I tightened up the loose neckband with crochet (2.75mm hook) at the base of the ribbing. Will I ever learn that it's better -- given the way I knit and how I like my necklines -- to pick up for a cardigan instead of using a provisional cast on? It's still more open than I expected but I no longer worry it's about to fall off my shoulders. Given the way I knit the yoke this is what it is. Pictures will be updated hopefully soon.
I have no idea why mentally I had the button bands as a huge elaborate part of the project. Sewing the buttons on took longer. I’m in love and I’m accepting of the imperfections. I didn’t quite factor in how uneven my hand spun was. The neck line is intense. I’m going to try to tighten it tomorrow but that won’t stop me from wearing it. If I reknit I’d make it tighter fitting and longer so I could add pockets. And work it in the round, then steek instead of rows. But considering neither the handspun or the Jamieson expected to be worked into a cardigan, I think it went well.
Lightly blocked, closed with a shawl pin, hiding the weirdness with a shawl. Will wear around today even though it's incomplete. Want to make completely sure length is correct before I knit the button bands. Wavering on buttons (as always).
Slightly narrower neckband, 5 rows. Added semi-fibonacci shortrows (incl. side seam 8, 13, 21) to shape and lengthen the back about an inch. Nervous about yarn chicken, hope to complete the front facing button band with the Shaela. Each time I try to order more yarn, one ball of yarn grows into a very large order so I hope I can complete this without overrunning my budget on the first day of the year!
Finished bottom band. And I have OVER an entire ball of yarn left so button bands will be straightforward. Next is deciding buttons, size and color. Do I have a muted rainbow in my stash? That would be nice. I have no idea how to buy buttons anymore.
Finished right sleeve completely, returned to finish the left. 9 rnds of 2x2 ribbing for cuff. Hits right at wrist bone, unblocked. Playing yarn chicken.
One ball gets me past all decreases and to approximately 35cm from underarm join.
I need to swatch my button band idea. It’s hard to pause but I need to confirm that it’s going to work before I proceed full speed. Started the neckband and realized I need to think this through first.
Almost completed three balls for the body, approximately 32.5cm (12.75in) from divide. Moved body to waste yarn and started sleeve.
The body is at about 20cm (8in) and I’m loving it. It’s still a coin toss if I have enough spindrift for my desired sweater length. When I finish this current ball (third), I’ll start on sleeves to see how they affect the fit.
Finally divided for the sleeves. I wish I could type and knit at the same time. It's all I want to work on! I'm not in love with the colours, but I'm looking forward to a new cardigan.
Hopefully I can work body to my preferred length, 15 in (38 cm). I'd bought the Jamieson’s Shetland Spindrift a few years ago (as my birthday gift) for a vest, not a cardigan.
This is definitely a better pattern for the yarn than my initial cowl design. It was a great idea, but this handspun is singing in stockinette. I'm now ready for the fourth increase.
I'm not sure this cowl design will work. I love the garterstitch, but this doesn't feel right.
Finished chain plying this Shetland. It's about 238.5m in length. I'm thinking cowl?
I first started sampling this fiber back in October 2017!