July 13, 2011 - Finally it is done! I added beads to the final purl row before binding off. I was quite happy with the bind off it looked great. Really the pattern wasn’t super difficult for me just that I rely on markers a lot so it threw me often. I am very pleased with it.

June 29, 2011
I finally finished with the 4th blossom repeat and lifeline added. I have been procrastinating on this project, probably because it is different and the marker moving makes it a pain to do. Plus having a 3 year old running around being crazy doesn’t help. I am really excited to start the edging now. The yarn is very pretty and soft, only problem is the sticking to my dry fingers which isn’t the yarns fault :)

I found the star chart was super pleasing to knit but the blossom chart was another story. It was difficult to concentrate with a young child running around and having to deal with markers needing to be moved twice in the pattern repeat. It was surprising that I had never heard of lifelines until about half way through the blossoms - what a life saver! Markers needed to be moved in row 1 and 3.

Ripped out what I had done so far, decided the 3.5 mm needles made it too small. I have started over with 4 mm needles and have finished the set up chart and one repeat of the star chart. I am happier with it now.

I have done 2 repeats of the star chart already. I am enjoying the pattern and yarn so far. I am a little worried I chose too small needles, but it seems ok.