Move

Ey'up. The Limey, here.

Lien asked me to post a quick note, since we have no internet access in the new flat, yet (hopefully this'll be sorted tomorrow). I haven't started my job yet, so I have time to sit in the coffee shop and exploit their free wireless network ... although I should probably spend more time unpacking.

The move is complete, and everyone & everything is here safely, although Chloë is a little perturbed by the change of location and the fact that new stuff keeps turning up. Lien has started her new job: she was straight into the lab on her second day, and has been doing all manner of new science since (and I'm pretty sure that she's enjoying it).

With any luck, Lien will be able to post here within the next couple of days, as our cable box is supposed to arrive tomorrow. Let's see how well ParcelForce compares to Án Post.

-M.

Aaaaaagh!

Can't blog...Limey making me pack...removals people here on Saturday...house looks like this:

Some notes on Horseshoes Cardigan

I've had a trawl through the web and thought I'd address some of the thoughts people have had on the Horseshoes Cardigan. I've really enjoyed reading what people have to say about the pattern, so I hope this is useful (if people who want to knit the cardigan actually find this blog!).

1. Sleeves- this would look great with long sleeves. I would have put in long sleeves, except -you guessed it- I didn't have enough yarn. I wouldn't even bother putting in shaping; knit straight and block to the required trapezoid shape. Or keep the straight shape for a swingier sleeve.



2. Sizing- I realize the smallest size is a 36 inch / 91.5 cm bust measurement. This was just how the math came out. However, in the photos, I'm wearing the smallest size and my bust measurement is 34 inches / 86 cm. And there is no ease. How have I achieved this? Through the minor miracle of blocking- I simply blocked the cardigan to my size. Lace is stretchy and looks nice in a range of stretchednesses (look! I made up a word!), so it's easy to block the finished garment to a couple inches smaller or larger than the stated sizes. Just remember not to block the ribbing too much.

3. Length- It's easy to make this longer or shorter. For more length, knit more ribbing or add a few vertical repeats of the lace before you start armscye / neck shaping. For shorter, knit less ribbing..


4. I really like to use short rows for the shaping when I can. The neckline was done with short rows, so there's a nice, even straight edge, and you don't have to go over it with a crochet hook or anything. It's finished as you knit.

Why, lookie here

Horseshoes Cardigan
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Pure Silk
Needles: 2.5 mm

Pattern: my own, found at Magknits! (Eeeee!)

I wasn't entirely sure Magknits were going to publish this until a few days before the October issue went live, and then I saw it just as we were preparing to fly over to the UK to go flat-hunting, so I haven't had time to let it sink in yet!

I'm totally excited about it. The pattern editor must have superpowers or something, because her re-worked version makes a million times more sense than the original I had sent in. I do wish I had gotten better pictures, but, well, photographing knits and yarn, modelling clothes, setting up shoots, it's all an art that I still have yet to acquire any talent in.

I'd love to hear any comments, questions, rants, etc., so please feel free to contact me about the pattern!

Having said that, though, I haven't looked at any of the knitting forums to see what the reaction has been. I'm slightly frightened, because sometimes people are merciless, but if I wasn't told what isn't good, how am I supposed to improve? So I'll go and check now. Cross your fingers.