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Tuesday, December 27, 2011

A Day Late

I almost did it. I was so close, but I did not finish Benton's sweater for Christmas. I ran into an issue on the 23rd. I realized that I had to rip out a whole sleeve. The directions were clear, but I misread them. The decreases were to occur every 4 ridges. I did them every 4 rows. Ooops. After that setback, things did not look good. Dave assured me that all would be fine. He reminded me that I was the only one holding myself to the goal of a handmade sweater for each of my children. He reminded me of all the handmade gifts I had made for others and that Benton would still get a sweater even if it was late. He also reminded me that 3 yr olds seldom keep score. I tell you that man is so wise!

After forgiving myself, I was able to finish the sweater on the 26th. Benton loved it when he tried it on, but subsequently deemed it itchy. I have decided to line it with coordinating fabric from my stash. With a good soak in wool wash and the lining, he should be happy. He also requested a zipper. That will require a trip to the fabric store as couple I have are too short. Hopefully it will be completely done by Thursday, and I can show you modeled photos.
Joining Ginny's Yarn Along
After I finish Benton's sweater, I need to alter Eamon's sweater a bit. As I feared the neck is a wee bit snug. He can get it over his head, but it reminds me of his birth. It is a tight fit for sure! I plan to rip out the neck and reduce the number of decreases. This should do the trick. He loves his sweater and is eager to have it back. He even asked for another one next year in Gryffindor colors. (I apologize for the blurry photo - he was strutting his stuff!)
Fortunately Aine's sweater fit beautifully, and she has worn it quite a bit. She loves that her new doll has one to match. I am so glad she likes this one after the last sweater I knit her was never worn. I really like how the sweater looks on her and want to make one for me now.
I am not sure what I will cast on once the sweater issues are resolved. I will be participating in the Through the Loops Mystery Sock project starting January 1. There is also a pair of birthday socks for someone special on my list. Even with the socks to knit, I really want to make myself something. I truly am a selfish knitter at times. I have some Madelinetosh that needs to be used as well as some red Beaverslide. So many decisions!

As far as my reading list, I have been settling in with my new Nook Tablet. I downloaded Stephanie Pearl McPhee's All Wound Up. I love her blog and am enjoying her book. I usually patronize the library for my reading material, but I felt I should purchase this book to pay for all the enjoyment her blog provides me!

22 comments:

  1. you are just amazing. the sweaters look great. i would love to learn how to line something.

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  2. I think the sweater's look wonderful! I now want to learn how to add a zipper to a handknit!....thanks for the inspiration.

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  3. All the sweaters are wonderful. I am partial however to the matching sweaters for your daughter and her doll. I think making yourself something once in a while is fair play : ) Thanks for sharing

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  4. I hadn't thought of it that way, but I guess buying the book rather than borrowing from the library is sometimes a nice way to say thank you to a blogger who brightens your day. Thanks for pointing that out!
    JNCL
    The Beauty of Eclecticism

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  5. The 3 sweaters are great! My son has asked for one just like Eamon's.

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  6. The sweaters are amazing wow!!

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  7. The sweaters are beautiful! Especially love the one that you did for your daughter :)

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  8. Great colour, great kids and of course, super-woman-mom.

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  9. The sweaters are beautiful! I love the color of you daughter's especially. Beautiful work!

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  10. Anonymous8:52 AM

    All three sweaters are wonderful! And so different. Probably to reflect your children's personalities? You have a very wise husband indeed. And you're not alone...I didn't manage to finish all my knitting either. Too many things going on.

    On another note - could you show a post showing how you line the inside of the sweater? That would be very helpful!

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  11. Beautiful! I especially love the striped sweater.

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  12. gorgeous sweaters!! i WILL learn to shape a garment this year. i can knit and purl, but no shaping, hence we have many scarves.

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  13. Beautiful! I love the red and black stripes the best!

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  14. Wonderful sweaters! I made Tiny Tea Leaves for a granddaughter a while back and the neck was too big -- kept falling off her shoulders ;(. Knitting for my littles is hit or miss, so I feel your pain. I've narrowed down the yarns I use for them to D. B. Cashmerino, Rowan Cashsoft, or cotton blends to avoid the itch complaint.
    Happy Knitting!
    G

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  15. Great work on the sweaters, I love the modeling too of the striped one :) Too cute!

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  16. I am sitting here in amazement that you got 3 sweaters done for (or so close to) Christmas! They all look great!

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  17. Anonymous3:19 PM

    Wonderful sweaters -- just beautiful!

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  18. Anonymous3:33 PM

    I should have added that the previous comment is from Kathy at http://www.needleandspade.com

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  19. I love your husband's reminder that you're the one setting the big goals...and he's probably right about the three year old not keeping score too! haha
    I totally get it though, i'm a littel obsessive with my crafting goals as well.
    I love the way that they turned out though!

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  20. i think it's wonderful that you made the three sweaters and then took photos of them all. they look darling on your adorable children.

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  21. Your work is beautiful, I just found your blog and am enjoying the read, I too am a Pearl-McFee fan, she always makes me smile, did get to attend a lecture by her a few years back and she is delightful in person. I spotted game Shutter I think it is called, I bought that for my grandson, we have not had a chance to play it yet, but it looks like a great game, hope you and your children enjoyed it.

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  22. Anonymous11:20 AM

    Great job!

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