Feb 9/14: continuing in the grand tradition of being a loose knitter, I started my gauge swatch in US 6 (given that the pattern recommends US 8) and got gauge. At least I’m learning. I was going to come on tonight and message the designer about the decreases, then realized they’re provided as abbreviations. I remember not being so underslept that my brain just worked. It’s been a long time since then, ‘though.

Feb 11/14: started working the bust increases today, so I might be ready to start the sleeves at some point tomorrow.

Feb 12/14: no luck on getting the sleeves started tonight, but it’s coming along nicely.

Feb 14/14: I didn’t get any work done on the sweater yesterday, but am ready to start the sleeves now.

Feb 15/14: sleeves started last night, two-at-a-time after working tubular c.o. on two DPNs (plus one to work the stitches) for each sleeve.

Feb 20/14: holy cow, the sleeves are attached to the torso now. I thought this day would never come!

Feb 23/14: this pattern is mostly well-written, but the directions regarding the short row shaping for the back were very confusing for me. I’m still not entirely sure I got it quite right, but it was close enough that I’m happy with it. Strangely, I ended up with some sections of the yoke in Row 1 of the stitch pattern and other sections in Row 2, so I mitigated that by working a row in nothing but twisted knit stitches before beginning the turtleneck. This means that there’s a purl row on the WS, which works nicely in defining the edge for the neck. I wove in all current ends to this point, which means I’ve just got the turtleneck, bind off and remaining end to weave in before blocking.

Feb 24/14: bound off just after dinner, thank Heavens! Wet-blocking now.

Feb 26/14: technically, the sweater’s still damp today, but it got taken home by its intended recipient, so I’m calling this project done. :)

Mar 6/14: Finally! Some proper photos to show the fit! Mom was wearing the sweater when she and dad came over today. I love the way it looks on her -- I was totally right about making a fitted sweater. And the sleeves are the perfect length! And she says it’s warm enough that she doesn’t have to wear a shirt under it!