April 10, 2009

Argyle Man Pattern



This pattern is available for $6.00 as a pdf download via Ravelry.*


Argyle designs are timeless and beautiful. The set-in sleeves and standard fit on this sweater add to its tailored, classic look. The pattern includes two charts for the color work: one scaled for the smaller sizes and one for the larger.

The argyle motif appears on the front only. The back piece is solid. You'll get plenty of argyle goodness without the sorrow involved in trying to match the design at the side seams.

Argyle looks classic in subdued colors, funky in bright shades, and subtle in earth tones.

Information

Recommended skill level: experienced knitters and patient beginners

Size: 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50
To fit chest size: 37-38 (39-40, 41-42, 43-44, 45-46 ,47-48,49-50) in / 94-96.5 (99-101.5, 104-106.5, 109-112, 114.5-117, 119.5-122, 124.5-127) cm
Sweater pictured has about 3 inches of positive ease.

Yarn: Elann Superwash Worsted
11 (12, 13, 14, 14, 15, 16) skeins in Jet Black (MC), 1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2) skeins in Denim Grey (CC1), 1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1) skein in Pewter (CC2)

Substitute yarn of similar weight (light worsted) and composition (wool) in the following approximate amounts:
For MC: 1301 (1393, 1487, 1584, 1667, 1772, 1909) yds / 1190 (1274, 1360, 1449, 1525, 1620, 1746) m
For CC1: 79 (81, 83, 84, 113, 116, 121) yds / 73, (75, 76, 77, 103, 106, 111) m
For CC2: 29 (30, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34) yds / 26 (27, 28, 28, 29, 30, 31) m

Needles: US 4/3.5 mm, US 6/4.0 mm straight, US 4 circular,16 in/40 cm (for neckband)
Misc: stitch markers, tapestry needle, optional yarn bobbins

Gauge: 22 sts and 28 rws over 4 in/10 cm

Techniques and stitches: casting on, binding off, intarsia, following a chart, increasing, decreasing, picking up stitches, mattress stitch or invisible seaming, Stockinette st, 1 x 1 rib

Click image below for a larger schematic.


* The button will take you to PayPal. After entering your payment information, you'll receive an e-mail with a download link, or if you're a ravelry.com member, the pattern will be placed in your library.


April 8, 2009

Ziggy's stomach



Ziggy, my kitty, has been having health issues. He is 14 years old. According to a chart on the vet's exam room wall that is equal to 72 human years. With age comes dignity, wisdom, and sensitive bowels. Ziggy, I feel your pain.

His doctor is recommending trying a prescription cat food for about a month. Ziggy has long been a consumer of only the finest natural, and sometimes organic, kibbles that I can afford. But, still, the kitteh boo boos abound.

I don't like the boo boos, but mostly I don't like him to be so uncomfortable and listless. He's down 2 lbs from his normally svelte weight of 7.2 lbs. So, he will try the special food. If that doesn't work, then I might have resort to home cooking.

Does it seem ironic to that a bland diet should require a prescription?

April 7, 2009

k10, ssk, k1, k2tog, k10. Rep 8x.

Is there anything more irritating than trying to spell check a knitting pattern ? Yes, it's spell checking a knitting pattern at the end of a long day with tired eyes and a fuzzy head.

But, if I'm checking the spelling on my document it must mean I'm very nearly done with my pattern.