Tuesday, November 21, 2006

Wallabee Wonders

Thanks to everyone who had kind thoughts for me yesterday - and unkind thoughts about jackass. But, A.K. is off to a good start - a finished Walllabee!


For those of you who are not familiar with the pattern, the Wallabee is a Cottage Creations original - Cottage Creations is kind of the Nora Ephron of knitting patterns. Simple instructions, laced with personal anecdotes, helpful tips, and the occasional tee hee. And, like the Rambling Rows blanket, it's all about no sewing. The entire sweater is knit in the round, until you have to separate the fronts at the neck opening.

If you follow the instructions, there is absolutely no sewing. When you attach the sleeves, there are ten stitches under the arm that are supposed to be grafted. I say supposed to be because I just couldn't bring myself to do Kitchener last night (there's actually helpful hints in the pattern about pysching yourself up to do the Kitchener, but in the spirit of my grandmother, I said, feh), and I turned the thing inside out, and did a three needle bind off. Can't tell, can you? - it's the armpit, dammit, why do I need to Kitchener?

On the other hand, you can tell I did a three needle bind off on the hood - but I'm ok with that. The seam, to me, is perfectly reasonable for a hood, and the only real difference is that it comes to a bit of a point in the back.
I'm happy with it. And I would have been so unhappy Kitchenering 36 stitches together.

I don't know why I got it in my head that I had to knit the Wallabee in Brooks Farm Fourplay. It's like I had a pyschic connection with the yarn (although, not like Matt Lauer - Matt, what is up with you and the medium? No, you cannot see dead people!) - and I was so right. This is this comfyest, most delicious sweater I have ever worn. And, while the one skein did have to be hand wound, the yarn, once it was pulled apart, really wasn't so damaged - there's a stitch here and there that's a bit fuzzy, but no biggie. I did take everyone's advice, and emailed Brooks Farm. The woman who runs the online store was quick to get back to me, and told me that she was relieved to hear from me after Christine gave them the heads up at Kid and Ewe. She assured me that either Randall or Sherrie would get back to me soon - that was last Wednesday, and I haven't heard from them again. I'm sure they're busy. This one skein issue should not turn anyone away from Brooks Farm. I love this yarn, and will buy it again at Maryland Sheep and Wool - I think for a top down turtleneck. Yum! A.K. is all about comfort after all!

14 comments:

Liz K. said...

I've had that Rambling Rows afghan in my head for a while, and now that I know it is no-sew, I am even more determined.

Great Wallabee -- looks super-comfy, just in time for winter.

Sherry W said...

Hey your wallabee looks great!

First, I'm sorry about your recent woes with ex-cop and the puppy. I would have been pissed with 'Doggy Style' (what an ass-stupid shop name). I'm sure he started to wig out way before they cut his eyelid and should have dealt with it better. Poor puppy.

I had jury duty Monday and was wondering if I'd be called for one of your cases. I wasn't called for anything and sat and knit for a day for pay. With no cell or pager from work. Oh darn.

Angie said...

The Wallaby is fab, I am itching to make one for myself....I'll have to check out Brooks Farm

Dorothy said...

Looks awesome! I'm sitting here wishing it was mine. No-sewing makes it even more fabulous.

Jennifer said...

Your Wallabee turned out so cute!! Makes me wanna come a steal it...and for it to get colder down here so I can wear my sute knitted stuff...It's currently 52 and I haven't even turned my heater on yet for the season!

Kessa said...

Very cute! Looks so warm and comfortable. And no sewing? Awesome!

Anonymous said...

I love it. I want one.

I'll add it to the list...

(Looks great on you, btw.)

Carol said...

Love the Wallabee. Great color and great knitting. Looks like it will become a favorite sweater.

New pics of Poppy up!

Dropstitchknitter said...

You're making me want to make another Wallably for myself - mine quite a few years old now - and I think I've made at least 4 of them for other people - it's a great pattern and I agree - who needs to kitchner with that three needle bind off???

Carol said...

Wallaby looks terrific. Glad to hear you sounding like your usual self today.

Anonymous said...

The Wallabee is wonderful! It makes me want to go buy some Brooks Farm so I can start a sweater of my own!

Anonymous said...

I have Wallaby's for all of my grandchildren. I love the pattern....I love how it looks on them. Good job. Try Kitchener next time.

Anonymous said...

I made the rambling rows afghan in blue sky organic cotton. Its soft, warm and lovely. The only thing I didn't do was pick up around the edge to knit all the way around - too many stitches and not enough circular needles to pick up so many stitches. It looks fine, homey. It's great to snuggle up with. I made the lap rug size and it weighs a lot, the full afghan will weigh a ton.
Wendy, I miss your blog. I hope you had a good thanksgiving and that things are looking up.

WandaWoman said...

The Wallabee looks great. Good to remember this pattern. I may want a cozy wallabee for myself. It's funny, b/c I just bought this pattern a few weeks ago. Might have to dig it out. Sorry about the BFY, hopefully they will get back to you. I don't blame you for doing the 3ndl bo. I kitchenered one underarm on a sweater I'm finishing now and decided that I hate it and may do the other underarm as a 3ndl bo.