Peacock In Progress - Chart 4

After a Peacock slowdown, I have complete chart 4. I think that the hardest part of this pattern is shifting the stitch markers on most rows. It really slows me down but I am not confident enough to do the pattern without the stitch markers.

I have stopped counting the stitches every row. I realized that if I mess up it is always leaving out a yarn over. It is much easier to just pick up the yarn over on the next pattern row when you realize your mistake than tinking which inevitably ends up in dropped stitches or other catastrophes.

The medium-sized feathers are almost done. After chart 5 I can start working on the large feathers.

FO - Aran Sweater

So my UFO is finally finished after approximately 5 years. The sweater was supposed to have a crewneck. I knitted it and liked the neck so much the way it was that I did not fold it over and tack it in place.

This sweater was knitted with Patons Classic Merino in a forest green that they don't seem to make any more. I have about 6 skeins left which means that I overbought. I never recorded how much I used though and I don't remember. I will have to think of another project for the rest of the yarn.

For my next sweater I wanted to knit Leaves in Relief from Knitty. I think I might use Patons Merino in sage this time. The merino is so soft that you can wear it next to your skin which I usually can't do with wool.

Recycling and Kool Aid

So I have finished my green aran knit sweater. I need to have my husband take a picture of me in it, so pictures are still to come.

My latest project is recycling a sweater. I took a trip to the Goodwill Store and found a nice white wool sweater that had good seams for unraveling (i.e. not cut knit fabric that has been sewn together). I have started unraveling the sweater for the yarn. It is a 100% feltable wool. I had thought of felting something with it but being that it is white I do not think it will work well. Since I have been meaning to try dying with Kool Aid, I figured that this might be a good opportunity. I can try two experiments at a time. I have already managed to unravel most of the yarn and have 5 ounces of yarn soaking in Berry Blue Kool Aid in my microwave. I am planning to make winter-wear for my children with the yarn (i.e. hats, mitten, scarves, etc.) I will keep you posted about how it turns out.

On another topic, I have picked my Peacock Feathers shawl back up and am almost done with chart 4. I keep looking ahead to chart 7, it is so long it seems a bit intimidating.

UFO Progressing

After knitting like crazy on my Peacock Feathers Shawl, I have temporarily abandoned it and am almost done with my aran knit sweater. The catalyst was learning that we would be moving from West Virginia to Michigan. While in West Virginia, I have been inspired to knit with cotton. After pondering the Michigan winters I have been inspired to return to warm winter objects.

I have finally finished the sleeves on my aran knit sweater. All that remains is to sew it up and knit the collar. The collar in this pattern is knit with straight needles. I have always knit collars in the round before and am tempted to do so with this one except I figured I should try this method just because it is new.