FO: Stone Fence

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your thoughts on my posts about Slow Fashion October !! I was a little afraid of the reaction I'd get to what I've said so far, and I'm encouraged by the thoughtful, positive comments. Of course, I'm sure plenty of people out there disagree with some things I've said, but it's good to know that I'm not the only one with some reservations about this supposedly sustainable fashion trend. I mean, we're on board with the basic idea but there are practical things to consider (limits of time, money, resources, and the reality of having kids/spouses who also need clothes and may not be so keen).  I'll return to the SFO themes soon (I see that I'm already behind for posting on the latest prompt), but first I'd like to show you what I've been working on the last few weeks.

Stone Fence is Thea Colman's newest design and it really is a stunner. 

It's less complex than it looks and it knits up fast, and YOU GUYZ I EVEN GOT A COMPLIMENTARY YARNBABY TO KNIT IT!! That's right, in return for simply testing this design and agreeing to take nice photos of the finished object, I received a full skein of Jill Draper Empire in my color of choice to use for the sweater. 

Now, look at this sleeve detail. You knit the sweater body in one piece, split for the armholes, sew up the shoulders (I did a 3-needle bind off but it's up to you), and then pick up stitches for the sleeves and knit them in the round using short rows to shape the caps.

A year ago I would have told you this was my last choice for preferred method of sweater construction, mostly because I find knitting sleeves in the round to be a bit of a chore. But here, it worked beautifully. I used size 9 needles for the main part of the sweater, but used size 2 (or maybe it was 3, I'm not sure) to pick up the stitches around the armholes, then size 8 for the short rows, just to keep everything nice and firm and tidy. No one likes saggy sleeves, right?

I also learned the German short row technique instead of wrapping the stitches and I think I'm a German short row convert now. My wraps always look messy. #knittinggeek



So yeah, I love this sweater. It's my new favorite and I'm ever so grateful to both Thea and Jill for collaborating on this design and providing yarn support. Wow, is this Empire good stuff.

In fact, I have some leftover.



Two balls...

And I'm sorrynotsorry I just couldn't help it. The opportunity was just too perfect during our quick photo session in the back yard. 

"Winky winky" Lucille Bluth style!

 I mean, HOW COULD I NOT?

OK, fine. Here I am being a real adult again, all serious and posing.