Too Early for Harvesting
First, I apologize for the blurry final picture–it was the best of the first batch I took, where my camera mysteriously chose to focus on the wall behind me, but which I didn’t notice until the tripod was away, the sweater back on the bed, and all the pictures copied off the camera, and I was finally sitting DOWN. So … well, at least the others came out okay. It’s just that I only had it buttoned all the way in the first group, but, well, you folks have imaginations, right?
The sweater, you’ll remember, is the Harvest Cardigan from Pam Allen and Ann Budd’s Color Style. (Which was a book I was really impressed with.) For reasons beyond comprehension, there are only 3 of these being made on Ravelry, since it’s such a beautiful pattern.
I made mine out of Elsebeth Lavold’s Silky Wool rather than the Shetland called for in the book, and naturally I had gauge issues, so mine came out longer than it should have but … it fits well, looks great, and the only problem I had was that a 3-stitch steek really just is NOT wide enough for Silky Wool yarn. If I were doing it over, I’d do at least 7 stitches across for the steeks. The only modification I DID make? I made the button bands wider than in the pattern … just in case I had picked a larger button.
Yes. I chose button #2. As torn as I was between it and button #1, it ultimately came down to no contest at all. Because while both of them would have been more or less perfect for this sweater …
Button #1 is EQUALLY perfect for my upcoming Briar Rose sweater. Don’t those buttons look fabulous with its orangey goodness?
So, with one button that was perfect for this sweater and only this sweater, and one that was perfect for two, well … no contest.
And, can you believe how long my hair is getting? Good thing I have a haircut appointment for Saturday. Would you believe it’s been since August that I stretched this last cut? I took this picture last night, incidentally. For whatever reason, my hair was badly tangled from skimming over my shoulders all day, so I pulled out my hairbrush before I took my shower … You know, it always amazes me how smooth and silky my hair feels after I brush it. I’m so used to the clumps of curls. And, it looked so pretty, pulled over my head, I figured I’d take its picture before I got it wet.
And, the reason I don’t usually brush my hair? Look how full it looks right now, with the clumps broken up and each hair doing its own thing … if I left it like that and went about my day, it would be about twice that volume in about 30 minutes and would make me look like a crazy person. The curls keep everything under control, but the trick to that (and to avoiding frizz, if you’ve got curly hair) is NOT TO TOUCH it. Not ever. Never, ever break up a curl clump if you don’t have to … that just frees each individual strand to curl on its own and is the start of chaos.
Oh … I just realized something. The sweater in the book had some embroidery on it … maybe I’m not 100% finished after all!
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Awesome sweater. I love the color – looks so good on you. Which pattern is it?
Love this sweater! When did you say you’d be taking orders:)? Thanks so much for sharing.
Mary-Frances’s last blog post..My Wacky, Secret, Psychic Ability — It Involves Wine
It turned out great! I think that’s a nice sweater length. Hmm – where’s the embroidery placed?
I need to get my hair cut, too – it just suddenly hit the driving me crazy point last week…
Purdy – both the sweater and you!
The sweater is gorgeous! If I ever manage to get my finances back around to where I can buy yarn again I may just have to make this one. *drool*
One other thing I recently learned about dealing with curly hair – don’t use shampoo. I wash my hair with conditioner and my curls are more defined and I get less frizz. If you have curly hair and you don’t love it, get a copy of “Curly Girl” by Lorraine Massey. I *love* this book.
Oh golly! That sweater is a knock out, Deb.
Susan’s last blog post..From the In-Flight Magazine
The sweater is gorgeous. Can’t wait to see it completely finished!
margene’s last blog post..(Not) Smitten by Mittens
the sweater came out great, and i luv the button option, especially with the next sweater to help decide! (waste not, lol you saved money not having to buy new buttons) i have been meaning to make a hair appt as well, having not been since august either…it needs more help than my untrained hands can do, smile!
Tanya’s last blog post..a quickie pimp …
The sweater looks great! I love those buttons with it.
I’m getting my hair cut today. I hit the ‘bangs too long’ length. Tell me about not combing curly hair. Keeping it short doesn’t really help either.
Carrie K’s last blog post..I Resolve to – - – - well. That was quick.
Beautiful sweater with perfect fit. Congratulations! Love the hair also, but if I had such lovely hair, I would definitely not cut it.
Very pretty — the decoration on the sleeves really pulls everything together.
Ina’s last blog post..Toque, Yo!
[...] wore my new sweater today and loved it. The sleeves are just the right length. It’s comfortable, soft, warm, [...]
Yeehaw! I love it! You look so pleased & awesome in your fab new sweater. Great job!
Looks great!! You definitely triumphed on this one!
Jessica’s last blog post..She likes it!
[...] now that my Harvest Cardigan is done, and this sweater is at its first major milestone, I’m at a mental place where I can [...]
[...] told you that those buttons, the ones that would have looked so good on my Harvest Cardigan, would be even MORE perfect on this one, [...]