I decided to take the overwhelming advice of all of you, and take a break from gift knitting to cast on something for myself.
The cooler evenings definitely have me thinking about autumn, so I figured now if the perfect time to cast on for Ursa. If I start now, she’ll definitely be done in time for fall.
And while it may look like I’ve made some good progress, I really should be much farther than this. Although the pattern is well-written, and pretty simple (I’d say advanced-beginner level), I have had to rip out and restart several times.
The first time, I wasn’t happy with how my half brioche stitches were looking. So riiiiiiiiiipppppp!. I cast on again and axed the brioche, using just plain ribbing instead… I got about halfway through the first ball of yarn, and decided I didn’t like the way my lifted increases were looking. So once again… riiiiipppppppppppp. Cast on again, used a KFB instead of a lifted increase, got all the way through the first ball… and realized I did too many increases. I was only supposed to be increasing before and after the raglan markers, but I was doing it at the centre back as well. So you guessed it… riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiippppp!
Now… I’m back on track and everything seems to be going smoothly. Fingers crossed. I should be joining in the round soon, and dividing at the underarms. After that, it should fly.
A note about the yarn: It’s a chunky knit, so I’m using Knit Picks Biggo in “Brass Heather”. The heathering in super subtle… like ninja-level subtle. You really have to look to see it. But it’s a nice colour none-the-less. And it is wonderful to work with. It’s a 50/50 superwash wool/acrylic blend and it’s like knitting with clouds. I’m loving it. I should be just as nice to wear!
Wandering Cat Studio 
That’s why I hate starting a new project. There is always so much drama. Sometimes I’m in the mood for it. Sometimes not. I hope there is smooth sailing for you from here on out!
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Oh wow! I would’ve given up by now – lol. The color of the yarn is gorgeous.
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Sometimes getting *started* is the hardest part.
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Hope everything goes well from now on! Nice color , and that must be sturdy yarn.
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You’ll be glad you took the time to make the beginning look nice. Perseverance pays off. The lovely 50/50 blend will be easy to care for, too.
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I’m all about heathering; a lot of my tops are heathered, so there is more versatility in what pants or shorts I wear, plus scarves!
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Wow! There have been a lot of twists in the beginning of this project but it certainly is beautiful. I love the color and, to me, it just begs to be worn with a pair of jeans. Perfect for fall.
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Um . like knitting with clouds? I need to try that yarn!!!!! that’s an endorsement!
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Ooh, such a wonderful Fall color!! And I adore the backing fabric for the rainbow quilt, which itself is amazing!! And the socks, oh my, you have been busy while I was off traveling!
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I love to wear this golden color myself! Those lifted increases can give me fits, too. This is looking on track now–you will make up good time with the chunky yarn!!! Happy Knitting!
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Good for you! But grrr… ripping back is the worst. I’m glad to hear that it’s now well underway and smooth sailing! It’s a lovely color – I can’t wait to see how it looks as you progress 🙂
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