26 Sept 2013: Final thoughts. I think the sleeve sizing at the lower part of the arm is scant at best (yes, I got gauge and blocked to the listed measurements) and without some stretching while blocking they would have been uncomfortably tight. The sleeve cap is the proper size however, so I would probably add 1-2” in stockinette on either side of the lace ribbing to compensate and delete the unnecessary increases to compensate.

If I were to do this again for my measurements, I would have cast on the XS and increased to the S measurements 3” into the stockinette section of the body, or perhaps added short row bust shaping in the front pieces.

I love how tailored and crisp a sweater with seams can look, this being no exception. And I can say with much glee that this is my first sweater made entirely of my very own handspun yarn! Yay!

22 Sept 2013: Wow, I can’t believe I have all the pieces for this finished up! The lace pattern kept my attention while being easy to memorize and the shaping was easy to keep track of. And now for my least favorite part, sewing up…

I worked the pattern completely as written, (totally out of character for me, btw,) and followed the designer’s admonition to follow the gauge listed for stockinette and to let the lace tension fall in line from there. It worked perfectly.

I recommend keeping track of what row you start the armhole shaping for the back piece on and duplicate it for the front and back. For example, my armhole shaping began after I had made 4 complete leaves, but my row gauge tends to be tall so your mileage may vary. I also recommend working both sleeves at the same time since they’re identical.

More info on sizing to come. I have a 36” bust and a 26” waist so I chose the size based on my bust measurement with 2” negative ease. Hopefully the gathering of the lace ribbing will be sufficient to make a figure-flattering shape.