2018-01-09 -
2018-01-11
Various gauge swatches knitted. Finally decided to cast on with #7 needles for the rib and #8 needles for the body. My gauge turned out to be about 15x23. (Pattern called for 17x25).

2018-02-16 Finished the back.
2018-03-11 Finished the front.
2018-03-17 Shoulder seams and neck band completed.
2018-03-31 Finished first sleeve.
2018-04-07 Finished second sleeve.
2018-04-13 All done.

My garment -
Circumference - 43”
Length - 24”

My end result is quite a bit looser than the pattern size (37.5’’) but I am pleased with the result. The back piece is slightly wider than the front because only St. st. is used (the pattern repeat is only knitted on the front). I thought the sleeves would be too snug but they stretch and fit quite nicely. I’m really very happy with the result.

Pattern -
Very well written and easy to understand. I have not knitted many sweaters but there was never a question in my mind as to whether I was following the instructions correctly, so I think this design is good for beginners. The pieces are individually knit, so a lot of seaming is required - but it’s really good practice. The design on the front of the garment nicely complements the yarn.

Yarn - Arranmore is a luxury product that retails for $28.00. It’s a beautiful yarn but unfortunately the skeins I purchased contained a lot of straw-like debris that was difficult to remove. The softness of the knitted fabric improves a great deal after wet blocking.

I purchased 6 skeins of yarn but had almost all of the last skein left over.