I finished Anya (!). I repeat, I FINISHED ANYA!!
It is not the best, but it is definitely not embarrassing either. I just could not stand the thought of being beaten by a sweater! I wet blocked it — blocking the bajeezers (sp?) out of the sleeves. I sewed it together yesterday and finished the neckband last evening. I kind of like the way the neck turned out. I am still not totally happy with the sweater, but it is wearable.  I have a few last touches and then FINIS!!
Here is a close up of the neckband, which looks a bit squished because this picture is from my scanner:
I do like the way the neck turned out. With this type of neckline (mock turtleneck), there is often a problem: when it’s big enough to go over your head, it looks too big when it’s on. I developed a bind off technique that helps with this — at least I think I developed it, because I have not seen it anywhere.Â
Susan’s Elastic Bind Off:
K1, *k1, YO, slip first 2 sts over YO; rep from * until 1 sts remains on LH needle, bind off normally.Â
NOTE: When you do the YOs, hold the yarn across the needle to the back so the other sts have something to be slipped over.
I usually work this from the WS, not in pattern but as to knit (as shown in the picture). The bound off edge has a slight stretch so it goes over your head easier. I know many people use EZ’s sewn bind off to get a stretchy BO edge, but this yarn does not like being pulled through anything (as I found out during the mattress seam phase!).
Here is a close up of the sleeve cuff:
I crocheted a chain to weave through the cuff at the point where it hits the wrist to tighten it — I wanted it to definitely look like a ruffle and not like I have the world’s longest sleeves. The sleeves are the perfect length — they are just too narrow — and I added 8 sts to the pattern. The sleeves for all sizes were the same (?!) and very small at that. I also do not like how the raglan turned out at the top (my fault). I should have fixed it, but I did not feel like taking it apart at that point.Â
It is wearable. It’s kind of cute, but not great. What more can you expect from salvaged goods?
Â
Love the mock tutleneck ! Will try the elastic bind off. Susan, did you move the free pattern for your small beaded bag? Hoped to make one for a gift and can’t find the instructions. Kathy in MN.
Comment by Kathy — December 10, 2006 @ 2:40 pm
U sell yourself short! Really, it looks just as it should… pretty… now what’s in the works?
Comment by Michelle — December 10, 2006 @ 9:34 pm
The neckband looks good. The sleeves are gorgeous. The colour, stunning! Now, what did you say was “wrong”?
Comment by Marina — December 11, 2006 @ 7:12 am
Susan- I think it’s very creative. But I understand when something doesn’t live up to your standards, you just want to be done with it.
Still, it looks successful from here.
Comment by Lorraine — December 11, 2006 @ 10:48 am
Really lovely work, Susan. I love the neck ribbing you’ve done. Nice work … now you can put that puppy to bed.
Comment by Annie — December 12, 2006 @ 8:46 am
It all looks good to me. I’d love to see a finished picture of the sweater on. I’ve considered making this sweater for myself.
Comment by Wanda — December 12, 2006 @ 10:41 am
That’s beautiful! You’re way too modest! And thank you for sharing your BO technique!
Comment by Carol — December 12, 2006 @ 12:28 pm
love the collar, and the color!
Comment by vanessa — December 12, 2006 @ 6:20 pm