Amazed

I consider myself an expert knitter. I've knitted for almost half a century and have made over a dozen sweaters. My Rav profile shows 68 projects that include mittens, hats, pillows, handbags, dog sweaters, baby blankets, and more. I think this qualifies me as an expert - or at least an experienced craftswoman.

Despite this expertise, I've never made myself a top-down raglan sweater. These garments predominate the knitting world; you can't throw a stick in a yarn store and not hit a raglan pattern. But Deb's Cardigan is my first and I have to say that I love the experience.

Last night I put in the first buttonhole and sewed on the button just for good measure. Now it really looks like a sweater! And it fits. I slipped over my head last night and it went on like a glove. This is fun!

In my design world, less is usually more. I eliminated the yarn overs associated with the increases; this simplifies the look and allows the gorgeous kettle-dyed yarn to capture the eye. I'm instead using lifted increases; I lift and twist the yarn between the stitches, place the strand on my left needle, and then just knit normally. Easy peasy. And pretty.

Finally, I thought you might enjoy this photo. I use the back of my dog's desk chair to pin my work. As some of you know, Moose has his very own desk chair that he sleeps in whenever I work. And sleep he does. Today he slept right through the photographic session!