My Top Down Set-In Sleeve Test Knit

Not knowing the yardage of the pink wool cone yarn and the gray DK in skeins, I have to decide on how to proceed to knit the long cardigan I want.

I have two choices:

Bottom-Up:

Would use a provisional cast on so the sweater can be knit complete with sleeves and including Seed Stitch Bands.  The advantage here is that when complete it can be knit longer from the provisional cast on until 99% of the yarn is gone.  I could do this even with no real experience with the provisional bit.

Top-Down:

This could be a no-brainer as I have knit several this way for dolls and babies.  I do not like the raglan sleeve seam for myself though.  I pinned an $8 pattern called Antonio/Antonia which I really like, but hesitated to buy as I was unsure my gauge would match and didn't feel like thinking through adjustments. 

Then I pulled Ann Budd's book from my library and read
through the Set-In Sleeve chapter and the procedure seemed to be one I could manage though I am unsure of the finished strength of the shoulder seams. 

So, I pulled out some yarn to make a small child's sweater to test it before I committed myself to the huge project of an adult sweater.

From KP (www.KnittingParadise.com) just recently I was informed of a simpler method of knitting Short Rows [SR] and I needed to knit some with this method and so I did.  I pinned the link in Pinterest so I could refer to it easily.  I also wanted to find out how much trouble it would be to include a pattern stitch in this test knit.  Double Alternating Andalusian was chosen for its simplicity and the Multiple needed fit just right with the number of cast on stitches.

This is what I have knitted so far.  Between the green markers is the Back Neck edge and outside them on each side are the shoulders.  I will knit until the sides measure 4.5" and then take a better photo.  Pinning the shoulders will make them slope and then the neck edge will be higher.  Fun and Games!!

Team Sweaters for the Snowbirds!

Almost couldn’t do this as it has been so long.  I thought for some time that I had been locked out due to my long disappearance.  But, anyway, I am here and want to add more pictures.

I knit matching ski sweaters for the 5 American Girl dolls that stay in my room.  The project got so boring I could hardly finish it and I was very fortunate to have enough Gray.   Knit in an Acrylic DK yarn with a slipstitch pattern, rather than stranding, as it is easier to get some color interest when not knitting in the round.  Each set was knit with Gray and White and a unique color.  They look like pullovers, but they actually button up the back for easy on-off.  The hats were knit in the round and the pompoms were made with two colors wrapped over a serving fork-they are fast and easy to make and just the right size for the dolls.

Simone’s uses Spring Green

Maddie’s is Lilac

Allie’s is Sky Blue

Samantha in KC Banana with the white and gray

Kit’s is Candy Floss

My Dayflower Summer Vest: Part 3

6.04.14--The pattern is coming together!  I finalized the plan, calculated where to place the SM’s for the center back panel and decided on the V-Neck after considering a scoop neck for a while.  Ready?  Not quite...

I had to knit a new swatch as I changed my mind about the color.  This is the same yarn in Teal; color # 0028.  I already have a sweater hanging in my closet in Pink so using this color will eliminate my having to choose between Pink or Pink when I want to wear one.  I’ll still knit that lovely Pink yarn once I find a Tee or Blouse type pattern I like.  I really like both of these colors and yarns and am anxious to get started.

So on to the cast on of (250+).

6.06.14--Almost 6” completed yesterday and today, that’s two repeats of the Dayflower motif.  The knitting is easy due to all the dishcloth work.