Fieldwork

So I bet some of you were thinking I might have forgotten all about my Year of Sweaters by Season project, eh?

But no!  It is true, I did detour slightly there for a little while with Beeline and Nightingale and various other small projects but the project is back on the forefront and with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

The Fieldwork Cardigan from Pompom was slated for Spring and I'm still very happy with that decision.

I'm using Berocco Ultra Alpaca Light which is a fingering weight blend of wool, alpaca and nylon. I'm halfway through the back and at the midway point, I felt the strong need to see how the lace would block out so I threw it in to soak and blocked it out while still on the needles.  So far it's holding the lace pattern beautifully. 

I've made a small modification on the pattern, working both sides of the back all in one rather than in the two pieces as the instructions direct.  The pattern is slightly directional, but not enough to worry me by working it this way.  There was something bugging me about having a big old seam down the centre back.  Other people have also made mods so the sleeve seams that run along the top are eliminated, however for some reason they don't bother me as much as the back?  I may live to regret that, but time will tell...

The beautiful thing about this project is that it has organically become a KAL with Jules from woollenflower, too.  We've even picked (quite by chance) similar colours!  Knitting along with others is always fun in my opinion. 

Stay tuned for our progress :)

A Year of Sweaters by Season (Winter): Miette

Hot on the heels of Autumn comes my Winter sweater - Miette!

A cropped cardigan using worsted weight yarn knits up quickly, it seems.  Also, despite what the photos might have you believe, both sleeves are in fact the same length and width.

The colour has worked up in a lovely way, with lots of depth and undertones to the heathered khaki-bronze.  I've mentioned before how hard it is to capture on camera and today's photoshoot wasn't any easier.  Adding another degree of difficulty to the chameleon cardigan was the dress!  Between the two, I couldn't get the balance right on both in a single shot.  Hopefully between the photos you'll get the idea.

I picked this colour (Yakima Heather) specifically to work with this cotton dress, in an effort to make it wearable all year around, and I'm delighted with the pairing.  The plan is to work this back with tan cowboy boots and tights (and break into country ballads at each and every opportunity!)

Another unplanned but successful button pairing from the stash too.  Well, 90% successful.  I only had 5 buttons and I really could have used 7, but I made-do-and-mended and omitted the bottom two buttons.  I think it's fine, and as I'll probably wear a belt I would have most likely never buttoned those bottom two anyway.

I love the retro feel to the design of this cardigan.  For a heavier weight sweater, it's quite fitted and therefore doesn't feel as bulky as you might expect.  I did have hesitation on this aspect, however I'm glad I went ahead.  An added bonus was I also used significantly less yarn than planned - just under 3 skeins.  I now have a full skein and some leftover, which I think I might make a little toddler jumper or vest out of

The pattern is free, and very clearly written, however the lace border is written out line by line, and I found it a little tedious to keep up with.  It would have been difficult to chart, granted, and I don't know what the alternative would be?  I am probably getting lazy with reading written lace patterns though, having been so spoiled with the proliferation of charts in contemporary patterns.

Pattern:  Miette
Yarn:      3x Cascade 220 worsted - Yakima Heather
Needles: 5mm Addi Turbos

I'm still enjoying my Year of Sweaters immensely, although I'm feeling the urge for something different as a palette-cleanser.  I'm knitting some socks up for shop samples at the moment, so that might just be enough to clear my restlessness before starting the Spring sweater?  I've also got a little "detour" jumper in the works too, testing out a new-to-me yarn, and a shawl pattern calling my name.  

With so many options to work on, I can't decide - more knitting time, please!!

A year of Sweaters by Season: Autumn 2014

In the flurry of finishing show entries, and getting sidetracked by other projects, you might be forgiven for thinking I'd forgotten about my 2014 project - to knit four sweaters in 2014 that reflect upon the seasons in some way.

Not so!

Peasy was the pick for Autumn, using the ever-lovely Rowan Felted Tweed in "Seasalter".

Back on February 1st,  I swatched (I repeat, I SWATCHED!!) and got spot-on gauge using my 3.75mm Addi Turbos but sadly that's where progress lay for another month.

However, as soon as the Red Hill Show entries were done, I turned my complete attention over to this project and it's ticking away nicely.  Not without it's own hiccups, as seems to be my constant knitting woe for 2014, but nonetheless; ticking along.

I've worked the yoke increases and lace panels that, despite being simple and sweet, caused me much angst and cause for doubt.  I do have a habit of over thinking pattern instructions, and this was no exception.  I got stuck for sometime on what the pattern was wanting me to do regarding the yoke increases, until finally I trusted my own judgement and went with my gut.  Thankfully that was the right thing!  I've noticed a few other people have mentioned confusion at this section of the pattern, so that also makes me feel a tad better too.  The lace was just pure mis-reading on my behalf.  I have no explanations anymore as to why I seem to have lost the abilty to read simple lace instructions.  We will just have to accept it as what it is and hope the tide washes over me at some point!

Woes aside, I'm completely enjoying this cardigan and yarn combination.  I think Felted Tweed might just be my favourite sweater yarn, and the "Seasalter" colour is just a delight.  Not as dark as navy, but not so bright as to be considered cobalt - it has a lovely inkiness and depth.  It does remind me of the salty deep blue sea, way out in the open water...I can't wait to snuggle up in the cardigan as the weather starts to cool.

Another thing that is pleasing me about this project is a particular feature of the pattern.  It's certainly not anything revolutionary, and I'm sure 1000 people have done this all off their own back, but I had a lightbulb moment when the pattern reached the division of arms from body, and politely requested that I knit THE SLEEVES FIRST.  The sleeves first!  Of course, why did I never think of that before?!

No-one (that I know of, anyways) likes finally getting to the end of the body of a top-down cardigan after all that slog (usually in stocking stitch), only to then have to face knitting not one but TWO sleeves before calling the project done.

I do believe I will make all the cardigan and jumpers this way, for evermore.

And as it turns out, it's lucky I'm such a Rowan fan, because I am very pleased to announce that I am now the newest staff member of Sunspun!  I'm so happy to be joining this incredibly awesome team of talented women, and to be back working in an inspiring, creative environment.  

If you've been following the Sunspun blog recently, you will have seen that we are in the process of some renovations, some refreshing of stock, and lots more exciting plans.  If you're in the area, do come and check it out - I'd love to see you and hear what you all think!


**edited to add**

Oh, I forgot - I had a good result from the Red Hill Show too!

A first, a second, and two thirds.  4 society ribbons and $5 prize money for the First.

Well pleased with that.  The $5 became yummy chocolate for my fella & I; the society ribbons are in the Box of Special things.  I resisted pinning them to my shirt.

and then it was done

ahh, in my traditional fashion the completion of my Show entries was a chaotic, frenzied, mad-dash!

After staying up till after 11pm putting final touches on pieces, I ran out of work this afternoon and made it to the Pavillion with 8 mins to spare.

That said; I'm very happy with my 2014 submissions.

A baby's garment (under 18mths)...

Baby booties...

An adult garment...

A tea cosy...

and an "Other"...

There seems to be a prevalence of "pink" in this year's entries too.

Lucille

This week has been all about sorting out my Red Hill Show entries.  I've sorted out my frustrations of a couple of weeks ago, wrote my list (oh, I love a list!) and I'm now feeling much more in control of the situation.

Follow your Arrow will be one entry, as well as a couple of other pieces from late last year.  
Projects knitted specifically for the 2014 Show will be a baby cardigan, a tea cosy, and a pair of baby booties

After the disappointment of my previous baby cardigan knitting, I have already had much better luck with this project.

The pattern is Lucille, from Kelbourne Woolens and I'm using some Berocco Ultra Fine Alpaca in the colour "Turquoise Mix ".

The beautiful alpaca yarn and it's rich colour are perfect for this wee vintage-insipred pattern.  I love strong colours on babies, and this particular shade is so pretty.  It's probably a little more vibrant in real life, but it's hard to capture on camera. 

Originally I cast on using bamboo dpn needles, as they were the only 2.5mm's I had at hand. My thoughts were as the stitches increase, I'd just add another dpn.  Easy, like the old-school style you see in charming European photos.

Ha!

Seriously, do I not know myself by now??  By the time I got to 200+ stitches and 5 needles, I was done with that foolish notion.  It was SO cumbersome; I kept losing stitches off the ends, and my tension around the needle transition was terrible. Plus I was about to start the lace. I could my future, and there were tears.

I hunted through my needle stash and found some circulars in the required size and now we are all much happier.

The lace is absolutely lovely in this pattern. A little more geometric than floral, it's lacy but not too lacy. Pretty without being prissy.  I think I've rediscovered my baby-knitting love, and the key is definitely vintage or vintage-inspired.

I've only got one skein of yarn, so there might be a bit of yarn-chicken happening on the sleeves, but I have my fingers crossed. If the worst happens and there's not enough yarn for full length sleeves, I still think it's rather sweet with short sleeves anyway.   

I'm a little sad not to be able to complete the matching bonnet though.  I do love a sweet bonnet!

follow that arrow

Ysolda's Mystery, Choose-your-own-adventure, KAL - follow your arrow - has come to a conclusion...

This has been a wonderful experience, overall.  I loved working towards a new clue each week far more than I expected to, and the small thrill of not really knowing what you were knitting was a different kind of buzz.  I guess it was also partly the motivation!  Although, for anyone who's knitted a bit of lace, the charts from Clue 2 onwards did give away the basic shape to a degree.

The lace was really quite simple and relatively easy to memorise, but the construction and some techniques did give enough challenge to keep you interested.  More than once the lace lulled me into a false sense of security and I was forced to rip back!

I'm pleased with the performance of the Bendigo Woollen Mill Luxury 4ply, too.  It's blocked out very soft, and there is no sign of pilling or fuzzing sometimes found with the 10ply of the same yarn.  I think if I were to knit this pattern again though, I'd either use a larger needle (I used a 3.75mm) or laceweight yarn and get that real lightness in the fabric that makes lace "lace".

I'd also like to give the cast-off edge a light steam press still, just to flatten out the slight rolling the stretchy bind-off method has created.  I'm not sure how to get around that edge roll another way?

Obviously, the very nature of the optional clues each release meant lots of combinations and interpretations, but with nearly 3,500 projects listed on Ravelry, there are so many interesting versions; it's well worth taking a look or checking out #followyourarrow on Instagram.

 Ysolda's patterns are always a bit of a treat, especially those that explore her use of texture, and I really am very happy with my version.  I'm so pleased I took part in the KAL - well worth it and would totally recommend it if another opportunity arose!

Graffiti Alley Baktus

ahh, holidays....and all that lovely knitting time.  Glory days of Summer, for sure.

One thing I love doing over my Summer break is casting on a new project on New Year's Eve -  it’s like a promise to the new year ahead. This year it’s a Baktus using Christmas gift yarn from my Mum, the Colinette Jitterbug "Bright Charcoal" I showed you last week.

This project has been my constant companion, from NYE fireworks near the Yarra, to Monopoly marathons and evening movies, and all the multitude of activities it takes to entertain five kids of varying ages over the course of last week.   

It's been with me at breakfast, at lunch, and at dinner, and every snack (Christmas cake, anyone??) in-between.

Naturally, all this close companionship has meant this WIP is now a FO - in just 7 days, BAM!

Oh my, how much do I love this scarf?!

I love that it's "grey", but there is so many flecks of colours that it seems to pick up on whatever I pair it with.

I love that it reminds me of the graffiti of Melbourne, with the riotous mix of layers of art and all the colours blurring into a kind of kaleidoscope

I love that it's made from wool my Mum gave me for Christmas

and I love that it's my first 2014 accessory FO.

I used the mod notes from mustavilla to make it a Lacy Baktus, and I think the addition of the eyelet rows really gives the scarf a little more oomph.  It also helps make the repeats go faster, of course. 

If I had one thing I'd change, I think I'd slip the first stitch of every row to make a neater edge, but I didn't think of this until I was too far along to rip back.  The edge is fine as is, but I do think it would give a better finish done as a slipped edge. 

Now, if only the Melbourne weather would cool so I could wear my very-Melbourne scarf!

Kris Kringle, knit-style

I cast off my Gingko Crescent shawl Monday night and thanks to warm Melbourne weather, it was blocked and dry by the morning!

Being the only thing I worked on this week, this project went rather quickly and by about Saturday I had a good feeling I was going to make it in time for our knitting group's Kris Kringle at the Christmas dinner. 

The recipient seemed very happy with her new shawl, proceeding to wear it for the remainder of the evening.  It actually even matched the colour of her top, which was pure coincidence as we did a random KK, where each parcel was numbered and we all drew a number to be allocated a gift.

The wool is Knitabulous 50/50 merino silk.  Such a beautiful base, and lovely for stitch definition in the lace.  It's soft to the touch, and didn't seem itchy at all.  The colour is "Tokyo Rose" and it was part of a yarn club Knitabulous offered a few years ago now.  I really liked working with this yarn and I have a decent amount still left to work on another small something one day.

I was lucky enough to receive a beautiful Maluka shawl as my KK  gift, made in Madelinetosh Merino Light deliciousness. The light has faded here tonight, so I've only got this shot so far unfortunately.    This is quite an accurate representation of the lovely russet colour of the yarn (Byzantine, if you're wondering), and it shows off the lacework just beautifully.

I'm so excited to receive a knitted gift, I can't tell you.  When you knit yourself, you don't often get knitted gifts.  My guess people think something like "Oh, you can probably knit it yourself if you really wanted it"?  

I know I'm more inclined to give my knitty friends knitting-related items, like needles, project bags, patterns, but I think after experiencing the sheer delight of having something knit by someone else, I will be changing that and will start giving my knitted items to knitters too!

and you guys - you know what this post means don't you?

MY 24-IN12 CHALLENGE IS DONE!!!

*happy dancing in circles*

making plans

I’m currently finishing up my 2013 projects, putting to bed a year in knitting and spending some time both reflecting on the year that was, and beginning to make plans for the year ahead.

I've been thinking about how much I've enjoyed my little personal challenge of 24 projects in 12 months, and have decided to set some more such challenges for 2014.

I’m at that delicious stage of the planning process where every project on my list is exciting me, and I keep finding even more new and wonderful things to add! 

Firstly, I know in 2014 I want to work on pieces that form a collection, rather than a more random, individual project methodology.  Accessories and garments that come together to compliment both each other and my existing wardrobe pieces.

A Year in Sweaters by Season

I've loosely put together the idea of working in seasons.  The aim of this set is to pick 4 garments that relate in some way to the season they are to be finished by – be it in a design attribute, a gauge, a yarn…

Jan-Mar: Autumn 

Autumn

Peasy cardigan, using Rowan Felted Tweed DK in Seasalter.  Such a versatile pattern and yarn/colour – I have tons to wear this with, from dresses to skirts, to jeans and shorts.  Perfect transitional wear, in my opinion

Apr-Jun: Winter    
   

Winter

Miette cardigan, using Cascade 220 worsted in Yakima Heather to wear with a cute little mint coloured floral dress, tights and cowboy boots!  

Jul-Sep: Spring

Spring

Fieldwork cardigan, using Berroco Ultra Fine Alpaca in Redwood Mix.  This colour looks fabulous with a lavender top I have, and I can see it with cuffed jeans and Converse.

Oct-Dec: Summer           

Summer

Hexacomb cardigan, using Louisa Harding Ianthe in Raffia.  An oldie of a pattern, but still very relevant to my wardrobe, with its slightly vintage styling.  The ¾ sleeves and wool/cotton blend will make it a lovely little summer cardigan for sunfrocks and skirts.

Showtime

In this set, I’m putting a concentrated effort into making pieces for Show competitions in 2014, starting with the Red Hill Show in March, then Bendigo Sheep & Wool in July, and finishing with the Royal Melbourne Show in September.  They will hopefully also work back with the Seasonal pieces, so I'm thinking they will mainly be accessories and homewares.

At this stage, I’m still working out which pieces I want to enter in which show, but I do know that I definitely want to attempt a lace-weight baby shawl for the Royal Melbourne.  I want to make an heirloom piece for Lily, and I’ve found a couple of great shawl patterns (one is even named “Lily”!)

I know I am going to see things, new things, throughout the year that I am going to Have. To. Knit straight away, so I’m trying to leave enough leeway within my planning to accommodate this spontaneous aspect too.  As much as I do enjoy my little quests and challenges, I think I’ve established that it’ really important to me within my craft to have some freedom to just cast on and work away on a whim.  So I’m also setting the additonal goal of an accessory a month – free choice!  (Free choice, but I’m naturally I'm already making lists, hahaha!!)

Oh, and the Gingko Crescent shawl is finally cast on ;) 

I’m just about to start the lacework.

Girl Friday

It's finished!!

It even has buttons ;)

It fits perfectly, I could not be happier with this cardigan.  I've got loads of knitted garments stuffed in my cupboard that remain unworn due to varying issues (mostly regarding fit) but I think after my last two cardigans I can say I'm finally getting the hang of choosing patterns and sizes that are right for me - hurrah!

This is a great slightly longer-line cardigan, with the right balance of cosy and fitted elements in the design.  The big shawl collar snuggles around your neck  and the body of the cardigan has no waist shaping or hemline flare.  To compliment this, the sleeves are quite fitted which suits me to the ground, but I've noticed a few people mentioning they had to rip out the sleeves and re-knit at a larger size. 

Did I show you the perfect buttons?  

I love my button stash, it nearly never fails to come up with the goods.  These beauties are from a trip to Bendigo Sheep and Wool Show a few years ago.  Anyone who's been to the Show knows of the Button stall.  Trays and trays of beautiful buttons; some new, some old, some even older.  Over the years I've spent a decent amount of yarn cash at this stall, but I've never regretted it for a minute.

Specs and mods, for those interested:

• I used far less yarn than I projected - a total of 4.5 skeins of Cascade 220 Worsted in "Christmas Red".  I had 5 skeins and had initially wondered if I had enough?
• I got exact gauge, which nearly never happens, using this yarn and 5mm needles, 
• I removed the purl stitches from the lace, which gave a more streamlined appearance to the fabric in my opinion
• I made the size 37" even though that was 1" of negative ease based on my measurements, after reading project notes on Ravelry that said the lace was extremely stretchy
• I read a lot of project notes on Ravelry.  I've finally learned these are the knitters' version of the "measure twice, cut once" rule
• I'm a creature of habit when it comes to cast-on/cast off methods, but for the first time ever I used Jeny's Surprisingly Stretchy bind-off.  At first it was a bit flared, but a bit of a steam and it's settled nicely.  I debated over Jeny's and this one, but in the end felt I'd forget which way to twist at some point and muck it up!  I will try the alternative on a second project, one with less stitches to cast off maybe?

The only thing I'd modify or suggest?

I think it needs pockets!

24in12 progress update

This week seems like a good time to check in on my 24in12 challenge, given there are only 8 weeks left!  

Where did that time go? I think daily at least one person mentions to me how quickly this year has gone for them, and I have to agree.  It feels like the weeks are just slipping by, and it will be 2014 in the blink of an eye.

My tally count is currently sitting at 20, so I feel I'm well on track for the NYE deadline.  I've completed a couple of small "extra" projects recently too - the Barley beanie and my Zombie Apocalypse socks that I wrote about last week -  but I'm not counting them in that tally just yet.

I'm not counting them because I set this challenge with an idea that I would work towards a targeted outcome, with focus and discipline.  I get distracted easily, so it doesn't surprise me when I create a couple of small diversions from the master plan! 

I'm officially back on the wagon though, and have been working consistently on my Girl Friday cardigan. 

Sleeves and body are done, I need to now sew them together and pick up for the bands and collar. Still love it.   The pieces are currently blocking, to make seaming and picking up band/collar stitches easier.  We've got a few days of nice weather ahead so hopefully it will dry quickly.

Ideally I'd like this completed by the middle of November, so I can start on the Ginkgo Crescent shawl, as I have a feeling that might be my slowest project of those left.

I've also wound the yarn for the Tears of Bronze beanie and the My Cup of Tea socks, as motivation.  The beanie won't take long at all, and I think it will be a nice respite between the shawl and the socks.  

 I've changed the sock yarn to another colourway of Jitterbug too, because I remembered I had other plans for the Oyster I'd originally chosen.

Then once it was wound, I decided that I *totally* needed a small project just to take the edge off  the transition of finishing my cardigan.  See what I do??!

My Cup of Tea, nicknamed the Beautiful Ugly Socks

Not the prettiest yarn I've ever knit, but there is something about that mustard khaki and the flashes of teal, watermelon and gold that draws me in.  
Ugly is the new Beautiful, and even ugly yarn needs love ♥
So anyway, there you go. Some solid knitting ahead to meet the deadline, but certainly not impossible.  I'll update again at the 4 week mark, hopefully still as positive and optimistic about the project!

HOL-I-DAY!

oh sweet sweet holidays, how much am I loving you?!  Two whole weeks; no alarms, no deadlines or audits, no students.  

I haven't had a chunk of leave since I started in my new role at the start of the year and boy, was it starting to show.  I've been looking forward to this since July, I swear.

This first week I'm pretty much my own person, as Lily's at her Dad's and my fella's working, so I've been planning how to fit in all the projects I have put on the backburner, like resetting the layout of the kitchen and loungeroom furniture and appliances, giving my old kitchen dresser a fresh lease on life with a lick of paint, setting up new displays and clearing some clutter out and down to the garage.  I've got gardening to do, and some paintings and prints to hang.  I've made pompom garland that needs to be hung.  You know, ALL the things!

My girl gets back Friday and then we are heading off to a beach house down at Phillip Island for the second week so the pressure is on to get the bulk of my projects done before we leave. Phillip Island has a special place in my heart, having spent many summers there as a child at my aunt's beach house, and I can't wait to get on Island time...

I've also got a (lofty) goal to complete my two cardigans that are on the needles by the end of my leave, and a week away might be just the ticket to get that done!  Girl Friday needs some sleeves and a button band/collar, and Morganite is up to the yoke, but that yoke is all lace, and is taking some serious concentration to get it set up properly.  

The pattern is gorgeous, but my one tiny criticism is the instructions around the set up of the lace when you incorporate the body and the sleeves into the yoke are decidedly vague.  I haven't found many posts on Ravelry about similar problems people might have encountered, so I'm working slowly and checking things twice.  I've already ripped out once, after knitting 6 rows and realising despite following the written instructions, I hadn't managed to pair up the lace correctly.

I often over-think instructions, so I'm aware the issue is most likely with me however I do get frustrated when patterns leave things up to interpretation.  Do they count the yo's in the "last three stitches of Chart X" for example?  Or telling me to just work in stocking stitch if I can't manage to pair up all decreases and increases.  It's too much thinking for me! 

I've been alternating rows on my skeins, and I think I've managed to incorporate the different skeins quite well so far.  I used the darker on on the cuffs of the sleeves, then once past the ribbing I started alternating with one of the three matched skeins.  I'm just about to start introducing the much lighter skein around the yoke so hopefully this goes equally well.

I think I'm going to do a bit of project monogamy on this one and fingers crossed it will be finished before the weekend, so I can just take Girl Friday with me to the Island.  

Wish me luck!

cold pine

I love a knit-a-long.  Historically, I am terrible at completing them but that doesn't stop the excitement I feel in participating!  As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, our local knitting group decided to host it's very first knit-a-long this month and the theme decided upon was "lace".

Given my notoriety for not completing, I decided to go easy on myself and choose a chunky lace rather than traditional laceweight (although a couple of our group went this path and look right to finish before the end of the month - amazing!)

Cold Pine, by Caitlin ffrench fit the bill, and was already on my to-knit list for my 24in12 challenge, plus I had *just* enough Malabrigo merino worsted in my stash to use up. 

Casting on September 1st, this little knit powered along (5mm needles do help, of course).  I do like knitting with Malabrigo, but being a single, it can be a little hard on my wrists.  It's very sticky, and this pattern has lots of yo's, ssk's and  even sssk/k3tog's so I had to take a days break every now and then during the process.

Cold Pine is a great free pattern, albeit a little unusual in my opinion.  There did not seem to be any logic to the lace, and I found it very hard to "read" my work as I went.  Each row seemed to be doing it's own thing, unlike lace I've knit previously where each row tends to directly relate to the row before.  

That said, I did knit this from written instructions, not chart, and that may have contributed to my sense of disjointedness?   Originally I was reading the pattern off a screen and I find it difficult to read charts in that format, and then when I did finally print the pattern out it just seemed easier to continue as established.

This shawl is more a half-circle than a triangle, but it kind of lies in-between the two.  I got to the border and still had a significant amount of yarn leftover, so I added some more eyelet lace and garter rows to use up as much as possible.  Stash-busting at its best.

Oh, and from cast-on to cast-off took me 12 days, even with breaks, so that's a quick lace project in anyone's books!

The squishability of the malabrigo will be lovely against a neck.  I'm not sure if I'll keep this finished object for myself or pass it on to someone as a gift?  The colour is lovely, but I'm not convinced it's right for me and I know heaps of people who would love it and wear it a ton.  

However, along with being notorious for not finishing KAL's, I'm equally terrible at letting things go (unless they were specifically knitted as gifts, then it's easy).  Every time I think; yep - that's going to so-and-so - I have last minute pangs of regret, so I'm going to let it marinate on my bedroom dresser for a week or two before I decide...!