theraineysisters knitting and so much more

I wore Anya all day yesterday at the craft show.  It was very comfortable and soft — like an old shoe.  That’s exactly what I wanted from this sweater.  I was not looking for a fashion-forward, edgy, exotic sweater, but a down-to-earth, wear-it-every-day sweater. 

Thanks to everyone who commented.  What nice people you all are.  I especially like blog surfing on the links you provide with your names.  It’s very nice to see what everyone in knitdom is up to. 

As for me, knitting has not been in the picture.  I am drowning in life, bobbing with my head precariously near the surface, sinking dangerously beneath the churning surf occasionally.  Blub blub.

I have decided that only lists will save me.  If it’s not written down, it will not “get in queue.”  If it is not in queue, it will not become a priority.  If it’s not a priority, it will not get done.  Simple.

I am very glad that Sally already knitted the Moebius Lace Scarf.  She has agreed to lend it to me to serve as the shop sample until I get mine finished (it is on the list, but has not made it to the top of the queue!).  That bought me some very valuable time.

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. 

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. 
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. 

It is wearable.  It’s kind of cute, but not great.  What more can you expect from salvaged goods?