theraineysisters knitting and so much more

In general, my projects of late have been pretty small scale.  I have not made a sweater since my Lacy Cardigan last summer.  I used to be all about the sweater, and now I can’t get past mini-projects.  Surly has been cranking out FOs like hotcakes, so I feel the need to play catch up!

Here is the latest of my mini-projects: the Damson Shawlette by Ysolda Teague.  It is made with one skein of sock yarn (Malabrigo Sock is called for in the pattern).  Surly generously shared the remains of the yarn she used for her Swallowtail.  It is beautiful yarn — a rich mix of all the best of the fall colors.  BUT, the skein starts off with slightly less yardage than Malabrigo Sock, and Sally had to dip into the skein she sent me, so I worried a bit about yardage.  I shortened my Damson 6 rows and then did a crocheted chain bind off instead of the multi-row bind off shown in the pattern in hopes of having enough yarn.  I also added openwork as discovered in this Ravelry project by Linda Butkus.  I don’t know if this variation requires more or less yarn, but I DO know that I ended up with only one gram of yarn when I was done.  One.  Uno.

I like it.  It’s pretty.  I’m not sure when I’ll wear it, but it is a beautiful way to use up one skein of gorgeous sock yarn without having to knit socks 😉 !

PS: Barb asked, “Looked on Ravelry but no sign of how Linda did the insert, just lovely pics–did you contact her for instructions or figure it out yourself?”

I figured it out myself by looking at Linda’s version and then revising the chart.

…and into an oasis!  I have been off the grid for over a week now, experiencing pervasive and ongoing computer issues.  I am now back on line and LOVING IT!  New high speed internet (that finally works as promised), new computer with 4 times the memory of the old one, and new printer (because the old was not compatible with Windows 7).  I feel free as a bird, light as a feather, etc. etc.  It is great to have joined the 21st century at long last!

It’s true.  I have given up.  Thrown it in.  Divested myself.  Moved on.  Cut the thing loose.

Of what do I speak?  The EZ Green Sweater!   But why?  One word: fit (or, more accurately, the lack thereof).  I got to the neck and tried it on and it was abysmal.  So, I will put it aside rather permanently I’m afraid. 

The rating scale:

Pattern: high — scored high for style and historical significance
Motivation: high — I really wanted to make this sweater!!!
Yarn: low — the yarn quality was just not there for me
Fit: low — too narrow, too wide, too weird, too everything but right!
Sadness: low — I do not feel bad about this at all.  It was a small moment in time that is over. 

Edited to add: 
Please do NOT be discouraged!  If you have started this project or plan to…go ahead!  The sweater did not fit ME, and believe me, that is nothing rare in my world!  Many others are having success, so please do not write off the whole affair based on my experience!!

In memoriam

There is a chance I will try it again at a later date with different yarn.  I’ll keep the original start (“What NOT to do!”) just in case.

So now what am I up to?  It will be revealed in a few weeks when it is finished and ready to unveil!