Wiki: ’Ancasta was a Celtic goddess worshipped in Roman Britain’. I’m liking it!

I’m using stitchmarkers, row counters, pen, paper and the services of a Zen master to get me through the yoke, with its short rows and rather intricate set up of cable patterns. It’s all going fine with no bodging and a minimum of swearing: but total concentration is required!

Mods: I’ve cast on for the 35.5” size, but I’ve added a couple more increase rows before separating at the armholes. So the sizing bust-wise is between the S and M sizes.

I’ve knitted the neck rib twice as long so that I can double it over and stitch it down (I like this type of neckline, if it’s a high-ish round one, as it gives a good finish).

I’ve started the waist increases at a lower point on the body: this is actually a total booboo on my part, as I misread (or didn’t read!) the pattern correctly. As I couldn’t face ripping back quite a few inches of cables, I’ve carried on regardless. Actually, I have tried the dress on and it doesn’t look weird or anything: I guess that logically, it will mean that it’s going to be a bit more fitted on my hips? Still, I’m a taller than average female and I want the dress to be a bit longer, so hopefully it’ll pan out overall…

I continued with the ‘skirt’ increases until I had 268 sts (the number for the M size). Also see below for length mod.

Length: I’ve knitted to 40” as per the pattern, but this only just comes to my knees; so I’m knitting another pattern repeat, adding approx. 4+“

Not a mod, but: I’ve knitted the sleeves before the dress has got too long. This just makes it easier to knit them (less knitted fabric to heft about) and also allows me to gauge how I’m doing yardage-wise.

Pattern: a really good one, very detailed and easy to follow (despite the yoke being tricky - just a lot going on, but all explained perfectly). I think there are a few minor errors: there’s one on the chart key (WS/RS rows) and also there was something not quite right on one of the short-row instructions, where it was correct on the chart, but not in the written instructions - will have to check again. Very minor things though, easy to correct!

Yarn: love this Swedish wool and it washes brilliantly on a handwash machine setting. The gauge of the fabric means I do need to wear a slip under the dress… you know, those items of lingerie from the 50s! I had to buy one from M&S especially lol

25.2: feeling the lurve…