Saturday, August 07, 2010

Almost Finished !

 
I admit I was a bit obsessed with doing this up in a hurry. I loved the pattern, and the yarn especially, sliding through my fingers like butter. This was just enough of a challenge to keep me paying attention. I did unknit a row or two when I saw my mistake, but after that the stitch count continued to be right on the money.


I made one or two modifications, but since I am trying to be a good teacher, only 2% out of 100 are my changes. I prefer to keep the increase m1,k1,m1 with the right side knit stitch rather than garter. I know this is gibberish to you non-knitters, but the rest of you know what I mean.  The other thing was to use a crochet cast on, since I like to finish with a three needle bind-off, which I have yet to do. The pattern calls for buttonholes on both sides of the button band. Imagine that? I suppose one could sew buttons onto a grosgrain ribbon and slide that under the band and button both bands at once. Genius! Do I have any grograin ribbon? Nope. O well.

I also plan to knit a matching hat and this pattern, Aviatrix Baby Hat,  is intriguing and features short rows, which are a good new thing to teach my class. But it doesn't exactly match, since it isn't totally garter. I may reconsider...there are soooo many great choices!
On another note: Someone has dumped a few cats in the vicinity and this is one who has taken up residence in our environs. I am NOT having any more pets once Popeye expires, which could be soon (O yes, he is still hanging in there). However, we have named this fellow Whitey Junior, since Dave is already Whitey, his baseball name from age 7. Because we have varmints, this Whitey Jr. is earning his keep and may be allowed to stay as an outdoor kitty. Then last night I dreamt we had a garage full of cats, of all sizes, ages and colors. I woke with a start, having heard meows on the porch. There was a teenage gray tabby in the garden. O dear.
We have always had cats and it is all I can do to steel my heart against feeding these two...or more...But I just want a kitty litter, cat hair, hairball upchucking free house for once. Please.

13 comments:

  1. Love the sweater very cute. I have ribbon I can send you if you need it. Why would they do buttonholes on both sides. I have seen those buttons that are like 2 sided with a shank in the middle. You could use those, or just stitch up the buttonholes on one side when you sew on the buttons. Is this a vintage pattern? I really like it and it looks great with the verigated yarn.
    Debbie

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  2. It's the Baby Surprise Jacket by Elizabeth Zimmerman and I guess that makes it vintage. It really is a standard option for lots of baby clothes knitters.

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  3. The jacket looks great, love the color I may have to knit one. I'm laughing about the cats. I really agree with the last statement, as I am down to one 16 year old cat.

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  4. Sweet jacket Melody. It makes me want to learn knitting....

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  5. LOL-re the cat. I remember our one and only pet-free month in 25 years. It was the closest thing to a Hawaiian vacation I'll probably ever know. Sigh.// According to the manual, once you name them, they're yours. :-D

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  6. If you make those kitties strictly outdoor only cats in all seasons, just think of how they will take care of the voles in your yard.

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  7. I think you are right Deb... at least keep them and the ground squirrels down to a minimum.

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  8. I have a friend that feeds a couple of feral cats in her neighborhood. She does grab them and take them to the vet, to get fixed, just so there aren't suddenly even more cats under her deck, waiting for dinner. Something you've probably already considered. :) Good luck with Whitey!

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  9. There is one cat in the neighborhood that is just so sweet. It stays OUT, and we all pet it. And it catches more than it can eat. I love cats so much, but making quilts for other people means no hair from animals on them. Too many people have allergies right now. So I'm just not going to have pets for a while.

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  10. LOL! My experience with cats is that once they adopt you, there really is no choice. They are the ones who do the picking.

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  11. Good luck with the cats. It really boggles the mind that people throw out living beings like trash but, hopefully, there's a shelter near you for spaying/neutering/adopting so you don't have to be a foster mom for long!

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  12. Love the knitting! As for cats...once they choose you, you have no choice! And it has a name!! You are sunk...indoor cat by Christmas or I'll eat your premie hat!

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  13. It can't truly work, I think this way.

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Hello,
So nice of you to drop by. I love your comments, and if you would really like a reply, please email me at fibermania at g mail dot com