08.19.12 - I knit this with some negative ease…it’s a little snug, but I really like the way it hugs my curves! Especially now that I’ve worn it a couple times…I asked someone what the pattern on the back reminded them of (reminds me of the stitching on a baseball), and that person said an hourglass! Yeah!, that too!

08.16.12 - Now that this is finished (yay!), I cannot wait to get photos and blog about it. I’m wearing it today, and I love it!!! I am soooo glad that I plodded through the difficult to read/understand pattern…OMGosh! I love this sweater!

Notes and Mods:
First, the photos on the pattern don’t look like the body of the knitting is in reverse stockinette…I assumed there was a lot of st st, but in reading the first part of the pattern, I found myself disappointed at that. However, after an attempt at knitting the right side in st st, I understand the design better…soooo, like it or not, reverse st st it is. Boo. sigh!
Second, I’m using a yarn that Rav says is fingering, but I think it’s DK, so I’m only using one strand.
Lastly, and I was afraid of this…I really don’t like how this pattern is written/translated to English. Perhaps that can’t be helped with DROPS patterns, and again, I am fearless, so look at the bottom of these notes for my little rewrite if you feel the same. (Note to designer, I am not giving away your pattern, just working to clarify.)

07/18/12 - All of the knitting is finished. I think I really want to block the pieces before sewing together, and I have stalled out there. Need flat surface I can close off from cats to let the thing dry overnight with a fan…difficult with a grandbaby about. Blocking may wait until after our little “vacation” in August. :)

04/24/12 - Ok, so I am using one of the yarns that I had originally planned on. Here’s a twist, tho: I am knitting my very first gauge swatch ever! Starting with a 7, we’ll see where I end up…

04/23/12 - So, according to the pattern, this is a 4.5st/in pattern, on size 7 needles, with two strands of fingering weight yarn…I thought it was DK yarn pattern, so I may have to rethink which yarn I will choose to use, but I plan to CAST ON tomorrow!!!
I think I will knit the large size for a little negative ease.

Pattern Clarification (for size L)
On back piece: follow pattern through M1 and M2 chart instructions. When you get to the M3 instructions, there’s a LOT of AT THE SAME TIME stuff, so that’s what I’m trying to clarify here…the following is all happening AT THE SAME TIME on the back:
Here we go! - Knitting in reverse stockinette stitch (and lace pattern), beginning with row 3 of M3 chart section and every 4th row thereafter, shift lace to the center with a “make 1” on the outside of lace panel and k2tog OR skp on the inside until there are 10 sts between lace panels, 10 times.
Waist shaping - When piece measures 2 3/8” (20 rows), dec 1 st each side, and every 3/4” (6 rows), until there are 7 decs, 14 sts decreased total. (82sts total)
When piece measures 9 3/4” (68 rows) inc 1 st each side, and every 1 1/8” (8 rows) until there are 4 incs, 8sts increased. (90sts total)
When piece measures 12 1/2” (88 rows) begin shifting lace to the outside every 4th RS row a total of 13 times.
Armhole and neck shaping: When piece measures 15 1/4” (106 rows) bind off for armholes, 3 sts each side once, 2sts each side 3 times, 1st each side one time. (70sts total)
When piece measures 22 3/4” (158 rows) bind off the middle 20 sts, then work shoulders separately, decreasing 1 additional stitch at the neck edge, and continuing to work 24 shoulder sts to 23 5/8” (bind off on row 166, no lace on 165).

On Left (Right) Front
Follow pattern as written.
Waist shaping starts at row 21, dec. 1 st. every 6 rows seven times total. (48 sts)
Start increases at row 69, inc. 1 st. every 8 rows four times total. (52 sts)
Buttonholes on right side only:
On rows 56, 76 & 96, bind off 4th front band st from mid front, and cast on 1 stitch on return row.
Neck and Armhole Shaping
When piece measures 13.75” (96 rows), start neck decreases…when 4 sts remain before lace chart, p2tog, P2 (after lace chart, P2, p2tog). Continue as established, decreasing every 4th row, 11 times.
Bind off 3 sts for armhole on row 107 (108) once, two stitches 3 times, 1 st. once. (31 sts)
On row 165, Bind off 24 sts, continue working 7sts in garter stitch for 22-24 rows, bind off.

Sleeves
On 44 sts, 20 rounds garter.
Reverse stockinette, first inc. on rnd 21.
Inc 2 sts. at underarm every 10 rows, 12 total inc rows. (68 sts.)
On row 134 bind off 6 sts at underarm (62 sts).
At beg. of each row, bind off 2 sts to row 154 (22 sts).
Bind off 3 sts at beginning of next two rows; bind off remaining 16 sts.
Sleeve Mods:
I don’t know what I was thinking with 20 rounds garter…it should be 10, per the pattern. But, I did 20 on the first sleeve, so I did the same on sleeve #2.
Also, I knitted the garter flat (easier), then joined in the round for the stockinette (or reverse, whatever)…when I went to stitch the garter together, I thought it looks pretty cool as an open cuff, so I left it. We’ll see what I think when it’s all put together, I can always sew it later, if I change my mind!