Must Have Too KnitAlong

Question

Is anyone thinking of putting a zipper in their Must Have instead of buttons? I'm just starting on the second sleeve, and I think this sweater is going to be quite snug. That's the way I like it, but I live in fear of the button band gaping unattractively over my paunch. I love this sweater but I know if it gapes I won't wear it. I was thinking I might make the button bands just like the pattern calls for but leave the buttonholes out and just sew in a zipper that comes to the bottom of the V.

Any thoughts? Does anyone think this will look weird? I have the perfect, lovely wooden buttons that will look great on my orange wool, I'm just scared to use them.

Ugh

The best part of this website is knowing I'm not the only one tinking and rekniting!  :)

Back is done, left and right fronts, done, one sleeve done.... was almost to the decreases on the 2nd sleeve so I stopped to check one sleeve against the other.  That's when I noticed my colossal stupid mistake.  I never did the increases!!!

Argghghgh!!!!!  Ripped that baby out and 1/2 of me wanted to throw it into a corner to marinate for a month or a year, but knowing I'm not alone I'll go home, and try again.

Sigh.  Guess I won't have this baby done for the S&B next week-end.  ~pout

Finis!

I'm so happy!   This sweater was much more of a challenge than I expected when I first looked at the pattern, but it was worth all the tweaking, finagling and frogging so don't get discouraged, fellow knitters! I wasn't bored for a minute and I ended up with the best fitting sweater I have made in a long time.  I can wear it tomorrow when I go shopping !

Nathania and Norma, thanks for hosting this knitalong.  I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's results.

Houston, we have a problem

I've almost finished my sleeve increases and finally faced the realization that the sleeves look waaaay to narrow.  I got out my measuring tape and sure enough, instead of 9.5 inches across along the bottom I have 7 inches (and yes, I'm measuring above the ribbing, not at the ribbing).  My swatch gauge was spot on, and from the little bits of stockinette that I can use to re-check my gauge, I'm still getting 5 stitches to the inch.  I'm using Elann's Peruvian Highland Wool.  Am I going to be able to get 2.5 inches when I block these suckers?  Is anyone else using HW and having this problem?

I suppose I'll go ahead and finish the sleeves and try blocking them.  But this sure is frustrating!  argh!

When Will I Learn

I have let myself become distracted by other WIPs. Namely, some felted mittens, toe up socks, a cabled pullover, a felted bag, a baby gift and 2 shawls. I had forgotton that I need 3 projects of varying difficulty going at once to feel balanced, but more than that makes me anxious and I want my knitting to be a source of comfort, not anxiety. Yesterday I decided to concentrate on the Must Have until it is done.  Soon it will be too warm to wear it.  At least that's what I keep telling myself even though we have more snow predicted for tonight.

Anyhow, it is now ready to have the sleeves sewn in, the seams sewn and the buttons applied.  I used a k3,p2 ribbing for the button band so that it would match the ribbing on the rest of the sweater.  I "swatched" the band since I sometimes have trouble picking up the right number of stitches and the band ends up either too full or too tight and I didn't want to have to frog several rows of 200+ stitches each if I didn't like it.  I did this by picking up just 25 stitches and ribbing them.  I tried picking up 2 out of 3 stitches, but the band puckered a bit.  I frogged that and tried 3 out of 4 stitches and this ratio was just right.

I have some tortoise shell buttons in my stash that seem to go well with the camel color of the sweater.  Not exactly an inspired choice, but they keep with my rule for this sweater - no new purchases!

If I can remain focused, I should have a picture of the FO by this weekend.

Update.

It has been too long since I've posted an update! In my absence I have finished knitting all the pieces for the MH. Last night I joined the shoulders, and picked up stitches for the front bands.

I'm so pleased with the way this sweater is coming out. Its a long way from my feeble first attempts and wondering if I could even knit this one! The rest of the seaming comes next and maybe some button shopping. Fun, fun, fun!

Started

Nicole from Germany has started, too :-) The first stitch was done last Monday. I'm knitting the bigger size once developed at the Yahoo-Group (you may find pictures behind the link), and I chose Patons Merino Classic yarn in burgundy. I really love the pattern and hope that I can finish the cardigan in march.

I have added a photo of my left front progress so far, to my album.  I am using Patons Classic # 213-Blueberry. 

http://photos.yahoo.com/djs2632002

The question is, since I plan to lengthen this, what part of the "B" cable can I end at? Thanks

Pulling the Plug?

All right then, dammit!  I'm almost halfway up the left front.  I just started a new ball.  I can see it after 4 rows, another line.  (It doesn't show up on photography yet.) 

This is a fun knit, and one I'm serious about.  I like it and I'm committed, but...

Is this sweater DOA?  Should I just rip it now and start in some other yarn (requiring purchase)?  Should I just continue and wear it anyway?  If I do that, will I be able to wear it without feeling pissed off?  Will dyeing cover the lines?

Should I rip or should I continue?  Vote now. 

New Member

I've had this pattern since the last knitalong, but never had the courage to start it.  After reading of your successes here, I have been inspired to start..... I am using Patons Classic in "blueberry" color.  I had started the left front using Nathania's numbers, but it worked out too big, so I have been refiguring (I want a 42-44") and started again last night.  This is my first cable design.  I hope to have it finished by October to wear to Rhinebeck (NYS Sheep and Wool Festival).  After seeing everyone's completed designs, I am anxious to keep going.  Thanks to everyone for their hints, pictures, and ideas along the way.

Debbie