2-14-14: hat is all done and I am very happy with it. The sizing is perfect. One thing I have learned about Flood’s patterns is that the directions are so precise that if you follow them and trust in the integrity of the pattern you will be able to knit patterns that you think would otherwise be over your head. This is a series of interesting cables but they are very easy to knit because of how well the pattern explains everything. I typically don’t use charts when I have an option, but again Flood does a good job with the chart and you will have no difficulty following it, even if it is the first time you have ever used a chart.

2-7-14: this was my first time to do the tubular cast on. My first effort was a fail, because I did not think through how the first stitch would work with the provisional cast on into the scrap yarn and was worried it wouldn’t be stable. On the second go around things went more smoothly, but doing the cast on on size 3 needles was pretty rough on my hands. I’ve had to stop a few times on the tubular rounds because they were cramping, something that never happens with me. The cast on looks pretty and stretching, and I’m sure I’ll try it again, but will probably try and use Bamboo needles for it to see if it helps.

After an inch of rib, this is looking pretty small. If I end up having to start over on larger needles, I’m going to use these notes to help with the cast on, from Ysolda Teague.