03-19-2024

To meet gauge I had to size down to US 2 for colorwork and size up to US 4 for slip-stitch pattern. I used size 2 for ribbing as well.

I chose to use the MC for the neckline ribbing but still used a contrast color as called for for the sleeve and body ribbing.

05-08-2024

I redid so many things during this test knit to make it perfect…

1. After knitting several inches of one sleeve, I found it to be unbelievably tight at the armpit, so I had to do some calculations and split out a little more from the body as well as casting on more at the underarm. The designer has since updated size 3 after feedback from several of us knitting this size.

2. I did one full sleeve and decided it was too short, so I undid the cuff, added another repeat of the slip stitch pattern on the sleeve, and then did the decrease+cuff.

3. On the body, I found that the skein of yarn I was using progressively got fewer and fewer speckles, and after trying on I noticed it was very obvious that the last 3-4” had basically no speckles, which just looked bad (I took a photo and it’s extra obvious there). So I undid those inches and alternated every row with the unspeckled and the fourth skein, which was appropriately speckled but a much brighter base. I think with the alternation it turned out well and matches the rest of the sweater fine.

Phew, after all that reknitting I was discouraged and had to take a break from this knit for a few weeks while I worked on some socks instead. Now I am back at it and working on the hem ribbing, and almost finished! I’m very late for this test knit deadline, but I just couldn’t bring myself to work on this sweater that took so much out of me until after I had a mental health break on it. I’m now excited again, just in time for summer! lol