Let the past sleep, but let it sleep in the sweet embrace of Christ, and let us go on into the invincible future with Him. (Oswalt Chambers)

Saturday, July 03, 2010

I Need Four Sleeves

How did this happen? Sleeves are known for being the black hole of sweater knitting, and I need four of them. During a time when I've lost most of my knitting incentive.

This is going to require some super self-discipline. I may need to start a pair of socks for sleeve relief. Or maybe that's not a good idea if I ever want to get these sleeves done.



First in need of sleeves is the Cotlin Vines and Leaves Cardigan.

This has been a pleasant knit and I'm looking forward to casting on the sleeves and doing some more of the lacy pattern. It's the sewing in of the sleeves that I'm likely to procrastinate.



Pattern: Vines and Leaves cardigan from the May issue of Creative Knitting.

Yarn: Knitpicks Cotlin and I'm getting exact stitch gauge and row gauge with US 5 needles.

Color: Planetarium. (Navy)

Needles: Options #5.




I've been calling this sweater the unimaginative name "Hedonist Redo" because a) it's being knit from Slackford Studio Hedonist yarn and b) the yarn is frogged from a former project that didn't please me.

The body has that crinkly look because of the frogged yarn. Once it's washed it will look much smoother.

This yarn is soooo soft. And the contrast after knitting on the Cotlin causes it to feel even softer.

I have enough yarn left for 3/4 sleeves. Maybe even full length sleeves.



Pattern: A basic pullover. The border across the top of the back and front is Pattern #177 from The New Knitting Stitch Library by Leslie Stanfield.

Yarn: Hedonist Sock from Slackford Studio, 80% Superwash Merino, 10% Cashmere, 10% Nylon, 4 Ply Fingering Weight

Color: Cote d'Azur

Needles: US #4, 3.5mm

Gauge: 6 stitches/inch, 9 rows/inch in stockinette.

11 comments:

Dorothy said...

Yes, you have definitely backed yourself into a corner. But why does it seem that socks are a diversion? Aren't they just little sleeves? Hmmmm.

Suze said...

I love those garments though. I wish you well.

Anonymous said...

Very pretty but I understand about knitting sleeves. I am currently knitting the 2d sleeve of my handspun cardigan, mostly in 95 degree heat.(sigh)

Marie said...

Will you knit each pair of sleeves simultaneously? That may help you avoid Second Sleeve Syndrome (related to its cousin, Second Sock Syndrome). I try to do sleeves in pairs, and although it makes the knitting cumbersome, the benefit is only counting for shaping once.

BTW, I vote to knit some socks as a palate cleanser. You deserve it after those sweater bodies!

Laurie said...

lately I have been knitting sleeves first. I tried knitting sleeves top down but the math got me down and there is still a long slog to the finish. Best of luck.

Lynn said...

Ok I didnt get the 4 sleeves comment until I saw 2 sweaters were involved.....I must be tired.

Maureen said...

The sweater is so beautiful! Is it for you? Hope you get the inspiration to finish it up. Although socks are nice too. Especially in this heat!

kathy b said...

Such amazing knitting so far. You will succeed.

Judy S. said...

I LOVE the way the Cotlin one is working up, but sure sympathize about the sleeves. To me it's like making two more backs although with a little lace thrown in those might be a bit more fun. Great robin photo; I hope she hangs in there.....

Experimental Knitter said...

Knit in the round to the armholes? Like really long socks.

Ann said...

The Vines & leaves cardi looks great. I can't imagine knitting 4 sleeves as I don't like knitting sleeves - they always take so long.