Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Hiatus

I leave today for Italy, and I've made the rather difficult decision to leave all my knitting home. I most likely will not be updating while I am away.

I have all kinds of things planned for August, so please bookmark this site or subscribe to my RSS feed.

Have a great summer!

Saturday, June 2, 2007

FO Cropped Raglan Shrug

With days to spare before I leave for Italy, I finished my cropped raglan shrug!



I just love it.



(click photos to enlarge)

Pattern: Lion Brand Cropped Raglan Sweater, free pattern #70111
Size: L, 41" bust
Yarn: Lion Brand Pound of Love 100% acrylic, 4-ply worsted, color 099, Antique White, dye lot 34787
Needles: Susan Bates size 7 straights, KnitPicks Options size 8 & size 7 24" circular, KnitPicks size 7 DPNs
Modifications:
I picked up 120 stitches instead of the called-for 94 when knitting the front bands. I also knit the arm ribbing in the round on DPNs to diminish the amount of seaming.

Started: April 23, 2007*
Finished: May 31, 2007

* - Project was put on hold for quite some time in attempt to make the cursed baby sweater. Actual knitting time was much shorter.



I loved this pattern. It was easy, moved quickly, and was enjoyable to knit. I love the eyelet detail on the raglan increases. I thought it was exceptionally well proportioned and easy on the assembly.



The yarn was really nice in my hands and it feels wonderfully soft and comfortable to wear. The openness of the fabric makes it nice and breathable.



I am intensely happy with this shrug and think I will get a lot of use out of it abroad and upon my return. It just now occurred to me that this is officially my first wearable FO, and considering how easy and pleasant it was, I am inspired to start cranking out more!

Previous Entries on this Project: Indecisive Shrugs, Shrug On

Cast On: Summertime Tunic

Though I can't imagine I'll have time to finish this anytime soon, I was happy to finally cast on for the Summertime Tunic.



At this point I've got about an inch done. I'm still in love with the yarn and I really like the way the stitches are coming out. I'm stricken by how closely the yarn color resembles my light blue stitch markers.



I also like the way it looks against my brown dress, which is giving me ideas for the ribbons...