Finished Object

Here is the finished blue gansey. I really like it. It fits like I thought it would: like a comfy sweatshirt. I will definitely knit with the silk/wool blend again, and try using some of the other stitch patterns from the book. I think I'd try some vertical patterns too. I haven't quite planned it out.

Up to my Neck

Pattern: White Gansey by Beth Brown-Reinsel
Yarn: Elizabeth Lavold Silky wool
Needles: Size 0 for ribbing, Addi Turbos Size 2 for body
Guage 6 st/in and 9 rw/in

I finished the neckline. The one pattern alteration I made: instead of a rolled neckline, I did 6 rows (3 ridges) of garter stitch. I used the "Russian bind off" by purling one stitch, *placing it on the left needle and P2 togther* to the end. I'm very pleased with it. I think it might have been even better to stop at two ridges, as it would have mirrored the pattern division in the body.

Also, I slipped the first stitch of every row on the upper body sections. I think it made picking up the sleeve stitches a little easier.

More Blue

I'm almost finished with the front and the back of the blue gansey. It's been slow going since the weather turned nice. The wool/silk blend doesn't seem to be too hot. Marguerite over at Stitches of Violet is doing the same pattern, and she's left me in the dust. I'm sure I'll have this finished for late Summer, when I can probably wear it on cooler nights. Marguerite used Knitpicks worsted weight superwash wool, at a gauge of 6st/in and 9 rows/in. Her stitch definition is great, much better than mine. I'm using Elizabeth Lavold's silky wool at the same gauge. I love the fabric, but some of the stitch pattern is a little lost.

Up to the Armholes

My blue gansey is coming along. I stopped doing the gusset 1 stitch short (three rows) It's about 2 inches wide, and I think that will be fine. I was at the first row of the next pattern and it seemed like the thing to do. I'm working on the back now, in back and forth fashion. I decided I'll do the neck as the pattern dictates, rather than trying to do a dropped neckline. I think this will be like a nice comfy sweatshirt sweater.

Blue Knitting

Here are my two current projects. The gansey is going a little slow. And I'm worried about the gauge. I'm going to knit another inch and then try damp blocking it to measure. Then I'll be ready to start the arm gussets. I decided to do the socks top down on dpns, exactly opposite of my previous toe up, two-at-once on two circular needles. I'm using up the last of this Opal colorway. In order to have enough yarn I plan on doing the heels and toes in navy blue. I'll post the details later.

Finished Project and New Project

I finished the Opal Socks. I did a k2xp2 ribbing for the last inch or more and finished with Elizabeth Zimmermann's sewn cast off. They look very nice.

My new project is a gansey from the book Knitting Ganseys by Beth Brown-Reinsel. I'm using Elisabeth Lavold Silky Wool in a light blue color on Size 2 wooden Addi Turbos. I did a k1 x p1 ribbing for 2 1/2 inches and now I'm working on the stockinette stitches for another 3 inches or so. Then I'll get to start the fun stuff.