't seen this sweater before, it is lovely, I really like the deep ribbing detail. How is the yarn to use?
Posted by: Rebecca at February 16, 2007 07:42 PMI think it looks like the yolk is well done, the sweater itself is absolutely lovely and I am throughly envious and green tinged! :)
Posted by: stinkerbell at February 15, 2007 09:49 AMI think it looks great Amelia. Your fairisle is fine and blocking is a wonderful thing for fairisle ..... she says hopefully as one deeply enmeshed in fairisle herself at present .... ;0)
Heather x
It looks wonderful, Amelia! I, too, am trying to clear the needles a bit before casting on anything new. There is a lovely beaded fair isle jumper that I want to make for my friend's next birthday. Thank god it's in November! :)
P.S. I have posted again...finally.
I think ditching the sequins is a good choice. Your floats look good, at least insofar as a picture can show. I'm sure blocking will bring the receding stitches out nicely, and generally even everything up.
Good job, re: the scarf and the blocking! I wish schematics had more measurements, too.
Posted by: Amy at February 12, 2007 06:07 PMDon't worry about your stitches, the blocking will do wonders, the floats on the back look great and even! I love the colors.
Posted by: Steph at February 12, 2007 05:21 PMThe jumper looks wonderful - back and front! Blocking can be a total nightmare without all the measurements can't it?
Posted by: Mary at February 12, 2007 01:08 PMYour yoked jumper should be fine, when you block it out (and every time it gets washed those stitches will be a little bit more even). Loved your last two posts - they assure me that I'm not the only one with lots of wips!
I think it looks fab. And the decision to skip the sequins - very wise I think!
Posted by: Meg at February 12, 2007 02:20 AMI'm so with you when it comes to lack of numbers on the schematics! And when the pattern doesn't even include a schematic, it drives me nuts. Luckily I love math and strangely enjoy recreating the schematic.
I absolutely love your fair-isle sweater! It will be stunning.
Posted by: nona at February 12, 2007 01:08 AMYour jumper is stunning - both back and front! As for FO's .... how else would we use up all those plastic bags usefully:)
Posted by: blog-blethers at February 11, 2007 11:59 PMOMG! It looks beautiful!
Posted by: isel at February 11, 2007 11:17 PMomg! this looks freaking gorgeous!!!
Posted by: jacqueline at February 11, 2007 10:39 PMand so you should be! it's beautiful!
Posted by: kris at February 11, 2007 09:47 PMNot strange at all that you should be proud of that back. It's very even and the jumper is going to be stunning.
Posted by: Brigid at February 11, 2007 08:29 PM