Arisaig Finished

After almost 3 full months, Arisaig is finished!

Pattern: Arisaig, from the fall 2005 Knitty

Yarn: Jaeger Matchmaker Merino 4 ply in Cyclamen, 7.5 balls on size 3 bamboo straights.

Modifications: Yes, lots! I omitted the ribbing and did a 4 row seed stitch border on the hems and around the neckline (this was inspiration from Liz's version). I calculated a 34" size, in between the 32" and 36" given. I didn't do the belt tie closure and instead sewed the inside flap to the side and attached 2 clear buttons for the front flap closure with small crocheted loops. I tried several modifications of this. First, I tried small hook-and-eye closures for the inside but they tugged on the side too much. Then, I crocheted mini i-cords to tie the inside shut, but they tugged too. Finally, a loose stitch kept it together without an obvious gathering on the side. Oh yeah, then there's the whole cutting business with the sleeve (see previous post). Lastly, I ended up with the sleeves being too big, so I wet them and threw it in the dryer on high for about 20 minutes (I checked it every 5 or so). No felting, and the heat pulled the stitches in enough so the sleeves fit snugger.

Verdict: I really, really like it. I think I will love it as I wear it. This one was a real "take control of your knitting" for me. Thanks to all who commented positively about the cutting! I realized that proper fit takes time.

New! What I learned: I learned that I must knit a gauge swatch in a FULL 4" x 4" square AND block it, especially with lace patterns! I know that's why my sleeves grew - I probably would have ended up knitting these on size 2's if I had done the proper gauge swatch.

A few more pics:

A side view.

Unintentional artsy shot when trying to get a close up of the buttons.


The other side. See the little gathering (oops, sorry for the toilet shot, too. Like the 50's styling?) That was the best I could do with the inside closure.


Front and center. Sorry it's a little dark.

In other fun knitting news, I turned 27 yesterday and received some awesome gifts. My mom got me the Namaste Messenger bag in Mauve (but it's really more a brown):

And my brother got me 2 Elizabeth Zimmermann books. I started reading Knitting Without Tears tonight and can already see why she's such a legend in this field. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!