4 Days until Vogue Knitting

I took a break from watching the Golden Globes to quickly try on my sweater. I really hope the adjustments I made in my head agreed with what my hands made. I had to recalculate the sleeve decrease to account for the row gauge of 26 sts/4 in as opposed to the suggested gauge of 20 sts/ 4 in.

Looks like it worked! 4 more days to go.

7 days until Vogue Knitting.

It's official! I'm in! I received my badge and my class agenda. Woot woot!

As for the Lemongrass sweater, I am happy to say that I am making progress. I completed the edging around the front, then immediately picked up 206 stitches around the back piece for the back edging. The sleeves will be picked up next, then the turtleneck will be worked.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

8 Days until Vogue Knitting Live

I am making progress on my Lemongrass Sweater. I finished the back flap, and I picked up 206 stitches for the ribbing front. All that's left to do is the ribbed edge for the front and back, sleeves, and turtleneck. I really think this will actually get done on time.

9 Days until Vogue Knitting!

I'm getting so excited. This year I plan to take a lecture and a class.

However, I've got to get Lemongrass finished first. I completed the front flap, and am currently working on the back flap. I still have to pick up stitches and knit the ribbed edging of the flaps, knit the sleeves, knit the turtleneck, and add buttons. I'm moving as fast as I can. I am following the pattern intently, and not second guessing myself. I don't have time for any grand mistakes.

Lemongrass Progress!

I have 2 weeks to finish this sweater. Eeeeek!

I'm working on completing this in time for Vogue Knitting live. I really wanted to be further along by this time, but I got sick during Christmas week, and that zapped all of my energy.

I am using Malabrigo Rios in the Purpuras color way that I bought in Knitty City. The pattern calls for chunky weight yarn, so to compensate for the difference in the gauge, I am knitting the XXXL size to fit my Medium body. This means more stitches than usual. I'm ok with that.

I had to start the sweater 3 times to get it right. The raglan increases are interesting in that they include a tiny cable cross. It's a technique I have never done before. The second time I cast on, I missed an increase and tinking back was pointless. So, I ripped it out again. The 3rd time is a charm.

I am at the stage now where I am knitting the front flap. I have 5 more inches to go before I do the edging decreases. I am hoping to complete that portion by tomorrow. The back flap is pure stockinette, so it should fly by.

Here is a pic of my progress.

Christmas Inspiration

I have seen many posts on various social media sites that remind everyone to "Keep CHRIST in Christmas" and "Jesus is the reason for the season". I totally agree. If he wasn't born in a manger, what would we be celebrating?

So, I have used that as nail inspiration today. The colors used are from Julep holiday gift sets, and some Essie, Maybelline, and Sally Hansen colors that I already have in my collection.

Julep: Gayle, Cindy, Amy, Heather, Lynn, Carly, Glenn
Essie: Midnight Cami, Blanc, Case Study
Maybelline: Paint the Town, Shocking Seas, Impeccable Grays
Sally Hansen Complete Manicure: Gilty Pleasure
Pure Ice: Free Spirit
Random silver glitter and black striping nail paint.

I used Midnight Cami as the base color, outlined the figures in Essie Blanc, then filled them in with various colors.

I have also made some progress on my Lemongrass Sweater. I need to do 24 increase rows for the size I am making, and I just completed increase #13. Hopefully, I can get more knitting in during the remainder of the week.

In the Christmas Spirit.

Last Friday, I attended an annual knitting holiday gift exchange dinner at BBQs with a small group of my friends. I graciously received a gift certificate to Knitty City. On Monday, I realized the sweater that I casted on was not going to work with the yarn that was variegated and had extreme contrasts in color.

I decided to jump at the chance to go to Knitty City and see what my gift card could get me. I intended on buying the Chuny Malabrigo Twist that the pattern calls for. However, I fell in love with Malabrigo Rios in Purpuras ( again). 6 skeins later, I'm getting ready to cast on my sweater a second time.

The sweater I'm working on is Lemongrass by Joji Locatelli. The gauge is supposed to be 3.25 sts/ inch. However, I get a gauge of 4 sts/inch with my size 10 needles. So, I decided to cast on for the XXL size. The amount of stitches divided by the gauge equals the measurement of the M size, in the bust. Bingo!!!!
Here is my sweater.

And for some added holiday cheer, I painted Candy Canes on my nails.