Ester on the block

Ester is now lying on my table, for want of a better blocking board, and exsuding that wonderful 'wet sheep' smell of humid wool. We'll have to see how it fits later...
Ever since knitting it in purple, I'm experiencing a purple wave, crocheting or planning projects with purple. Sometimes a project makes you 'discover' a colour like that.

My Green Ester

Here's my Ester in Green. I'm not sure I like it. The front is cute enough - I curled the edges over so that it does not have to close in front. More of a little shoulder shrug look.

The back... ugh. It looks to tight and does NOT flatter.

I really enjoyed knitting this project. The cables were a first for me and quite fun to learn, and the yarn was really pretty. I don't think I'd ever knit this pattern again and I doubt I'll wear this shrug or even give it away... we'll see what happens. Maybe in the fall I'll feel so inclined to throw it over a tee as a little cover-up for some grocery shopping.

Well, she's done. Feels a little small and a little big at the same time.


I'm a 36 chest but it feels tight, barely stretching to meet in the front. Not much collar fold down, although I can, perhaps, adjust that.

I'm happier with the sleeve "edge" than I thought I would be (a result of those slipped stitches) but am still considering (given my extra yarn) adding ribbing to match around the sleeve edges. Would love to hear your perspectives.



I'm less happy with the results of my "slip the stitches at the selvage" modification which, while making it pretty while I knit it, gave me a less than ideal sewing edge.

The back seems a little short and wide. Maybe it's just my proportions. Or maybe I just need to move it around to get the right fit.



It's so great to see everyone's work coming together! Let me know what you think about adding the ribbed sleeves... :-)

Ester finds a home

Ester fits S with a flourish
Originally uploaded by Paisley Womble.

All was not lost - my friend is pretty happy with this "hand-me-down", so the fit issue has been resolved. I ended up just using a kilt pin style fastening which seems to work pretty well.
I love the way that the subtle striping curves over the bust. I think this yarn really was a good find.
I haven't given up on the idea of making another Ester for myself, but when I do, I plan to make a couple of adjustments. One to the overall length of the piece so that it actually does make it across my chest and also increasing the width (especially of the upper section) so that it takes into account my "generously" proportioned upper arms.

On to her new home!

Ester was finished on Knit in Public Day. Though oddly enough, I was done knitting and merely sewing up and weaving in loose ends. But, people saw me with a hand knit garment.

I used my cable needle to hold the front closed, though I did see some cute pins on the Loopy Ewe. The person who will receive this has tons of brooches and pins.

This just closes on me, it's an XL, and when I measured myself, I'm 42". So extra blocking could bring this to a more manageable overlap. I've decided to send this to my more petite grandmother, so overlap shouldn't be a problem. Also, on a thinner body, I'm assuming there would be more fold down collar action going on.

But I enjoyed working on Ester. I think it turned out beautiful. It made me feel so smart to be able to drop down a row or two and recross cables. I loved the chance to see Ester worked up in so many beautiful yarns. This is my first KAL, and I'm really glad I joined. Thank you all for the great support!

Alas, to block

Ester is blocking.

I'd been putting it off - stalled a little. Then I found Eunny's tutorial. Check it out.

She's the first item I've actually ever blocked and I'm totally ecstatic. Loved laying it all out. I may even have gone a little "pin-happy" but better safe than sorry.


Also watching a hand carved scarf pin on Ebay - if the stars align it will be mine.

Next stop - mattress stitch.

Sewing Question

No longer gawky, Ester is blocking and the measurements look fine. This is an XL, and I'm dubious about the armholes and chest. But, patience leads to answers.

So which sewing stitch will you be using? And how did you come to that determination? Being my first non-scarf or hat, your thoughts on the best stitch to use would be appreciated.

11 Rows Left!

Only had to drop stitches twice to recross cables. Not too bad. Loving everyone's photos. I'm wondering which grandmother will actually be getting this due to the same size concerns. But, still blocking to come....