it did not take me until I was 80!

I finished the cardigan I was making!  It did not take until I was 80 like my Beloved predicted because I kept ripping it out.  But I did start with a knitting pattern.  Then I combined it with a crochet pattern.  It was all about the shape and I guess you could say I did my own thing.  But if I am making it, why not?

The Yosh Little Brother yarn from Tolt Yarn and Wool was lovely to work with.  Lovely enough for me to consider it for other projects even though it is a bit expensive.  It is also soft due to the cashemere in it so I should not complain.

The hardest part for me was the decision of what edging color.  I chose by consensus.  The sage green is not in this picture but the sage green and the cranberry were the lead picks.  I went with the cranberry because I was told it was a bit more edgy, modern.

These pictures are from the day I wore it before I blocked it.  Once I block it, if I block it, I may need to reposition the buttons.  But that may not happen until the first time it needs washing.  This sweater is so soft.  My allergies have been pretty bad and being able to wrap myself in it has been nice.

It just makes me wish to crochet another sweater.  That I will rip out how many times before it is done.  It is part of my process.

We are off a fiber fair this weekend, then the mountain and my parents, and then camping with Koda Bear.  I cannot wait!  I was ready to go traveling before Harvey but I am very ready for a change right now.  As long as it does not snow.  I dreamed it snowed on the mountain last night and I just do not see that as a good thing!  I may pack my snow boots as a just in case measure.  

Oh, by the way, yes, those are my skateboards behind me in the picture.  One rides the concrete like my spoon rides the waves.  I have been feeling the need to go surfing as well but there has not been any surf until this week.  This week has been about packing and going.  Oh well.  Soon.

downsizing

I made this lovely sweater for myself from yarn that I had spun.  It was thick and cuddly and huge on me.  I had to roll the sleeves up three times so that they would not drag in everything.  And the sweater was heavy.  It made my body tired to wear it.  It is one of those things I have noticed with my arthritis, clothes that are too heavy are not my friends.  

I have learned that any pattern that says boyfriend sweater is not for me.  It is too much sweater for my body and life.  No matter if I like it or not!  I still have a few boyfriend sweaters that I would love to make and know better!

I got out my sewing machine and ran some lines of stitches.  I got out my scissors and cut.  I unraveled the collar.  I unraveled every thing I cut off and saved the yarn. 

Then I started finishing all the edges and putting a new collar on it.  I had to redo the button holes and I even found buttons to work this time.  I put them on.

I now have a sweater I can wear.  It is still on the bulky side.  I was wandering around my parents with it on over another sweater when I was so tired my body hurt.  I needed the comfort.  But it is now something I hope to wear more then twice a year.  I might be able too.  I do like it much better now.  I can envision it over my new overalls.  

not quite climb every mountain

I was wandering around pinterest and saw the Climb Every Mountain sweater.  The sweater is a bit of a poncho and it was knitted.  Which I really do not enjoy.  I decided to give it a try converting it to crochet.  

Not half bad.  I think it is a little full from the picture but it does not feel that full on.  Koda Bear actually likes to wear it which is fairly odd.  I used Cascade yarn 220 sport in straw.  I did not even make the yarn.  How odd again!

If I were to do this again, I think I would use a lace weight yarn and maybe a smaller hook.  Maybe not as full but it is hard to lose the fullness and get the right shape.  I think I would put a long sleeve t-shirt on underneath it to wear as a mid layer when cool starts.  I think it would be good for driving because I can never figure out where my sleeves should be.

I will give it a try but I may end up ripping it out.  Decreasing the fullness may be needed.  Or it just may not be right.  But then I do not mind experimentation, obviously!  If I rip it out, I have a new crocheting project to keep my hands busy.

I am such a klutz today.  I just spilled my tea.  Sigh!