Auspicious Beginnings!

Well, I've gotten my yarn, and begun on the ribbing. I bought the Alpaca Fina that I mentioned in my first post, but at the last minute I decided to change up the colors.I went with a teal for the main color, with a lighter turquoise, a light green, a couple browns, a curry orange, and a golden yellow for the accent colors. Here is a picture of the fair isle swatch I did to see how they work together. I really like the way they look; what do you all think?

The yarn is a bit thinner than I had expected, but it's very fuzzy, so it fills in nicely. Hopefully this will keep the sweater from being too warm. I had to go up to size 4 needles to get gauge. I didn't have a pair of circular #4's, and I was already considering buying the Knit Picks interchangeable set, so I thought this would be a good time to go for it. But, before I could order them, my (very!) DB brought over my birthday present: a set of Knit Picks Options, along with some other really nifty knitting accessories!! What a keeper! I swatched right away and got gauge. Here is my progress so far:

The needles are fantastic, by the way. Anyone who likes addis and hasn't bought a set should definitely try them out. This yarn is a little splitty, but the nice sharp point has prevented any problems. I think this is going to be a really fun project! I'm so happy to have gotten started!

Beginning of Colorwork

I feel a bit conflicted having already gotten to the colorwork section of my bodice, since the KAL doesn't technically start for 6 more days. But, the pattern was calling to me, and I have had my yarn for weeks and was anxious to start on what will be my first real fair isle project. I also figured that by starting early, I will probably wind up being on pace with those of you who are more experienced and therefore faster with the colorwork.

Below you can see some of the progress I've made with the first part of the fair isle pattern. This is actually my second attempt, as I got to about row 11 and decided that the stitches were far too uneven and that I had used the wrong M1 increase to transition from ribbing to fair isle and couldn't live with the way the increases stuck out. Better to redo 12 rows than spend all that time and money on something I already knew I probably wouldn't wear as-is, right?

So, anyway, here is the picture. I don't think it's so bad considering how new I am to fair isle. The stitches are still a little bunched up in the shot, because that ribbing and the fact that it is still on the needles meant that the pattern didn't quite want to lie flat for my photo, as I didn't pin it.

Just saying Hello!

Hello everyone. I just joined the knitalong today. I bought the magazine last week, ordered yarn from Elann, and cast on today. I despise ribbing, so I can't wait to get it out of the way and get to the good stuff. If anyone is searching for a good yarn substitute, the Elann Devon yarn is absolutely wonderful! Although there were a ton more colors last week when I ordered than there are right now. But it's sportweight, and I had no problem getting gauge. So happy to be joining everyone here, and can't wait to see everyone's progress.

Cast On Now!

Well last night anyway. I casted on all 216 stitch last night, it took me 3 times to get it right because I kept running out of yarn. I really do love the long tail cast on but miss calculating yardage is the one downside.

I love this pattern because I love knitting in the round. I will work on it tonight and this weekend and post a picture when I get past a couple rounds. My goal for this sweater is to finish it by the end of November so I can wear it all winter long.

One problem I am having is getting the 7 st/in. I get 6 st/in but I am afraid the knitted fabric will be too tight if I go down one more needle size considering I substituted the Louet yarn for KnitPicks Swish DK. What size needles are the Swish yarn knitters using?

Swatch #2

Well, that's better! I definitely like this better than the nutmeg. I wish it were a tad toned down, but for $3, we can't be choosy. You guys like?