Finally - Flawed But Finished

I started this little cardigan on December 3, 2011. It qualifies as the longest ongoing project in my knitting history! I have knit the pattern several times successfully but deciding to do it in stripes this time resulted in no end of difficulties with the finish work. With the strands of different color yarns being carried up the sides of each piece,  the resulting edges were not as neat and uniform as when using a single color. The button and buttonhole bands are just passable and I am not at all happy with the neckline - even after taking it out and redoing it several times. But it is now May, 2012 - time to compromise and just get on with it! I finished the button bands this morning. I will block it tomorrow and sew on the small navy buttons.

Pattern: Sweater, Jacket, Hat & Helmet for Baby by Marks and Kattens (Clown #05053)

Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Sock (Natural) and Lang Jawoll (Navy)

Needles: Circular, 2.5 mm and 3.0 mm

Now, here's a better project!

Pattern: Schneekoppe

Designer: Manuela Burkhardt

Yarn: Opal Surprise

Color: 4063

Needles: Circular - 2.25 mm

Manuela designed these socks and posted the pattern, in German, free of charge, on Ravelry. Not only was that most generous of her, but she then very kindly provided an English translation. It is a lovely pattern to watch unfold.

Meanwhile, outdoors...

Our new deck is proceeding slowly but surely. The master woodworker, Bill O'Brien, is working alone. The deck is larger than the old one and is a combination of cedar, white Trex, and white vinyl latticework. The composite materials are being used in order to provide the white that works so well with the creamy yellow house - but maintenance free. Over the last 15 years, I have spent a couple of weeks every spring cleaning, scraping, sanding, and staining the deck. This maritime climate is hard on paint and stain! And I resent the gardening time lost at the busiest time of the year outside.

Bill does marvelous work. You can see how beautifully this set of outdoor steps has been put together - not your usual deck staircase! The posts will be clad in white Trex and there will be a gate at the top of the stairs for visiting and live-in babies.