04-03-2024

Modified the pattern to do the duck colourwork:

• once I reached approx. 5cm down from the collar, I put the back stitches on hold and worked on the front + top of the sleeves flat (adding an extra column of stitches at the back of the sleeves for seaming later), doing the colourwork in intarsia according to a stitchfiddle chart I made

• once the sleeve and body increases had been worked, I put the sleeve stitches on hold and cast on an extra stitch on either side of the body (for seaming)

• Finished the front in half-twisted rib as in pattern. It’s a little shorter than I’m used to, I may at some stage frog and redo the bottom a little longer

• Picked up the back stitches again, adding another stitch on each side again for seaming, then worked in plain stockinette, matching the ribbing on the front

• Seamed up the sides of the sweater - I used mattress stitch for the first time and am thrilled with the result, which is practically invisible. Seamed the backs of the shoulders

• Worked the sleeves according to the pattern; I did 8 repeats of decreases/sleeve before the ribbing rather than the 9 suggested for my size in the pattern. I still think the sleeves are very long and I may shorten them if it bothers me long-term

Overall I love the sweater I have ended up with but I will never again knit the body of a sweater flat!
2025 Edit to this claim - I have now learned mirror knitting and happily knitted a whole cardigan flat! Never say never:)