For My Sister

Hi Hols.  This could be you!

No, seriously. This is what I have in mind for the sweater I’m going to knit you. Not the shape or the guage or the umbrella or the blonde. The yoke pattern is what I’m focusing on here, sister. Isn’t it dashing?

The yarn store has a basket full of free patterns, and one day when Mom was with me, she held Maggie and I was able to rifle through it with two hands. This Lopi book is missing a cover and about half the patterns, but I thought this geometrically pleasing design would work well for the sweater I’m planning for you.

What say you? All you really need to focus on is the yoke pattern and we’ll decide all the other details together. Well, most of the details, anyway. I already chose the yarn.

Here’s the main color.

You know me and the heathers. I just can’t resist.

The yoke pattern will use these other colors.

(it’s black, to go with black pants)

Nice, huh? I thought so. So we need to find out what this sweater is going to look like. Here’s some questions that you should answer. It would be sweet if you answered them in the comments.

1. Cardi? If so, zipper or buttons? I’m dying to try a garter stitch button band with one row button holes, but I’m certainly game for another zipper.
2. Or, how about a placket opening at the neck? Like a henley. Or just a plain crewneck for a pullover?
3. Do you want the sweater to be snug fitting with a shaped torso, or loose and straight with no shaping? Speaking of the torso, how long is this baby going to be because….
4. …I really want it to have pockets. That’s the only thing about my sweater that I wish I had done differently. You totally need pockets. Oh, wait, these are supposed to be questions. Do you want pockets?
5. What about the cuffs? If you choose turned under hems, then I have this sweet contrasting color to go on the inside and I would even add a secret message hidden in the hem. But, dude, if you want ribbed cuffs or whatever, I would totally do that.

I guess that is all I can think of for now. I’ll need to get swatching, first. Then I’ll have you measure yourself. Isn’t this fun?

Oh, by the way. I went to the Stitch ‘n Bitch last night. It was my first time and I had loads of fun. I’m so glad you encouraged me. Everyone oohhed and ahhed as people pulled out their wips – it was so funny. They kept asking if I was knitting a sock, and I kept saying, “No, it’s a hat from the top down.” And then they’d say, “Oh, who’s it for?” And I’d say, “Well, no one, really. I just wanted to try this new cast on.”

It’s the Top Down Bonnet from Hello Yarn.  The figure-8 cast on was challenging, yet fun.

It will probably fit the Mag.

Here’s a juicy bit. Did you know that Eddie is “dating” someone. See if you can get the details, but you had best not leave those in the comments. Also, Mom and Noreen are both regular blog readers. I can’t believe it!

One last thing. I’m so proud of you for competing in the Triathlon last weekend. You rock! And you’ve inspired me to get out walking again, so thanks. You are a beautiful, intelligent, and wonderful woman.

You deserve a handknit sweater.

Love,
Mandy