11-13-2020

Just getting started. The pattern is uncompromising — in that it doesn’t stint in short rows, using yarn of different weights, calling for breaking and rejoining yarn multiple times — in pursuit of the perfect shape. But I can already see from just the first section of the back panel that the result will be perfect.

I am a little surprised the pattern isn’t written in the round. I guess it would call for a super-long needle but it would eliminate four seams. I could study it and rewrite it, I suppose. But I’m feeling lazy and I’m sure it will be fine.

1-10-2021

Have finished all the pieces for the main body (had to knit one of them twice but that’s on me.) Now, on to the feathers and collar. So far, nothing difficult, just a pattern that requires close attention to the short rows, decreases, etc.

02-09-2021

Finished my first layer of feathers.

03-08-2021

All feathers done, starting to knit the collar. Wondering whether I can have the collar separate from the poncho, so it’s a option. Would have to figure out what to do “underneath” — to replace/duplicate where the feather crown joins to the neckline. Am also a little confused about the instructions for moving the stitch marker so each row sits properly on top of the other. Will see as I get to the second row of feathers.

One aside: it doesn’t take nearly this long. I have been working on several projects simultaneously.

03-09-2021

Collar: all layers knitted together. Body: done. Have to knit the collar onto the body and then knit the neckline. Should finish today. It looks great. Can’t wait.

Have mostly been sewing ends in as I go, which I highly recommend, since there are many, many, many ends. Each body piece has quite a few joins and there are 60 feathers each knit separately. It would be so discouraging to leave them all to the end.

03-12-2021

Sewed in all the ends… done! I did sew a red thread into the center back on the inside so I could easily know where it was!