Plugging away

I've been to busy knitting to post.

I've finished the back and two fronts, blocked them and stitched them together. I finished and blocked the sleeves last night. So I've got the skirt and the collar left. There's a lot of knitting in the skirt. I'm not sure I'm going to make my goal to wear it Saturday, but we shall see. I might get the collar done first and get the sleeves on and at least have a bolero for now.

I am enjoying the pattern. It's not a difficult knit by any means and I really do like the yarn. I think I have a new stock wool.

Ten on Tuesday

10 Ways to Have Fun on Long Car Rides

1. Knit- the obvious answer
2. Read- I've never understood the people who can't read in the car. I've always read on car trips.
3. Audio books- This is how we survived a long road trip with a 1 year old. Thank you Harry Potter.
4. Talk- Sometimes it's the only chance my husband and I get to catch up on the random things in our lives.
5. Sleep- a necessity when you are the back up driver.
6. NPR- Love them
7. Take some fun sidetrips....or just get off the highway and the same old rest stops to have lunch and pee in a really awesome local diner. The best hint to finding the best local grub is to check the license plates in the parking lot. If they are local plates...eat there.
8. Wear comfy clothes. 
9. DVD player....this has helped us with longer trips with a very active toddler.
10. Make sure you like the people who are in the car with you. 

Several people have asked where I get the topics....well I get mine from Carole Knits.  I found her through my friend, The Painted Sheep.

Race to Rhinebeck

So the yarn came Friday, but frankly I was too exhausted to do anything but open it and admire.

Saturday I started my gauge swatch. I needed 17 stitches over 4 inches. On the recommended 10 needles I got 16 stitches. On a 9, I got 18 stitches. WTF! A little more finessing I went with the 9's and seem to be making gauge. I cast on the back and set to it.
Sunday night I finished the back
Last night (Monday) I finished the right front and knit the left front to the armhole.

This project is my marathon knit. I the same spirit as the Tour de Fleece and the Olympic challenges, I plan on wearing this thing to Dutchess County Sheep and Wool at Rhinebeck. I'm also thinking I should have ordered another skein of yarn, but I think I can make that up in the sleeves. Being of petite stature I find that the sleeves are often too long.  I probably can adjust the skirt of the sweater as well, for the same reasons.

Anywho...tonight's plan is to finish the left front, block the completed pieces and start the sleeves.

Wish me luck.