. . . but a better title would be, "Fuck Me" or "I Am Fucked." Trust me, there are songs called both of those names, but I am not really into thrash metal (any more - I'll save that for another post). Still, this isn't pretty as I may need to steek a sweater for which I never intended. Pour yourself a drink, Lola . . . and make it dirty because this ain't pretty.
I started the EZ Fair Isle pullover for a variety of reasons: the yarn was cheap (so am I), everyone was doing it (who says peer presure isn't for 30-somethings), and I liked a pattern from Vogue Knitting (insert snarky comment here). Tape measure - check, favorite sweater - check, gague swatch - check, 15 inches of stockinette - check, 3/4 length sleeve measurement - whoops! The favorite sweater that I used for the measurement went home with Mom to the Buckeye state because the collar was a bit frayed. She has a much better serger than I do, so it made sense. Besides, I own four other "favorite sweaters" in different colors all by the same manufacturer. I grabbed one of the other ones from the dirty laundry and measured the arm length (a little less than what I had done) and then, just for shits and giggles, measured the width.
See, when I cast on in January, I measured 19.5 inches across and so cast on for 196 stitches which should have been about right. The measurement that I took from the other sweater, the "dirty" one was 23 inches for a grand total of 7 inches difference! Seven inches is a whole lot of difference especially since everything - sleeves, pattern, extra projects - was based upon the first measurement. A lot of this I chalk up to it being worn and the original one coming fresh from the dryer, but I think I know better. In short, I am fucked.
There are a few choices. Book a trip to India for a reasonably priced tummy tuck (yes, this was my first thought); rip it out and cast on again (take another drink; I did); keep going and suck it in (hasn't really worked for me yet); or steek it when I am done and live with a cardigan (yes, I said steek). Honestly, as much as I would love a tummy tuck and my boobs raised, steeking might be the least painful option. You know damn well that I have always wanted to try this, but I kind of thought that it would be done with a "grippy" yarn. UGH!
Beside the ill fated Fair Isle sweater, I have been making progress on the other Jaywalker, which is my February UFO. Unfortuneately, it is likely to be my March one as well. Here is my problem: I hate knitting on the same thing for very long. Hell, I even printed out the Le Slouch pattern because I was getting bored by the Jaywalker and the EZ sweater. It looks quick, it looks easy, and it looks like I won't have any "issues" this time. I really need to stop buying knitting books; everytime I get a new one, I begin tossing around new knit thoughts.
So, I am off to finish cleaning the house and ironing my pile of clothes. The weather gods have dropped a few inches of slushy crap on the Poconos so that means no work today. This in and of itself puts the June trip in question at least from an extended point of view. You might want to call and check in on the Flyer and the kids. Just be sure to ask if I am done rocking in the corner and talking like Nell.
Ava
PS - Bought the anniversary present this morning . . . at least that was one thing the "snow storm" was good for! Now about that drink? Make it a double!