Of the few sweaters that I’ve made up to this point, the only one that gets heavy rotation is Raspy. Now that it’s cold and nipply, a cotton sweater simply won’t do. I’ve always admired the Hourglass sweater from Last Minute Knitted Gifts, and so the timing was just perfect. Pattern: Hourglass Sweater from Last Minute Knitted Gifts

Materials: Baruffa Maratona (8 balls at 121yds/50g), sz 5 and sz 6 circular needles

Gauge: 20 sts and 26 rows to 4″ in sz 6 needles

Notes: The pattern called for Noro Cash Iroha at a gauge of 19 sts and 28 rows, therefore I had to alter the pattern to fit my gauge (that and I was trying to stash-bust). I basically measured a shirt that I wear ala Diana’s method, and knit to fit my own specifications. I decided to be a little adventurous and try the negative ease thing on this one, and made it with 1″ negative ease. Could have gotten away with -2 or even -3, but that’s for next time. Of course, having a long torso and long arms meant additional mods too. The body piece before sleeve attachment was 18″, and the sleeves were at 22″ a piece before joining them to the body. I followed the pattern guidelines roughly for the shaping ideas and also the yoke for the raglan shaping. For the hems on the lower body and the sleeves, I followed the no-sew-knitted-hem tutorial by Marnie. The less I have to sew, the better. Initially I was worried that I wouldn’t have enough yarn since so many other knitters have run into yarn-shortage problems at the knit-along, so I decided to add the brown trims for the sleeves just in case. Turns out I have nothing to worry about. I still have 2 complete balls of yarn left.

For your viewing pleasure, here’s a close up of my neckline and my sleeves…

In an unfortunate turn of events, BF won’t be able to spend this holiday season with me. Quite the bummer. Here’s why: Power-tripping U.S. Consulate Interviewers. He told BF that it’s only been 3 months since he moved to Canada and that he didn’t see any reason why BF should come to the States. Hello?!? Friends? Family? Lonely girlfriend? It’s Christmas? That gentleman surely ruined my Christmas. I hope his Christmas sucks ass too. There I said it.

Project: Bella Paquita (Small) by Marnie Maclean
Materials: Baruffa Maratona (6 balls at 121 yds/ball), US 7 circular needles
Techniques Learned: 2×2 tubular cast-on and off
Notes: waist shaping inc/dec still looked a little wonky. Marnie recommended lifted increases for the shaping. Did not complete all the rows as specified in the pattern (5-6 rows short). Just kept on trying until it is the right length for me. Increased sleeve length by 2″. Provisional CO for body, tubular BO for body, 2×2 tubular CO for sleeves.

Close up for the lace pattern along the neck-line (8 repeats total..I think). This is probably the truest representation of the color of the yarn. It’s a deep mauve/purplish worsted weight merino. Overall this could be considered an easy knit, but I was just too anal. In the end, I compromised with the wonkiness because I had to move on to a new project. Bella is still considered as a learning sweater because the shoulder seaming isn’t perfect too. Next….

**It’s an overcast day outside I know, but my shades just look too good with my new hat..**

And now, for a little stash-busting. This is the Amelia Earhart hat pattern that’s been around for some time. I wanted some instant-gratification, and with the pink Wool-Ease I had lying around plus a few hours of vigorous knitting, here are the results. Me thinks me needs more stashbusting projects like these.. very tempted by the One-Skein Wonder by Glampyre…hm.

Pattern: Lucky Clover Lace Wrap (size Small)from SNB Nation
Duration: March 1 2005 to April 24 2005 (off and on)
Materials: Brown Sheep Cotton Fine in Victorian Pink
Notes: For those of you who are going to seam this little sucker, seam the shoulders, sleeves and sides (I also seamed the waist band to the sides together in one go) first. Make the neck band, then sew it to about 2″ away from the part where you connected the front and sleeve, then mattress stitch 2-3 sts from the front pieces to 1 st from the neck band. This allows the neck band to gather to a V-neck. **What I did was I wore the wrap, then threw the band over my shoulders and safety-pinned 3-4″ sections (band to sweater) depending on how I want the v-neck to look. Then I stitched it accordingly.** Continue this stitch method until you arrive to the other front piece, then mattress stitch every 1 st from the body piece to 1 st of the neck band. Trust me, I learned it the HARD way… unless you wanted a boatneck wrap sweater..
What I would have done different if I knew then what I know now: Make sleeves and body pieces longer. Cuz that’s how I like it. But this is fine too, and NO, I am not making another one.
After thought: Granted this is not the best seaming the modern civiliazation has seen, but it’s my first sweater, and it’s 1000% me. Yes, 1000%.
** - Editted content

Unblocked and Unseamed

So I have finished knitting the last sleeve, and at this point, I pretty much consider the knitting done. The 62″ + 18″ of straps will be completed at a later time. Let me tell you, this little sucker tested the limit of my patience. I have knitting ADD. yes, i admit. I am glad that I started the back piece first, cuz that was the biggest piece and allowed me to get into the rhythm of the clover lace pattern. The front and back pieces were fun, because I had to keep track of alot of “at the same time” instructions that kept me alert. I thought that by the time I got to the sleeves, they would just knit themselves up in no time. Wrong. Surprisingly, the last stretch of knitting took me the longest. I think it’s like running a marathon, first 20 miles you’re fine (well relatively speaking), but when you get to the last 6.2 miles, ugh…. running towards a tunnel that has no end.


I caved in and purchased a SewEZ blocking board on Joann, and put in the order 2 1/2 weeks ago. Yes, I’m being precise with my time calculation. The estimated delivery time was 2-3 weeks. I was informed yesterday that the item is still in order and the email did not mention any ETA. patience… is not my virtue. Come on, the sweater is ready to be blocked… where the hell is the friggin’ board? I even got the blocking pins ready. I guess I’ll just use those pins as darts and aim it at Joann.com….. ok, maybe not. But I ain’t blocking nothing until that board is in my apt.