Not your average "tv knitting", or how to rip more than you knit

So I"m just started on the back chart of Amanda, my sweater for #fringeandfriendsknitalong.  I've also just started watching the tv series Outlander on Showcase.  I've read the books, and love the first one in particular.  Knitting while watching tv is how I spend most evenings. 

I have discovered, however, that chart reading and intricate patterns don't necessarily go with this series.  I'm watching too closely, instead of listening with my eyes on the knitting (easy to do when watching with the kids - "Air Bud" just isn't as compelling!).   I've made a mistake inside the diamond on the right back, but won't rip back as no one but me will notice a purl instead of a knit on one row.  I also made a mistake with a honeycomb, went the wrong direction and didn't notice til 4 rows later...



I may have to find a video on how to fix a cable without ripping back.  Not sure.  My mom always says "a man on a gallopping horse wouldn't notice" so I may revert to this advice.  I admit that the glass or two of red didn't help either!

 

Amanda - underway!

I cast on for Amanda, my KAL sweater with Fringe and Friends Knit-Along, or #fringeandfriendsknitalong.  I'm seaming the sweater to keep its shape and provide stability.  I'm knitting as written, with the back first.  Only on the ribbing as I'm not a fast knitter.  And I teach full-time, parent two kids, and do all the other spouse/housekeeping/friend things in my life.  Still, I'm committed to getting this done within a reasonable timeframe.  Here's the start, Cascade 220 in gray, on 3.5mm needles for ribbing (I'll switch to 4mm for the body).

amanda swatch - tried and true

My swatch for Amanda cardigan is predictable.  I'm using Cascade 220, a yarn I've knit with many times before.  I knew I'd need 4mm needles, but knit the swatch in honeycomb to be sure the cables worked.  I also want to knit this without a cable needle.  This swatch gave me a chance to try that out.  I used a tutorial from Grumperina's blog that made the front and back cabling make sense.  Easier than I anticipated!

Yes, that's an error on the left side - I did the wrong cable directions on the end one.  It's a swatch so I'm not ripping out to redo it.  Have to watch this when I'm working on the entire thing!  I'm going to feverishly work on my Snowdrift Shrug so that I can move ahead with the KAL over at Fringe Association.

Next up - Amanda

This is Amanda, from the book Essentially Feminine Knits by Lena Samsoe.  I'm going to abandon my queue and jump on this with Karen Templer and her blog "Fringe Association"  I love the sweater, the look, the coziness and the colour.  I have gray Cascade 220 in my stash and have the book on hold from the library.  As soon as it comes, I'm ready to go!

FO - Estuary

The not-so-great selfies are because I couldn't get my photographer to cooperate.  In his defense, he's 8!  I like the tank, it's comfortable, roomy in a good way, and fits well.  I have about 2 inches of ease in the bust, about 4 inches at the waist and hips.  I like the fabric, the cotton feels light but the bulky yarn makes it feel substantial.  The seaming is the only part I am still not totally satisfied with, but am not willing to rip out and redo.  I used almost all of the 5 skeins of Berroco Weekend Chunky, so yardage seems accurate for the pattern.  On to the next!

Panels and Seams - Estuary

The challenge of this knit is the seaming.  The panel and side seams are on the front and back, not at the sides.  This means that the seams are visible - up front and centre!  I found it hard to seam the garter to the stocking stitch.  The garter is stretchy, and the st st is not...  I ripped out and redid the seams because I wasn't happy the first time around.  Still not 100% thrilled, but it's going to have to do.  The rest of it is picked up, shoulders are done with a 3 needle bind-off, so seaming is finished.  We'll see how it hangs once it's on.