Lovely pattern! The two color purl braid right after casting on and the Finish Purl (new to me) are the the first of many details that make this so special. First time using Finullgarn and so far so good.

As usual, I cannot attain stitch gauge AND row gauge at the same time, so I had to truncate the last bit of body pattern before starting the Pelicans at the yoke. I don’t think the pattern suffered but I will need to be very careful now with sleeve length since these are knitted cuff to shoulder and I will want them to be just right with full repeats. One way to do this would be to use a provisional cast on at start of pattern and then continue with cuff at appropriate length, but I do want to match the Finnish purl as well as the purl braid on edge, so I’ll have to think about this.

3/9/15 First sleeve finished and cast on second one. I slimmed the sleeve down just a bit.

3/19/15 Second sleeve finished. Time to figure out what the front closure will be! Clasps, buttons or zipper? Hmmm.

3/22/15 Front bands are completed but all needs a good blocking still. Depending on my mood, I could attach sleeves or work neckline. It is so much less bulk to do neckline before sleeves are attached but the thrill of putting the garment on may win out today! Latest photos show the marking and machine stitching for sleeve cuts. Some people may not want to see how the sausage is made, but I always found it helpful to have some visuals when I was on the learning side the curve. It has been very fun to communicate with others who are knitting this same pattern! I’m trying not to be jealous of the other colorways being used!

3/23/15 Darn it! I’m thinking about taking out the front bands to redo. I used a 4-5 ratio for pick up and I am unhappy with the ripple that was created on the body which is even more evident in the photos than in person. I have a feeling this could block out but it still bothers me.

I sewed in one sleeve today and tacked down the facing. Even tho this is my least favorite part about this Norwegian construction method, (I find it awkward to start until I have a rhythm going) the sleeve fit the opening perfectly! I had to ask myself if I wanted the pelican motif on the sleeves to face downward or upward when viewed from the front. The design is such that this part of the sleeve motif will be mirrored. I slipped it on and I’m happy with all of my sizing choices.

3/25/15 Finished knitting and I’m almost sad since this was so enjoyable. The designer is very responsive to questions and I certainly look forward to knitting another one of her designs. I especially liked knitting with this yarn and hope it wears well. I need to order clasps. The fit is great, maybe some modeled pic when the sun comes out.

Decided to use a zipper closer and love this. Found a 22” separating zipper in the right weight and color I wanted. Kismet! So happy to have it installed and ready to wear.