knitting neels

Look who’s back! They had a great time in Florida. Sleeve #1 stayed in the shade and lost a little weight.

This little number is almost finished. I need to weave in the ends, put a little picot edging on it and block it out. I think I knit the sleeve cap about 6 times in the end, but I am really happy with the shape of it (I know it looks like a flattened flower above but trust me, it fits great!) and with the placing of the lace panel.

Sleeve #2 had major reconstructive surgery.

I had got as far as 2″ down the last sleeve from the underarm and was saying to myself, maybe it will block out. I got out the iron and while I was waiting for it to heat up, I looked at the sleeve and thought, that is never going to block out. I ripped it out and picked up my stitches again – this time with 30 less than before. It seems to have made all the difference. I have even made a note of how many stitches I’ll need to pick up again for the other sleeve to avoid this situation again. I should have this cardigan finished already! I want to get to the steeking!

I had the opportunity to make it along to Knit Night at This is Knit last Thursday. It was great. I had had the worst day imaginable. Something to do with a job I have to do next week, being swamped in music for it and having a nervous breakdown over the whole situation. It was good to get out and be silly with some other knitters for a while. I got to see Jacqui’s Fluffy Cuffs (love the colour combination!) in person! And I picked up some Helen’s Lace.

Behold!

I want something to wrap around myself. I have only ever knit myself one shawl and it came out scarf-sized. I wear it all the time, but I’d like something larger for when I don’t want to bring a cardigan. I think a Swallowtail Shawl would do the trick. Anything that’s not a sleeve.