FO catch up

I haven't had the energy to blog my FOs as of late. Even though I am getting plenty of sleep now, I am worn down. Worse then I have ever been. I have a doctor's appointment on the 7th to start the process of hitting my head against the wall which is military healthcare.

Anywho. Knitting. FOs.

I have two to show off today and another that still needs to be photographed. I have yet another right on its heels. I've been pretty productive this month, despite giving into castonitis to curb any impulse yarn buys.

Pattern: Tie Back Shell by Connie Chang Chinchio

Needles: US size 7, Knitpicks Harmony Interchangeable

Yarn: Cotton Fleece

The first I'm showing was completed second: it's my Tie Back Shell top that I named my Sea Shell. Not the best picture of it, but I'm having an issue communicating what I want in knitwear pictures to the husbeast and he just doesn't *get* it. He either zooms in way too close or he wants to be way out. Someday, this will get resolved. Though, I knew even in highschool that he is not a portrait photographer; it's never been a strength of his.

Overall, I really like how it came out and I like the pattern. I had to tweek this alot and I'm not sure I knit any of the pattern as-written other then the belt. I made the skirt longer, the bodice much shorter, and none of the three components are the same pattern size. The armholes were good until I did the reverse single crochet trim and now they're a bit snug. (Two more rows of knitting per side and I suspect I would have been free of this issue.) I might have to redo them, but I'm going to sit on this for a bit while I contemplate what to do with the bow on the back. Even though I knit the Cotton Fleece tighter then the recommended gauge, the bow is on the floppy side and I'm having problems tying it in a pleasing manner. I'm thinking of doing some surgery and changing the back closure.

The only thing I would have done differently would have been to put in a horizontal bust dart like I suspected I should. It does ride up a touch in the front. I'm hoping with weening my daughter, that might be less of an issue in a few months.

Pattern: Lacy Baktus (ravel it)
Yarn: Squoosh Fiberarts Merino Cashmere Sock
Needles: US size 3, Knitpicks Options fixed circulars

This knit was easy and mindless. Great later evening TV knitting. No mods. Followed the pattern as-written.