On His Sleeve

I’ve finished the back panel and both front panels of the Hopsmere sweater that I’ve been working on now. I’ve attached them at the shoulder, and I’ve started the first sleeve. I’m getting close to the elbow. I’m very happy with the way that the cables are looking. The braid is coming out exactly the way that I want it to.

So Much Sweater

I’m now on the ninth ball of Brava Bulky yarn. That’s quite a bit of yarn. It’s going to be a very cozy, heavy sweater. However, it’s getting more difficult to work on the project while on the go. I find that a lot of my larger projects end up slowing down as I get farther along because this happens. The size actually becomes a bigger obstacle than motivation loss at times. It’s not as easy to stuff the project and supplies into my tote bag and take it from place to place.

Often when this happens, I end up starting a second project that’s smaller and therefore more portable. The larger project then lives on my desk and only gets worked on while I’m sitting here and not actively working on something else. Progress still happens, but it happens more slowly. I try to make sure that I at least bring it with me on long car rides if I know I’m going to be a passenger and not the driver.

The Sleeve Will Simplify

The sleeve is also knit flat, which makes the project extra unwieldy at this stage. When I add flat-knit sleeves to my patterns, I design the seams to run all the way up the sleeve and down the side. The seam goes wrist to waist. That means that the two front panels are only attached to the back at the shoulders – on their shortest edge. That means they flop around easily every time I turn my work. The rows on the sleeve aren’t very long, so it’s frequent.

Having the first seam in place will make it easier. Attaching the longer edge will provide more structure to the garment and keep the separate panels from flying around. Of course, it will be larger and still difficult to fit into my bad. I think it will still be more manageable to work with. At least, I hope so.

I always feel better when I have something to do with my hands, wherever I am. Fiber arts are a fantastic hobby for that. You get to avoid eye contact without being rude. Picking up an additional project will slow this one down, and the weather is already getting colder. I’d really like to have this sweater ready for my partner long before the cold reaches full force!