2 Finishes for Friday

Thanks to Floyd having an early nap on Wednesday, I was able to block my Sun Rose sweater and Passerine scarf without any toddler help. I am in love with both.

This sweater came out so soft. I made all the kids feel how soft it was after washing. I tried it on before blocking and was a little worried about the length of the body and the tightness of the arms. Luckily they stretched just enough that I am incredibly happy with the whole sweater. I'm also happy for the cold snap we are having this week that has allowed me to wear the sweater today (and loving it!). My husband says it makes me look like a grown-up with my brown pants. I suggested changing into my jeans with the ripped knees and he thought that might help. But looking like a grown-up is ok sometimes.

My only issue with the sweater was the neckline. I had to cast on stitches at the front neck after working the back and shoulders, which I haven't done too often. And it shows. The stitches were too loose and hung over. 

Somewhere, I'm not sure where, I had read about another knitter using crochet to tighten up loose knitting. I went around the whole neck opening with slip stitches. At the front I decreased by doing 2 stitches together in 4 or 5 different spots. I stretched it out every few stitches to make sure it looked good. I am very happy with the result and it has held up after blocking. It adds an extra texture/ design to the sweater. 

The only real modification I did with the pattern was adding length in the arms. The pattern calls for 3/4 length sleeves but I wanted long sleeves so I added some extra rows. If you're interested, you can read my mods on my ravelry project page.

It took me a week to knit the Passerine stole/ scarf but over a week to block it. I loved knitting this pattern and want to do it again. It is knit on the bias, which is more interesting than knitting one long piece. I've searched for more scarves knit this way on ravelry and hope to cast some on with other special skeins of yarn in my stash. This yarn was from my mom for Christmas 2 years ago and was a special colourway made for the local yarn store called Nipissing Sunset. I've been waiting for just the right project and I think this was it. It's very soft and feels great wrapped around my neck. It's long enough to go around twice for extra warmth.

See, it's long. My guess is that it is around 70 inches. Pattern calls for 76 inches finished. I was pretty close considering I ran out of yarn and didn't do 4 of the pattern repeats.