counterpane pullover

done, it's finally done .. my first sweater ! This was fast, it only took me two months, and the result is actually decent. Remember I brought this yarn from Hong Kong ? Well, I should've been more cautious and purchased an extra skein, because I used up everything and had to make a shorter collar and body length. Apart from that, and the finishing part (I enjoy seaming, but hate, hate weaving in ends !) it was quite an easy knit. The front and back lace panels are quite straightforward, and the rest is just plain garter stitch.

And like always, I did make a few modifications to suit me better:

* because the yarn is merino and somewhat bulky, and garter stitch tends to stretch a lot, this pattern is best knit with negative ease. Besides, the model photo seemed a bit too loose for me anyway, so I knitted the whole thing in 6mm (addi turbo circular) needles instead of 6.5 (still, the yarn was barely enough)

* the sleeves seemed really huge to me, so I BO 30 sts instead of the 23 on the body sides, and changed the sleeves to be somewhat more flattering (with slight increases at the end)

Here's the back detail ...



And front ...




Pattern: Counterpane pullover, by Pam Allen (from Interweave Knits Fall 07)
Size: smallest
Yarn: Madil Merino Mix 100, color 652 (6 skeins)
Needles: 6mm
Ravelry link here

knitting report - counterpane pullover

The front piece is practically done, and now that I can finally see the whole pattern I realize that it's indeed quite pretty. The back is knit exactly the same, and I've already started on that. I was a bit concerned that it would turn out too large, even though I knitted the smallest size and in 6mm needles, but I think it's going to be ok after all (hopefully the yarn won't stretch much after blocking).

And Maggie is enjoying it too, it seems.



And here's a photo of another my so called scarf that I made as a gift. I love this pattern, the finished scarf is so warm and cozy (and this one actually stayed flat after blocking, contrary to the one I made for myself)



Thanks to everyone who made a purchase since Sunday. All orders will be mailed out tomorrow, and hopefully all will arrive before x-mas. And thanks to everyone who got back to me with their Ravelry ID, mine is taniaho (obvious, right? ) in case you want to add me.