I finished knitting STRIPES on March 5. It took me a couple of days to get up the oomph to weave in all the ends (I was holding the yarn double and there are 43 stripes) … which I did on March 8. I had a lovely FO the next day; and then it got rainy, then cold (because March), and today was forecasted to be rainy again, but warm enough (low 60s!) that maybe I’d get lucky and find a window for photos. So yesterday afternoon I trimmed the ends, took measurements, weighed leftovers, and crossed my fingers.
We DID have a break in the rain around lunchtime and we did get photos. so … finally … STRIPES! is officially DONE!
I was surprised when I updated the project on Ravelry (linked here) to see that it was only four weeks from cast on to finish. I’m not sure why it felt like so much more … maybe because I’ve been planning it for a while, and then it took another week plus to dot the i’s and cross the t’s (and actually wear it?!) In any event, at this point it’s done and I love it.
I did make a few modifications – I was between sizes and my gauge was off, but I mostly followed the pattern as written. I do love a circular yoke – it fits my narrow back and shoulders better – and Andrea writes a lovely circular yoke pullover! (check out my Ravelry project page for details)
Those eight-row stripes made it easy to count rounds. I was constantly worried I’d get the stripes out of order and double-checked myself all the time. Unfortunately, I got a bit ahead of myself on that second sleeve. The just-off-the-needles photo is on the right … can you spot the difference between it and the final-finished photo on the left?
And of course I didn’t see the difference until after I’d woven in all the ends and soaked it. When I laid it flat to dry, one sleeve was one stripe short. I had to cut off the cuff (I’m really good at weaving in ends), add a purple stripe, and re-knit the cuff. It only took an hour, but still …
I think the birds are going to love the trimmings – that’s 4 g or about 30 yards of yarn! (featured in the photo up top.)
and my next sweater (I separated the sleeves on Wednesday) is a solid color.
Wishing you a lovely weekend!
mere-et-filles 
That sweater is beautiful. I love the colors on you. I hope you get some sunshine this weekend.
I knew you’d knit up that sweater quickly, but I have a feeling it seems like it took longer because you did ponder colors for a while. It looks great on you!
Love the happiness of the color and the fit looks just perfect. This sweater is right for the season and will be fun to wear!
That’s a wonderful sweater and those stripes are just so cheerful!
Oh, Mary. It’s just so perfect! I love the way it turned out — and the stripes suit you so well. XO (But I am going to suggest you re-think the yarn-scraps-for-the-birds thing. I’ll send you a link if you’d like to read why, but the US Fish & Wildlife service does NOT recommend.)
What a fabulous finish Mary! It looks so good on you and the stripes are just so darn cheerful – perfect for the windy, rainy March days (our winds have been so strong and constant!).
Stripes is a lovely sweater, fits you perfectly, and is just the sweater to usher in spring!
Love it! I’m on the body of Night Grooves, am using the yarn I bought in Beaufort last year, and it’s at the perfect point for airplane knitting. I’ll be taking the last bit of a sock and the edging for a shawl, so I’m hoping I’ll have no WIPs when I return home on Friday. Am so ready for warm weather knits.
that is one gorgeous sweater and as always love to see you and your photo shoots! Hello Lucy 🙂
Ooooh, I love it! And I love it on you!! Huge stripes fan over here… A few questions for you: Did you choose your own colors and striping pattern? (oof, that’d be hard.) And do you have any plans for your leftover yarn?
Enjoy that one, Mary!! (AND your solid new cast-on:) )