The Four Year Sweater

Yes, it took me four years to knit this sweater!  But I finally finished last night.  Right now it is drying outside.  I gave it a little bath in some SOAK, rolled in a towel to remove excess water, and then put it onto another towel to pat into shape.

I guess I did ok for my first sweater!  My tension got screwy in the yoke/neck area, it is looser than the rest of the sweater.  Not sure what happened there.  I can clearly see the decrease rounds, and that bothers me.  I also don't like the bunching, and don't know why that happened.  I was hoping it would be nice and flat like the body.  Blocking has helped a lot though.

I made the body longer than sweaters typically are, since the recipient requested it be done that way so when he bends over, .... well, you know!

I am happy this project is done, I learned a lot.  Especially that I don't care for knitting sweaters, and most likely will not make another one any time soon.

I made this with Cascade 220 using EZ's percentage method in the round.  It was really easy, and I am glad I decided to make the sweater this way, instead of having a bunch of parts to seam up.  The underarm seaming was enough for me, even though I love the magic of kitchener stitch.

Knit a Mini Christmas Stocking

Each year, I plan some type of holiday project that never works out.  This year, I actually got it done in time!

This cute little stocking is a fairly quick knit. One stocking uses less than 100 yards of worsted weight yarn (I used Cascade 220), and you don't even have to use red/green/white.  My test knitter used pink/grey/white and it looks very pretty!

You can use these for decoration, or stuff them with a few small gifts, such as gift cards or maybe some cash.  A plane ticket to a nice quiet beach.... ok that is my wish, but you get the idea!

Don't be afraid if you have never knit in the round, on DPNs, or made a sock.  This is really easy, I promise!  My test knitter has never knit socks, and has only limited DPN experience, and she was able to complete hers in an evening.   That was without the video, using a pre-edited pattern.  She also promises it is very easy!

I have a video of knitting the stocking incase you need help; that along with the written instructions should give you a quick, easy knit that will be done in time for Christmas!

Click on the picture below to get the pattern.  Happy Christmas Knitting!