A few tears shed for a frogging

Neckline is finished (minus turning and sewing into place)

Once again an inability to read directions bit. The good news is there is flexibility in a knitter (some knitters) to make adjustments on the fly. The neckline of my Dr. Watson sweater is meant to be knit in 1x1 ribbing. I however, believe that it should be knit in 2x2 ribbing. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it! I meant to do that; I swear. The pattern also said the first portion of the collar should be ½” in length; well I made it an inch. Then I switched to a different ribbing pattern where I finally followed the pattern once more. My swapped ribbing for the second type was knit for the correct length. Naturally once the collar was bound off, I slipped the sweater on over my head for a fit check. What do you know; it fits the way I wanted it to fit!

Make do when toddlers are around/awake

This version of the Dr. Watson is meant to be a little loose but not too loose. My biggest pet peeve with some of the sweaters I’ve knit are too tight sleeves and a little too short. With every sweater a little more has been learned with the exception of my first sweater. Somehow the first sweater is the one that fits the best in my mind. The first sweater did not have a gauge swatch and the only modification made was to pick up and knit for sleeves. Blind luck is all I can say.  The sweater I seamed last week/earlier in the week is perfect except for the sleeves. The sleeves are just slightly snug and the Knitpicks Wool of the Andes is a yarn I cannot wear next to my skin on my upper arms. I do have few more form fitting long sleeved T-shirts that I can wear under it but it just feels a little snug. Either way, it will be worn and loved. After blocking the sweater may wear completely differently than now but it is currently living on the closet floor drying.

Goodbye lots of hard work *tear*

Blocking and finishing the neckline were my successes of the weekend. What I said last time about maybe completing a pair of toddler socks for DS1; scratch that. I tried the half-finished sock on him and it was too small. So I grabbed DS2; still too small.  From reading Ravelry, every good frogging should be accompanied by a glass of wine. I didn’t grab the wine but I did cry a little on the inside as I frogged the 5” cuff of 2x2 ribbing, the short row heel, and the inch or so of foot. I should have bit the bullet but I was just too upset to do so. Instead DH and I went to Hancock Fabrics for their fleece sale. We picked up enough fabric for an adult sized blanket and I made a blanket for Christmas. Grandma is getting a no-sew blanket this year. DS1 assisted with the tying of the knots. By tying the knots I mean he twisted areas around and around until they looked like he thought they should. After he wandered off, I went back to tie those areas. DS2 loved the blankie so much we had to cuddle under it when it was done. I guess that’s a good sign right? 

Hope Grandma likes it as much as the boys