4/1/14: I must be INSANE to knit this sweater for the 4th time, but I’m determined to make it look like the photos. This time around, I’m using Willow Yarns Meadow, which is a cotton. I’ve already had to start over. I started out using size 7 needles, as the pattern calls for, but the back length was growing past the measurements, so I started over with size 4 needles. It still looks a little long, but at this point, it’s manageable. Obviously, I love knitting this pattern. I just don’t want to use “itchy” wool I love the “hand” of this cotton yarn. Willow Yarns are a little “iffy” though. I’m on row 13 of the last 25 rows before binding off. I’m going to put on a zipper instead of buttons, and I’m really tempted to turn it into a hoodie. We’ll see. It’s such a breathtaking design.

4/15/2014: It’s official… I’m insane. As you can see, in the third picture from the top, I finished the back and both sides (started 3/11/14 and finished 4/13/14), and was ready to pick up/cast on for the sleeves. It’s too big (I made the size 42”). From the looks of the second picture, the length is right, but it’s just too big.

I’ve started over, making the 36” chest measurement. I’m going to keep going after the “work 6 complete rows without shaping” on the fronts to make them meet. I’m also adding a zipper instead of buttons, duplicating the left band for the right band.

If I don’t know this sweater in and out, no one does. Matthew was adamant when he told me during version 1.0 that it’s imperative that it’s knit with the yarn suggested, but the Valley Yarns Superwash DK has the most drab colors. No likey… but I’m paying the price… but I’m determined to make this sweater fit. I actually love knitting it. Still can’t figure out the “working wrap with wrapped stitch”, but it’s okay.

Ironically, the first picture is version 4.0 laying on top of the finished version 3.0. Version 2.0 I gave away (beautiful color Hawaiian Sky in Caron Simply Soft Light), and version 1.0 in the neon green just sucked.

5/1/14: I finished the body of version 4.0 tonight, with the hopes of starting the sleeves. I put in a 24” zipper, which was easy. I’ll use a hook and eye for the very top, because the sweater length is 26”. Here are the deets:

I did what I said I was going to do, making small adjustments here and there. The biggest adjustment was on the last stage before the button (zipper) band. For the 36” size, instead of stopping at 6 complete rows, I made 8 complete rows, then 10 more after that. It fits the way I want it to, and that’s all that matters. I love making this sweater.

5/13/14: I finished tonight. It’s as perfect as I can get it, with as many modifications as I’ve done. It fits great. I even put the tab on the collar, with a couple of hooks/eyes for the closure. I’m going to wash it tomorrow to see what it’s going to do. I’m very happy it turned out the way I wanted it.