…arises the Phoenix! Okay, too much! But this one was truly in the trash heap and pulled out by a thread –groan– at the last moment. I had counted the “ten count” down to zero, and then it raised its head for one more round-double groan! Anyway, I did finally finish my Alexandria Cardigan. It was traumatic at worst and rewarding at best.
Alexandria Cardigan in Shepherd’s Wool, 5 skeins, US 5 and 6 needles
Mods:
1- the sleeve change (see below)
2- i-cord bind off on neckline
3- reverse stockinette at hem of sleeves (#2&3 mods were done to reduce the number of different finishes on the edges)
4- I did my neck decreases right at the edges instead of in a few sts so there would not be a distinct decrease line formed, and I did not bind off the back neck sts
The sleeve picture below shows how I did a faux seam at the underarm.
The blue arrow indicates where the underarm bind off was supposed to occur. I did not bind off the underarm sts but rather placed them (both front and back sts) onto a holder and then knit them when I picked up the sleeve cap sts. I continued the faux seam down the sleeve and did my decreases thus: knit to one st before faux seam st, slip 2 sts tog as to knit, k1, pass the two slipped sts over the st just worked (central double dec). I do like the clean line and the uninterrupted “seam.”
Project Grade:
Pattern: A (once I got the drift 
)
Yarn: A+
Fit: A++
I love it. I L-O-V-E it! It fits like a dream. It is cashmere soft. I am so glad I did not listen to my inner [pouty] child and instead let a voice of reason speak to me. Whew!
It does look lovely. I’m jealous! I want one!
Comment by Surly — July 6, 2010 @ 7:10 pm
Fabulous! I love the faux side seam and Shepherd’s Wool is my fave right now too!
Comment by lea-ann — July 6, 2010 @ 8:03 pm
Susan, It is beautiful! I want one too. I have not used the Shepherds Wool yet. Soon maybe.
Comment by Marsha — July 6, 2010 @ 8:33 pm
This is a real beauty. I love your modifications. I hope this one is heading to the the state fair!
Comment by twinsetellen — July 6, 2010 @ 8:49 pm
Beautiful!
Comment by Sirianne — July 6, 2010 @ 8:49 pm
Totally lovely! Congrats on persevering.
Comment by Cheryl S. — July 6, 2010 @ 11:20 pm
I think it is stunningly beautiful. I am so happy for you!!
Comment by Kathy — July 7, 2010 @ 1:06 am
Really beautiful.
Comment by dclulu — July 7, 2010 @ 8:47 am
wonderful !
Comment by Samy — July 7, 2010 @ 9:15 am
Gorgeous!
Comment by Joy — July 7, 2010 @ 10:36 am
What a perfect cardigan! Love the white. 🙂
Comment by Kym — July 7, 2010 @ 10:45 am
Gorgeous knitting (as always) very clever modifications and a really lovely cardigan. Well done for overcoming the traumatic moments!
Comment by Soo — July 7, 2010 @ 11:06 am
That is just exquisite!
Comment by GeekKnitter — July 7, 2010 @ 11:29 am
It’s a work of art and yet looks SOOOO wearable. Good job!
Comment by LaurieM — July 7, 2010 @ 12:13 pm
It’s stunning! I love Connie’s patterns, and she’s such a sweetie, too. Bonus! 🙂
Comment by Romi — July 7, 2010 @ 1:17 pm
Absolutely gorgeous! The designer should use your sweater in her advertisements.
Comment by Linda — July 7, 2010 @ 3:36 pm
That is one lovely sweater! Sometimes, you just have to stick it out.
Comment by technikat — July 7, 2010 @ 3:56 pm
Your sweater is amazing. You knit so beautifully.
Comment by Kim Fluck — July 7, 2010 @ 5:12 pm
Wow. Exquisite design AND workmanship!
Comment by Carol — July 7, 2010 @ 9:28 pm
Absolutely lovely!
Comment by Jane — July 8, 2010 @ 8:06 am
This just moved to the top of my queue. Your sweater is absolutely stunning. Top of the line. Phoenix indeed.
Comment by Ruth — July 8, 2010 @ 12:12 pm
LUST, fabulously, marvelous!! some day . .
Comment by Carol R — July 8, 2010 @ 1:05 pm
Your work is absolutely breathtaking. I keep trying to get my things to look as properly finished as yours. Haven’t gotten there yet, but I intend to.
Comment by 2muchfun — July 8, 2010 @ 2:23 pm
Your work is beautiful. You had the word trash at the beginning of your post, and I can’t even begin to think of that word and your sweater anywhere near each other. Just lovely!
Comment by Christina Bieloh — July 8, 2010 @ 3:43 pm
Stunningly beautiful, and your handiwork… WOW! Mind-blowing. Thanks for sharing, and enjoy!
Comment by Herdis — July 8, 2010 @ 4:23 pm
Boy, can you knit! When can I come over and pick it up?
Comment by Chloe — July 8, 2010 @ 7:59 pm
I’m glad you listened to your reason, too. That cardigan is inspirational. Your modifications are excellent.
Comment by Sigrun — July 11, 2010 @ 11:30 pm
Wow! This is truly a gorgeous sweater. When I read that you were thinking of not finishing, I was screaming in the background “NO, NO, persevere, persevere.” So glad that you “heard” my screams and finished. I may have to add this to my que.
Comment by lisa — July 12, 2010 @ 4:34 pm
This is lovely. Your mods are wonderful and I will be adding this to my queue.
Comment by Beverly — July 16, 2010 @ 9:25 pm