The pattern called for 16” circular needles, but I used 21” circular needles (from my needlemaster set), which seem to be working out and also I think more comfortable to hold anyway.

I got to the end of my one skein of Lorna’s Laces Worsted yarn, but I still needed to do the belt loops! So I went to buy a 2nd skein even though it’s more yardage than what the pattern suggested. Maybe I should have realized this since I had to use a larger needle than the pattern suggested?

Then I accidentally misread the belt loop row in the pattern wrong and miscounted the stitches between belt loops, so I had to undo and redo that whole row, OMG I wanted to stab myself after that.

Then for the next row, I accidentally increased stitches 3 too many times and it took forever to recheck/count the stitches especially on such a tiny needle; I thought I was making myself blind!

Also the stitches were bunching so much on the 21” circle, I transferred it to a longer circular needle. Finally I got the number of stitches right again and all seems to be back on track… but now my left hand is really sore, OUCH.

Knitting the rows right after attaching the sleeves is quite awkward with the circular needles. I felt like I was stretching out the armpit area as I went, and I dropped a few stitches even though they were on the stitch holder. WHOA. I managed to pick them back up.

Also note that using mohair on interchangeable circulars is a bit of a pain. I have to tighten them regularly and sometimes the mohair gets stuck in there. Egh.

Had trouble finding specifically 2” wide black ribbon. Finally found it at Tinsel Trading in midtown NY and cost me about $9 for 2 yds! Shop for your ribbon first, then adjust the belt loop lengths accordingly. Doh.

Omigosh. I need to knit just a half inch more… and I think my left index finger is getting calloused. Note to be wary of knitting actual clothing when using such tiny needles & mohair yarn in the future!

Now finishing off the ends… I think if I did this again, I’d skip doing about half of these belt loops, sheesh. Thankfully it seems to fit, just barely! I really hope this doesn’t shrink.

Wow, I finished the darned thing. Just in time to match the cherry blossoms in bloom. I think I can actually wear this out too, thank goodness. I’m debating if I can turn the bow into a belt. Yay!