Pattern: Something Red by Wendy Bernard

Yarn: Blue Sky dyed cotton in Pickle, 4.5 skeins

Needles: US 5

Notes: I’m more pleased that I thought I would be! After finishing this sweater up I tried it on (with sock monkey pajamas) and thought “What was I thinking making a flared sweater?” After blocking, and with more sedated pants, I like it much better (don’t we all go through that period of hatred with large projects?) I knit the raglan depth to 8 inches, far less than the pattern called for, and I could have gone even shorter – the sleeves could be smaller in my opinion. I also knit the total sweater 1 inch shorter than the pattern called for, partially to compensate for the shorter raglan deepth. I used a smaller button than the pattern called for, but I may end up replacing it, as the button seems to pull a little. I did use different increases for the flare – a lifted increase rather than the make 1. It’s barely noticeable, and I would definitely recommend the sub. I also did my increases in the middle of the group of knits rather than on the edges, again hoping for a smoother result. I picked up a ton more stitches than the pattern called for – 3 for every 4 rows and 1 for every stitch around the back of the neck. As a result I’ve avoided the curling button band problem, but my neck does not perhaps stand up as much as it might.
One of the most surprising things to me is how much I liked the blue sky cotton. Last time I used it was nightmarish, but somehow this time my hands had no trouble at all, and I was able to knit for pretty long periods with it. It did smooth out a lot with blocking, but it isn’t perfect. I can live with it though!

Marc really likes this FO, and that pleases me; sometimes I think he is puzzled by some of the things that I knit. I do really like the color, and I can see this being a sweater that gets a lot of wear – it’s very comfortable and will go with both casual and dressier outfits. I would recommend this pattern, just be sure to pay attention to the raglan length and plan out your increases carefully!