If you try a sweater on 3 people and they all hunch it up at the back of the neck so that the sweater points at the back then you, or that would be I, have a design problem. That's where I was earlier in the week (and I sewed all the buttons on and everything!). I went to my monthly designer get-together with my problem. We stood in the coffee shop with 2 different people trying the sweater on and discussing the problem, with much hand gesturing to the delight of fellow coffee shop patrons. No apparent solution came up but some good suggestions were made which made me think. I think on the 1 1/2 hour GO train ride home, I think all day yesterday, I think last night, and today while I was driving on another errand altogether, I thought of a solution. I almost drove off the highway! I pulled over and got the pattern out, because who leaves home without their work in progress in their purse, and still I think I have the answer. I can't tell you how excited I am. I know it won't seem so stupendous to you but this is what I live for. Now I just have to give it a shot and see. There are a couple of hours of the evening left. I'll keep you posted.
-Deb

To answer tc's question:
The buttonholes are worked the same on both buttonbands. You sew the buttons over the holes on the appropriate buttonband (the left buttonband for women) and close the hole as you sew the button on. That ensures that the buttons and the buttonholes always line up. Is that terrific or what?

This sweater has a raised back of neck using short rows. They do a good job and are really easy to work in Garter Stitch.

But I had an idea for a short row adjustment as we were discussing the sweater so the neckband may be coming off, snip, snip. I'm happy with the fit though.

Let me introduce Barbara from Denise Needles who is very kindly modelling this sweater (even with only one sleeve completed).
This is their new product of which I am a proud owner.

These are going to be perfect for top down knitting. When I need a longer circular needle I just add on another length of wire. The wires can be used to hold the sleeve stitches too.

I think I'm almost there with this one. One more idea to try out and that should be it.
-Deb

I redid the bottom and added . . . wait a minute, what are those discs up the front? They couldn't be BUTTONS on a cardigan that is not even finished! I appear to have undergone a personality change because this is a first for me. I doubt it's permanent.

Adding on the extra button seems to have made a big difference. About 5" to go on the sleeve and then I'm in search of a model. Is this why people cross the street when they see me coming with that glint in my eye?
-deb

in the a.m.
I'm almost finished 2 versions of a new sweater. I'm working on the final pattern check and trying to finish up the Plus size sweater.

I've added bust shaping to this plus size version. Starting at the underarm I have added in extra fabric for the bust by working increases on the Fronts ONLY at the side seam. It's easy to do and makes the sweater fit better because the Back is slightly narrower than the Front. Also the full bust measurement is not reached at the underarm but an inch or two below where the largest part of your bust is.

in the p.m.
Minor glitch.

(Beware of walking into our shop when I need a model. Thanks B.) The sleeve is good. The yoke depth is just as I wanted. The total length of the sweater - not good ! I've ripped back 2"  and tonight I'm going to knit it longer and add one more buttonhole and then knit the Bottom Border again. I hope it's sunny tomorrow morning so I can get a photo.
-Deb

It's the Labour Day weekend so I'll be labouring over my new sweater, not a hardship at all of course. Today it is raining like crazy and dark, dark, dark so I'm afraid there is no photo of my progress although there has been some. After the weekend there will be more!

Have a great weekend. Hope your weather is stupendous and you enjoy some knitting and relaxing.
-Deb

Today I'm starting something new. This sweater I had already knit but hadn't written it out yet. So I got at it and while I was there decided to work a Plus sized version too. So I've written this pattern twice, one for adult sizing 36" - 50" finished and the same pattern for Plus sizing 46" - 61" finished.

It's a simple Top Down jacket. It's easy and quick at a chunky weight gauge of 14 sts = 4". I'm going to use 2 strands of DK weight (gauge of 22 sts = 4") held together throughout to get the same gauge.

And to make it interesting I'm using 2 different blues (denim and electric blue) to get a subtle tweedy look.

I love tweed and manufacturing it myself is sort of exciting. I'm knitting a Plus size with some modifications from the Adult size. When I get there I'll have photos.
Deb

Mini Road Trip

Eliza’s Buttons & Yarn, 110 Little Ave, Unit #8

Barrie Ontario L4N 4K8

Phone 705-725-8536 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            705-725-8536      end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Web site http://www.elizaknits.com  Email eliza@elizaknits.com

I've just gone on my shortest yarn store road trip ever! It wasn't much more than blocks from my house. My visit yesterday was to Eliza's Buttons & Yarn, Barrie's newest yarn store.

Elizabeth Fallone, designer & passionate knitter, opened her shop earlier this month. She's done a great job with the shop as you can see from the picture (I had to chase Elizabeth around the shop to get her in the picture - that's her on the right). The store is bright and airy and has a lovely selection of yarns and a very extensive collection of unusual buttons (which we know are hard to find). We're very pleased that Elizabeth has the full line of Cabin Fever yarn & books.

Her Hours are:
Monday Tuesday 10:00 – 6:30
Wednesday 12:00- 8:30
Thursday Friday 10:00 – 6:30
Saturday 10:00 – 4:00
Sunday CLOSED

-Lyn