Finished Object: Diamond Stitch Sweater, Vintage Knits, Sarah Dallas

All done.

This is the Diamond Stitch Sweater top, from Sarah Dallas' Vintage Knits book.

I knitted it in Panda Regal 4 ply, rather than the wool the pattern calls for. Hey, it's like 40C degrees here in summer.

Anyway, I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. I feel all 50's sweater girl. I feel like I need to be carrying a pile of school books, and have a boyfriend with a letter jacket for, I don't know hockey or something. My man just referred to it as a "Sandra Dee jumper". See what I mean?

It fits nicely, a tad on the short side, so that I couldn't wear it with low cut jeans if I didn't want to show a tiny bit of my tummy.

I think I'll wear it to work tomorrow, my Canberra big-boss is coming.

Silk dyeing with Rit (aka Dyeing Mk II)

So..

I heated the dye stock.







After checking my Twisted Sisters Sock Workbook, I soaked the silk yarn. For hours. Apparently, silk takes longer than wool to wet properly.






Then added the wet yarn.












Look! Purple yarn! It's not a semi-solid like I hoped from what I can tell, but that's OK.













It's definitely royal purple.

In other good news on the knitting related front, I am doing the collar for my diamond stitch sweater and have cast on and done about 8 rows of Raspy!!

KoolAid does NOT dye silk.

Guess how I know.
That was deep blue and dark grape prior to washing. Really.
On the plus side, while I DID run out of yarn, the nice Clementine picked up a new ball for me so the Diamond Stitch Sweater continues.

But progress is good - only the top front and collar to go..





And, since the Swatching Bully insisted.. I washed the Rowan Denim swatch. I like it even more now :) It's beautiful, soft and subtly flecked.

I can feel the home straight! Diamond Stitch Sweater.

YAY!

I am approximately 5 rows from the sleeve cap shaping on the two sleeves (both being done at the same time) for the Diamond Stitch Sweater from Vintage Knits.

Then I just have the top section (arm scythes up) of the front, and blocking and seaming. I can *smell* the finish.

I will say one thing about knitting in the round to the arm holes, it makes the other bits just breeze by!

I even stayed up late to try to get it done. I'm on my last ball, and trying to not get paranoid about not having enough yarn.

...

No, really. It'll be fine.

...

[hyperventilates a little]

I'll let you know, ok?

Got gauge! And Getting there.

Two good news fronts knit-wise. But don't mention the house ;)

Good news one.

Swatch of Rowan denim, (for Raspy) despite everyone online having gauge issues is....bang on. Hurrah! I now need to buy some 4ply circs in a 80cm size. I only have 40cm, and it just isn't going to cut it. Am trying to resist jumping right in because....

Good news two.

I have finished the back of the Diamond Stitch Sweater from Vintage Knits. Which, those of you paying attention would realise means I only have the two sleeves and the front from the arm scythes up and the collar to do. (Since I was knitting in the round to the arm scythes.)

I feel like, finally, I can see the end of the top. *Holds hand up* And I promise to try to remember not to whine this Monday Stitch and Bitch, on account of having whined I think every time I have taken it out there. While lupinbunny continues to knit on her slip stitch, 4ply Anatolia from Knitty. I am abashed.

Swatching for Rapsy-goodness

Guess what came?

Haven't quite finished swatching yet. Initial estimates put the tension about 21 st over 10cm, which is one more than the pattern calls for. But, given it has 6cm of ease, that might not be a problem. Will finish swatching before judgement and analysis ;-)

New Rowan Siting!

From the Rowan website:

Secret Garden
A very feminine collection inspired by an enchanted garden in full bloom.	more
Medinas and Minarets
A colourful collection epitomizing the pattern and spirit of Morocco.	more
Promenade
Inspired by the British seaside of the 1940's and 1950's - a lovely holiday collection with a hint of glamour.	more

We have progress on the diamond stitch top!

Hurrah!

I actually split the front and back to make the arm scythes. Also, after counting stitches, I am 5 stitches short each on the front and back?!? I have decided that since it is as discussed (moaned, says Clementine) it's in 4ply that it won't matter.

And there is no way on this green earth I am ripping back. At least the front and back match. Yay for knitting in the round. I also finished ball number two. Gotta love that 4ply meterage.