A Nice Cozy FO, a New Pattern & Lots of Good Progress

Look! It’s a nice, cozy finished object! This is Dark & Stormy by Thea Colman. The more I wear it, the happier I get. It fits nicely, it’s warm and, though I had my doubts right through this sweater’s first wearing, I’m happy with the gauge. I guess I’ve become quite a tight knitter. I attribute this to huge amounts of accessory knitting; I like socks, gloves and mittens to have lots of structure and a close, solid gauge. This sweater has a fair amount of drape, which I am coming to really appreciate.

I especially love the color. This is KnitPicks Wool of the Andes in the Opal Heather colorway. I suppose it’s basically a deep-ish blue gray, but there’s a lot going on in the heather. There’s an orchid purple element in there. It is almost iridescent, like an opal, but very subtle. Every year, when KnitPicks has its Big Sale, I try to pick up a sweater length. During that part of late November/early December, I’m usually way too busy to think ahead, choose a pattern and purchase the sweater length based on the pattern. I just buy the yarn because the prices are soooo low, and throw it into my stash. Of course, I never quite have enough yarn when a pattern inspires me and this year was no exception. I had to order more. I played ‘yarn chicken’ and wound up a skein short.

How about these buttons? I was thrilled (and surprised!) to find them at Fabricland (who knew??); they were the first ones I spied and I think they’re perfect! Not too shiny, not too silver – more of a pewter color, and just the right size.

I’m happy to say that my Barn Swallow Fingerless Mittens have had their fun with Michelle, the test knitter, and are ready (pending a good photograph) to be released! Look for them before the end of the week. They’re a fun and fast Christmas knit, using about 150 – 200 yards of sport weight yarn.

The Birthday Sweater/Vest is cruising along at breakneck speed! It is now at the separation point, so I must sit down quietly and write the short row sections for the upper back and shoulders. I’m excited about the I-cord edging and the hemmed collar and buttonbands! Which reminds me…better dash off and order these amazing buttons…!