Aran Waistcoat is Complete

Originally uploaded by actionhero

I finally steam blocked the edgings on this vest this afternoon and tested out some button closures. I ended up crocheting some button loops on the inner edge of the placket. I just didn't want to cut buttonholes into the finished garment. It seems to be a pretty good solution for now, and easy enough to change if I don't like it later on. I don't know if I'll wear it that often completely buttoned up, but it works!

Spaced Out

I finished knitting the seed stitch neckline tonight. Now I just need to sew on the buttons and do a final steam blocking on all the edgings. As I was arranging the leather buttons that I will use, I looked at the vest and realized I completely forgot to knit in the buttonholes! The directions don't mention anything about buttonholes and I was too engrossed in paying attention to the diagonal rib and cable charts that I didn't even notice. So now I must problem solve. I'm contemplating two options. Do I crochet button loops to the edge of the placket or create buttonholes with my sewing machine? Opinions?

Into the Groove

Last night when it was still 99 degrees outside at 8 o'clock, I reluctantly picked up my knitting to continue on with the waistcoat. Instead of fumbling with the charts, something clicked after a short while and I was able to knit without even really looking at the pattern. It was exciting to have that breakthrough because I was on the edge of just shelving this project.

On another note, we are expecting a high of 105 degrees here in Portland today. Stay cool!

I'm Back

I got back from vacation on Tuesday, but only picked up my knitting this afternoon. I made a little progress on the left front of the waistcoat, but I had forgotten where I was in the chart, so that sidetracked me for a little bit. I hope to get back in the groove of things this week and maybe even start some sewing projects too!

Slow Start

I put off starting the front of the waistcoat because of all the chart referencing. I have to go between several different pages for all the chart patterns. It's sort of a pain. I'm going to try to get a lot of knitting done tonight since I leave for a 10-day vacation tomorrow and I am not bringing the project with me. Have a good holiday everyone!

Waistcoat Back

The back of the waistcoat has been knitting up very quickly since it's mainly a ribbing pattern. I'm almost ready to bind off for the shoulders. I think I only have a few more rows to knit.

I've Got Mail

I came home to find this package of yarn from KnitPicks waiting for me. I ordered six hanks of Bare Merino Wool DK for the Aran Waistcoat project. I thought about dying the yarn, but then decided against it. I rather like the natural color. I hope to do some swatching before the week is over.

The other night I was looking through that Japanese skirt pattern book I just bought and I couldn't remember why I purchased it. I couldn't find one pattern in it that I absolutely loved, so I exchanged it for the newest Machiko Kayaki book, My Favorite Shirt. There are some really cute shirt and shirtdress patterns that will be fun to make.

Aran Waistcoat

Summertime weather is here and that means my knitting will slow down a little. The next project on my knitting docket is this Aran Waistcoat by Megan Rogers. It's a pattern from Twist Collective. I hope to get sewing my Parfait dress this weekend too!