Sweater Progress

The sweater is moving along. I've still got plenty to do, but I can see the finish line. Here is where I'm at now.

I've decided to pick up the button band and neck band at the same time--to do that I will need a longer size 2 needle. While I wait for that to arrive I have plenty to do. I need to work a bit on the back neck, graft the underarms, and sew the hems for the bottom and sleeves. Then I will be all ready to make the big cut when the new needle arrives.

I'm just so pleased that the sweater fits. I've been looking at it for so long now, and it was starting to worry me--is it too big, is it too small, did I just waste all my time?!?! But I think the fit is great. Just a touch of waist shaping, fitted but not tight.

I also love the way the woven in fair isle technique worked. I will take a picture of the inside to show that off. I also found that color dominance is for real. If you look at my cuffs, you will see that they look slightly different, even though they are really identical. I think it is because I wasn't keeping track of which yarn I was holding in which hand. I'm okay with it--a learning experience. Also, the cuffs are a bit tight, since I did not know about the woven technique when I make the first one and I wanted them to be made similarly. I think I probably pulled a little tight on the floats--but they are fine.

On other news, I started a new pair of socks to have as a bring along project. This is Hedera. I'm really enjoying it.

Since this picture I have turned the heel and I'm working on the gusset. Unlike Bellatrix, this seems to have a really long heel flap. Look at the cuff. What do you think about that!! I've never seen yarn that checker boards--pretty cute.

What's in my garden?

The day lilies are blooming.

And here is my Nepal Cinquefoil.

And all the rain had brought on the mushrooms.