mary makes merry

Almost finished

This is the flat-panel Ribby Shell. As you can see, the yarn is self-striping. When it came time to start the second side of the v-neck, I really did attempt to find the correct place in the skein so that the sides would match. I ripped it back once and tried again. Then I decided I didn't mind the difference, though looking at the photo really makes it look egregious. I have plenty of yarn, so I might try once more...on the other hand, don't hold your breath. I'm more concerned about the fit at the moment, anyway. The yarn (Rowan Tapestry) is a smaller gauge than the pattern calls for, so I made some calculations, but...well, I'm not sure. I started it so long ago that I can' t quite remember what exactly I did, but I wish I had included another inch's worth of stitches. If blocking it will give me another little bit, I'll be in good shape. Otherwise, I'll just wear it with a camisole under jackets (scratch factor), which will be fine, too.

I really love the ribbing on the sides and especially the beautiful stitch detail up and down the v-neck, which is also beautifully simple.

Gratituous 2-year-old-on-pig-train photo:

Eeek!

Too much time between posts! I would like to inform the world that I have a Ribby Shell almost ready to be seamed. It's in the Tapestry yarn by Rowan that I picked up some months back. It's a great pattern. And I'm not just sayin' that. Photos to follow.

The first sleeve of Ariann is almost finished. I think it looks pretty good, even where the seam would be if there were going to be a seam. And the first sleeve of Ellie's Maisie cardigan is coming along, slowly but surely.

Here are a couple of overdue photos of a jumper I made for Ellie for the summer. The fabric is from Heather Bailey's (first) Freshcut line; I wish I could make her one in every fabric in the collection! Happy weekend, everyone!

Never too early/Never too late

On Sunday I put a thumb on the second of the purple mittens, which means this little trio is ready to go to Afghans for Afghans. The purple and green pairs were always intended for Afghanistan. I had planned to send the adult pair to the Dulaan project (for Mongolia), though, and in fact worked on them at that great gathering in Evanston for that purpose a thousand years ago. But since I just missed the Dulaan mailing date, I'll do something else(s) for Dulaan 2008 and get these off now to someone who can use them this winter.

These patterns are super-easy and fun. The purple and green ones were made withLamb's Pride worsted using this pattern, which I like a lot, from the Afghans for Afghans site. The blue ones are in Lamb's Pride bulky from another free, online pattern, but I can't find it now.  Aack! This pattern from Blue Blog Alison certainly would work, though, and in fact it's the one I'll use next time since I prefer rounded mitten tops.

In other news, I had to do a big rip-back of the Ariann sleeve last night, because I went along so quickly that I made too many sleeve increases! That's a first.  In fact, mathematically I have no idea how I have the proper number of stitches, since I did not do the proper number of increases...for pity's sake. You'd think I was new to reading. Or counting. Then I ripped back one increase too many...grr. But now I think we're on track.

Weekend knitting

For the first time in forever, I could spend some concentrated time knitting. Ahhhh. The back and one of the fronts of Maisie are finished, and the second front is nearing completion.

The stitch holder  is holding the stitches that will turn into the pocket edging, and the hole will go away when the pocket lining is sewn in place. Please admire the stitch holder, which began life as a coat hanger.

Also receiving attention this weekend:

The beautiful Ariann. This is the first sleeve. I was motoring along away from the computer when it was time to decide how to integrate the increases with the stitch pattern, so I didn't see Bonne Marie's clear and sensible answer when the question came up in the knitalong months back. Naturally, the clear and sensible answer is not the one that occurred to me, so we'll see how mine turns out. I like it so far, so cross your fingers when you're not knitting! This is a beautiful sweater and I can't wait to wear it...ASAP in my ExtremeAirConditioning workplace.

(The backdrop is a piece of fabric I got at the GlobalMamas booth at the ever-fun Folk and Roots Fest in Welles Park this weekend. So cute! If I can get up the nerve to take scissors to it, maybe Ellie will get a new dress and/or skirt.)

If they don't win, it's a shame

One of Ellie's CDs has "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" on it. The singer sings it once for the Cubbies, and once for the White Sox. This morning Ellie sang it for the CubSox.

East or West, home is best

OK, this time I was out of town for two weeks...on two separate vacations...with a two-year-old. The first couple of days in each location (Butte, Montana, and Michigan City, Indiana) were challenging, but things rapidly improved in both spots and we ended up having a great time. I even got some knitting done! Here's what I'm working on:

It's Maisie from Pipsqueaks. I'm using some beautiful yarn Carolyn gave me -- Rowan Yorkshire Tweed 4-ply, and this will be nice and big so she can wear it for a while (even if, heaven forbid, this one accidentally lands in the washing machine like its predecessor). This time I'm doing the button bands and pockets, so it's nice to see how those things work.

I hope to get to KIP tonight, though I think I will probably be late again.