I’ve had this project queued for a long time, waiting for a combination of the perfect yarn (which I found at Maryland Sheep & Wool this year specifically for it) and the bravery to attempt a sweater. This is my first sweater, and I must say I couldn’t have picked a better pattern to work with for it. Poolside is well-written, well thought out, flexible and easy to adjust. As you can see from the picture I did make an adjustment by starting the lace border after the bust line. At the time I thought that would be a good idea because I wouldn’t have to wear a shirt underneath the sweater. It made sense in my head. However I’ve come to realize that I would want an undershirt underneath the sweater no matter what so I may as well have started the lace where I was supposed to. I also modified the body bind off to a super stretchy one, and then pinned the bottom in a scallop edge. I think I should’ve made the sleeves a bit tighter; they’re a little loose on me but I’d rather have them too lose than too tight. Speaking of the sleeves I did work them two at a time using magic loop. All in all I am so pleased with this piece and couldn’t be happier with how it came out. I have so many people who were so surprised that it was my first sweater and I find myself recommending the pattern again and again. I will definitely be working modifications and variations of this pattern for years to come. Thank you so much for a wonderfully written piece.

Chris says I’m posing like Wonder Woman… But that’s how you pose when you finish a handknit sweater while you have a lasagna in the oven for a work potluck. It took me less than a month. The sweater– not the lasagna. Which was a Spinach Alfredo Lasagna, and received much praise at the potluck. By the way, trying to explain to a male coworker how I wanted this picture taken (no, just a cropped shot of the sweater so that I can post it to the Ravelry project page…) was interesting, he apparently felt like he was being asked to take a picture of my ta-tas.

I really am very proud of the piece, and have to give all credit to the amazing designer. The pattern was simply and beautifully written, and I will definitely be making it again!