I waited to finish the back until I had the fronts at the same point. I’m worried that the size of sleeve hole is going to be huge. I may be big around (Some would call that buxom), but that’s really the only spot.  I think once the sleeves are put in, it’ll be ok.  This yarn is pretty thick! (for me anyway. I’m used to fingering weight)

I’ve already planned my second Ribby - using Mission Falls. I’ve got some yarn in my stash and I’ve ordered the second color at my LYS. I also am going to try an small accent color in the collar and sleeves on the second Ribby.

Do the math, and you’ll see I’m 1 full step ahead. My first attempt at the back came out a bit on the smallish side, so I decided to knit the next size up and move up a needle size too. Normally I knit pretty loose compared to a pattern’s gauge, but this time I’m a bit more spot on with the recommended needles (which are 4.5mm - I’m using my Knitpicks interchangable needles)

I know, I could knit a gauge swatch, but I’ve never found them to be accurate when I knit only 4-5″ across and then move into a full sweater width. I’d rather just knit the sweater, hope for the best, and then curse a little when I decide it’s not quite right. It’s more frustrating, but also more accurate. 2nd time was the charm - You can see the ‘real’ sweater on the bottom and the first attempt in the back.

Rather than ripping out the first attempt, I just knit from the other end of the ball and pulled out as I went. The yarn (which is Elann’s Peruvian Highland Wool) seems super thick after all the fingering weight projects I’ve been doing lately. This is going to be a super quick knit! It’s not the softest yarn on the planet, but I think it’ll be Ok anyway.

Yesterday I anxiously went to the mailbox, thinking I could sense yarn in it. I approached cautiously. There was nobody else around - the wind was blowing softly through the bare tree branches. Leaves were tumbling through the gutter playing a secret game of tag.

I place my key in the lock. It feels as if there is some resistance to the key as if the yarn is telling me it’s waiting for me. I slowly try and turn the key. and then try again. I curse quietly. I try again. I take the key out, and put it back in, and try again. Nope.

I curse again, louder this time. I stomp back to the house to get the spare mail key. Back to the box - try that key. No luck. I pound a bit on the front of the box thinking that might convince the box that I’m really serious about wanting my yarn. Nope.

The mailbox stands there, mocking me.

I walk home, again. Try and call the post office. Of course, they are closed.

Bastards. I bet they have their yarn and are happily knitting it!

I write down the post office’s phone number so I can call first thing in the morning.

Husband gets home. I have him try his key, just in case the cosmic universe has shifted and the box will now open.

*sigh*

The magic-lock-opening guy came today and indeed my yarn was in the box. And it was what was jamming the lock so I couldn’t open it! Ironic indeed. Here’s the yarn in all it’s glory:

Heather Grey and Admiral Blue. It’s destined to become the Ribbie Cardie. It’s the yarn called for, but in the colors I picked. The yarn was on sale at Elann for a mere $2.50ish a ball. What a deal!

From looking around at the different Ribbie Cardies out there, it seems that making the sweater with very little ease is key to making it look it’s best.

Scarf

What does 264 stitches get you? A very long cast on! I’ve started the free scarf pattern with my Koigu. Why? Because I can :)

I didn’t even want to think about how long to make the tail for the cast on, so I used both ends of the ball at the same time. I’ll have two extra ends to weave in, but the amount of grief I’ve saved myself was worth it. Nothing worse than getting to 240 stitches and realizing you don’t have enough yarn!

I haven’t forgotten Hardangervidda. The neck is taking forever. It’s on smaller needles and because I’m holding the whole body of the sweater, it’s harder to knit than I thought it would be.