I finally finished my East End sweater by Alicia Plummer. I started this sweater just before my visit to NYC in June, and finished the sleeves today. I gave it a quick steam block and plopped it on Caroline the dress form. It fits Caroline and so it also fits me but a little more snugly than Caroline as she is much thinner than I am. I have to say it is not as drapey and loose as the photo in the pattern but it still fits. When I make something it is inevitably too tight or too big, just right just does not happen very often for me.
This sweater was made with Entice Yarn from Silver Threads & Golden Needles Yarn Shop in beautiful Franklin, North Carolina. I bought this yarn two years ago when visiting my dear friend Lynda for a few days. This is the yarn that is dyed specifically for the store. I have bought this in gray and this beautiful black cherry, and have been so happy with the end results. What do you think?
I used approximately 750 yards of yarn for this sweater, I have about 400 ish yards left to make something else. I used size 4 needles and these really great Addi Flex Tips double pointed needles to make the sleeves. I could not believe I did not have size 4 double pointed needled in my stash! So I popped in a yarn store in St. Petersburg, FL between patients last week and picked these up. They also were out of regular size 4 double pointed needles, and only had these, so I bought them. Although they were very expensive, I can see these being a great go to needle if you were a sock knitter, so much easier than wrestling four double pointed needles and hoping no stitches fall off. Anyway back to the sweater, next time I make it I will move up to a size 5 needle to add more drape to the fabric. It really is a nice and easy pattern and I think a great look. I am usually all about cardigans but this sweater really caught my eye and I am so glad it did. Now for it to get out of the mid 90's so I can actually wear it.
I have been battling from intense headaches these past three weeks. A surprise visit from Mr. 21 last weekend helped me keep my mind off all the pain I was in. He was taking a break from moving from an apartment into a home near his school. I think it is very close to where you used to be Dee. He was suffering from too much IKEA furniture assembly and needed a break. I wish it were to see me but I really think it was to get some puppy love and of course Little Buddy snuggles. He was nice enough to pop in the pool with the two of us for a swim. It was so nice just to see his adorable face and talk about his plans. He had a really rough time earlier in his life and to see him doing everything a normal college student does, with ease, just warms my heart so much. Right now he is in Indiana after driving his best friend back up to school. He returns on Monday. See, just normal 21 year old stuff. He is just a wonderful young man.
These two also got a bath last Sunday and I swear I could not stop laughing at them. They look sooooooooooo skinny when they are wet. We think they look like Greyhounds although I am sure it is much more like Irish Setters. They get all sorts of crazy when they are wet, jumping and running around like maniacs. Well, to be honest, they jump and run around like maniacs much of the day until they plop over in exhaustion.
They poof back out in no time at all. I suppose that is the poodle in them. This weeks casualties, the corner of the rug you can see in the photo, something completely unidentifiable that was thrown up by Hank right before I had to leave for work of course, two of Little Buddy's cars and a toothbrush. See, we are making progress.
Little Buddy starts school on Monday. Please keep your fingers crossed it goes well. I am a bit of a wreck. He is expected to keep his own desk organized and sit still for much longer periods of time. We will see how that goes. I am so fortunate he has his helper, Ms Rachel, to be by his side and guide him along, she will do her best to keep him on task. He is already talking obsessively about fire drills, poor guy. They scare him so much. And new this year is active shooter drills. Is that not the saddest thing you have ever heard? We need to train our children how to deal with active shooters and that is just going to be a normal part of their life now. One month is the run as fast as you can drill, the next will be duck and cover. I swear I could throw up right now just thinking about it. What a horrible time we live in where guns are so prominent in the lives of everyone and gun owner rights over ride the rights of citizens safety. Okay, no more lectures here.
Have a great weekend my friends. If my headaches calm down I hope to catch up with you all soon.
42 comments:
Love the sweater! It's so pretty, looks so soft. Your dogs look too funny . Years ago we had big old English Sheep Dog and we'd get him shaved down in the summer and he looked like a poodle.
I agree we're living in sick times, I'm not just nostalgic, life was much better when I was a child.
I like the jumper/sweater, the tunic shape would look great over leggings I think. Lovely to see your Mr 21, it's a joy to see them grow up into manhood, that's what we work towards. What a nice young man.
Oh, that sweater! It is exquisite as are those floofy pups. They always look so happy. It makes me wish I had brought home my pup's brother. I think she is lonely with just us two old people to play with.
I'm sorry ..... all those drills for such young children only serves to scare them. In the face of an active shooter they are NOT going to remember the drills.
But take away guns so our children can be safe ---- not in this administration, at least. Unforgivable!
Hope Mr. 21 gets all settled in and conquers that IKEA pile. (I swear they leave out parts on purpose --- or give you 1 too many so you wonder what you missed.)
I'm an Australian and a Special Ed teacher...The idea of doing shooter drill is so far removed from our thinking it just makes my head spin. But then the gun culture you reference is so bizarre to us.
I hope your headaches disappear soon Meredith. You're not allergic to your beautiful doggies are you??Loving the colour of your tunic.Great job. Wonderful swimming pic too. Xxx
I totally agree with you about the shooting practice. It gives me the shivers. How can it it be that youngest students have to learn how to shoot? That's so completely wrong from my point of view. Let's make a difference by voting and making ourselves heard!
Mr. 21 will manage. Tell him to stick strictly to the plan!!!!!!!
Take care! Regula
ps. The sweater is beautiful.
I LOVE your sweater although over here it would be described as a tunic or dress but it is gorgeous. Colour, shape, style, I like everything about it.
It's crazy that little people need to concern themselves with the notion of advice shooters aka a person hunting them down. How does this develop any sort of security in our little ones? How do they learn to trust other people? What will the ramifications of this be for the next generation in terms of relationships, society cohesion, educational achievement and general health of the broader population? No one can learn properly if they are constantly looking over their shoulders. Shame that children can't feel safe in their communities.
Here we have 'evacuation' drills and 'in-vacuation' drills.
I wish you all the best with your back to school season. You are lucky to have Ms Rachel. We have still a long way to go in our schools when it comes to providing appropriate support for students with disabilities and their teachers.
But enough of our soapboxes! Those mischievous puppies are too cute to be cross at for long! How lovely to have your older son home for a visit. At least you can ensure that people feel safe and happy in your home.
That sweater is just amazing. I would make one in a flash if I had the body to wear it. Maybe this pattern will be my inspiration to finally shed those pounds. I’m so glad Mr. 21was able to visit and help you feel a bit better. Between your two human boys and your two four-legged boys, I think a LOT of mischief could be found! Piper starts school, kindergarten, on Tuesday. I’m not ready for that. She was just born wasn’t she? I hope you’re much better soon Meredith.
Blessings,
Betsy
Bravo on the sweater finish! I love how it turned out and adore the color.. what a neat color name! I do hope you model it for us.. I hope you get a lot of enjoyment from wearing it. Your two fur boys are so cute and they do fluff up beautifully after a bath. I'm glad your son has come to visit you all.. I know how you love having them home with you. I'm beat from attending the wedding but it was truly a wonderful and hilarious event. Lots of humor and joy. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
The sweater is gorgeous, Mere, I'm sure it will look lovely on you. The color is so pretty.
Will your little guy be doing an all day school? Thats a big deal. All the best, I know its a huge thing. If this and of course, other complicated thought dwelling issues, is the cause for your headaches, I hope things ease up so you have relief. I get tension headaches here and there...its tough.
My daughter teaches high school. She once said to me (and she was also talking about the more dangerous of Chicago students and schools), "Mom, I never thought I'd go to work every day and worry about dying." It broke my heart. No guns period. Safety and security all day with real police, not security guards.
Jane x
We've just emerged from flat pack Ikea hell... I am not surprised Mr 21 needs a break from it :-) I was looking at the photo of your two boys in the pool and I thought to myself how many of Mr 21's features remind me of you. He sounds and looks like a well adjusted young man. There is hope for my own teenager (he failed all his exams!). I hope your headaches will ease up a bit, it sounds very bad. I am sad to read that Little Buddy has shooter drills at school. It is so terribly wrong that he or any other child should have to worry about shooters at school. It is really beyond comprehension that this is the new normal and that rather than dealing with this terrible issue at the roots, a poorly sticking band aid plaster is stuck on the problem. I am sure with your loving support, Little Buddy will be able to cope with this adversity, he is a little fighter (and a very cute one, too). Hugs xx
The sweater is lovely, such a gorgeous colour and your knitting is so neat. Awww, how cute Hank and Bear look when they're wet. Archie runs around rubbing up on furniture and rolling on the floor when he's wet. I hope things go well for Little Buddy on his first day, how awful that there has to be active shooter drills, I don't know what this world is coming to.
How scary for the children having to do that drill.I wish Little Buddy all the best for school.Where has the time gone.It only seems a short time since he arrived but he has made amazing progress.You must be sooooo proud.
Your sweater is AMAZING!!!! Just wow! It had to be wonderful to have your son stop in-always a nice distraction. My guy starts school on Tues-nerves abound for both of us!!!!
Your sweater is beautiful! What an accomplishment and done so quickly. Love the color too.
This gun violence in our country and especially our kids schools is out of control and shameful. And to think the one thing that would truly help, GUN CONTROL, Washington refuses to do, because they are controlled by NRA money. I feel for kids in school and parents who wonder everyday, 'could this happen here?' I don't think I could send my littles to school---home school for me. Prayer to Little Buddy and his first day of school and for a safe year.
Gorgeous sweater in every way, Meredith. What a lovely FO.
I always smile and chuckle at your pictures of the pups. Puppy parenting is stressful and trying, but there are such smiley moments too. They are truly clowns in furry suits.
Fingers crossed for you having some Migraine-Free weeks ahead, and for Little Buddy's smooth transition into School Days.
Okay big time prayers for LIL b on Monday. If he's like my children he will come home with that glazed over look in his eyes and need you to shovel some glucose into him quickly. Then he might start to come around again. Then he will fall asleep while crying at you. Gheesh......Just sayin that's all normal. SO start your day with some good NSAID's and keep them going for the head ache. The whole knit blog universe is pulling for that boy! Good things will come. He is ready for the next step.
Great to see big brother home for a visit. If ever so short and with several motives!
Your East End is just amazing Mere. Love the color and drape. Al did a sweater with similar tucks and shaping and she did not like how it fit her in the end. I think she made up with it though and actually wears it now.
It scares me so much these drills our kids have to go through. Tiger is in 2nd grade this year and loves it so I'm happy about that but we all know danger surrounds us even in elementary school. Love the sweater and your big son is as adorable as LB and those crazy pups of yours. I hope it cools off soon, too hot here to even go outside.
Thw sweater is gorgeous; you are so talented.
I hope you have gone to see your doctor about those headaches.
During my thirty-four years as a middle school teacher, we had fire drills, bomb scare drills, and finally active shooter drills. Even as a teacher who knew they were drills, the active shooter drills were very unsettling. I can only imagine how scary they are for our little ones.
I love that East End sweater/tunic!! It looks like a massive amount of knitting went into its making. I'm sorry you've been suffering from headaches. They can be so draining, and to have them for weeks on end must be horrible. I could hardly believe it when I read about the active shooter drills. It seems as ludicrous as the atomic bomb drills I went through when I was a child where you all got under your desk. I don't care how many drills they do, the reality is if, God forbid, such a thing were to happen in an elementary school, those children are not going to remember to follow the drill. It only takes one child panicking to set everyone off. So all they will manage to do is instill a sense of fear in every child who takes part.
Hi! I have read your blog for quite awhile but never commented till now. Love reading about little Buddy and the two boys (dogs). Your knitting is beautiful, really like the black cherry color of the sweater you just finished. I don't knit but enjoy seeing what you have knitted. I also read your sister Claudia's blog, love the pictures she takes. Hope the schoolyear is great for your sons.
OMGOSH! your sweater... the workmanship... the color!... and the style! OMG.
and btw Caroline just told me she wishes she had YOUR figure. she doesn't mind wearing it for as long as it takes though. just passing along the news. she loves it too!
we have a legislature in my state that keeps trying to allow students on college campuses to carry. and we're an open carry state already. but 18 yr old KIDS with guns? this country has gone bat s**t crazy. or... maybe it always has been.
when I was Little Buddy's age we had atom bomb drills. we had to pretend to be like "little turtles" on the floor beside our desks. REALLY??? LOL! yup.
I hope those are not hypertension headaches you're having. that's not a good thing. not to mention the debilitating pain. couldn't hurt to keep track of the BP. just in case.
I love ALL your boys! they're all so adorable. whether they have fur or not!
and I love hearing what the furries threw up and chewed up. maybe that's the answer to our troubles. just gnaw on something and get it out of our system!
I'd like a hot fudge sundae to gnaw on please. I find rugs too dry. :) XO
Your dogs are so comical. They really are photogenic. Your sweater is just gorgeous. I love the pattern and the color. I wear my hand knit short sleeve sweaters all the time. Hope your headaches subside and that you feel better soon.
The thought of active shooter drills chills me to the bone. I do hope he settles into school well, and I'm glad he has someone by his side to help him with it all. Sorry you've had such bad headaches, I do hope they pass soon, I can imagine how debilitating it is, especially when you have such a busy life. The top is absolutely gorgeous, I love everything about it. The clever shaping, the colour, the variegation, all gorgeous. Bertie is the same when he's wet, we were just talking about it this morning. He got a bit of a soaking (rain plus paddling in the stream) and was zipping about as if possessed when we got home. How adorable the pups look after their bath. Bertie has a wash and trim booked for tomorrow. Haven't told him yet though, I'll think we'll keep it as a nice surprise. Hope you have a good week, and good luck to Little Buddy for tomorrow, and a hug to you, I'll be thinking of you. CJ xx
love these photos,the pups are sooooo cute,wish I could have a cuddle and play with them.Your son is so handsome,and looks like he is having fun with lil Buddy,good luck with school Buddy.Love your Beautiful sweater,great colour.Hope you get those headaches sorted they sound nasty.Take care hun.xxx
What a beautiful sweater! As a teacher, the first meeting of our first day back for planning was about what to do in case of a shooter. What a welcome, eh? However, the first day back with students was a joy. Have a good week!
Dear Meredith,
Your East End sweater looks awesome! I wish I could knit like that!
Hugs,
Gaia.
I'm glad Mr. 21 is having little or no stress in his life so he can be a regular person, that is valuable to me :) I pray your little guy does well in the new school year and you do not worry about him so much. I cannot imagine the 'active shooter drills'.
Such a beautiful sweater, love the colour and the drape, stunning! Your fur babies are adorable. I was so disheartened to hear about a shooter drill, what on earth is the World coming to, I could cry the pressure and indeed fear that must be putting on little ones. Hope your head feels better soon.
Beautiful sweater Mere. Love the color and the style. It looks fabulous. Gosh! I remember the drills decades ago when I was in 1st grade where we marched out into the hallway, squatted down and put our arms over our heads...like that would do anything! I hope this week goes well for Little Buddy.
Those furbabies are just the cutest. Great job on the sweater. It's beautiful. Glad to hear Mr. 21 is doing so well now. Hope Little Buddy had a good day at school.
Wow, your sweater looks beautiful! I hope the first day at school was a good day.
Your sweater is great. Hope your headaches are better soon.
Marilyn
Hope your headache is better soon! The sweater is just lovely!!!!!!
I hope your headaches have calmed down. I'm sure that seeing you is one of the reasons that your son visited!
Don't agonize over LB sitting still. We expect far too much of that from our boys -- even at the high school level. The love and support he gets at home will see him through his school career. I read so many files of boys who could not sit still in . the lower grades but do learn to cope with school. As for drills in school, what can I say? It is very sad.
That sweater is gorgeous! I am in love with the color. And you knitted it so fast. Congrats!
Beautiful jumper, lovely drape to it. Sorry your headaches have been so nasty and I don’t imagine worries and stresses about upcoming school is helping. I am so grateful we have the gun laws here that we do, they terrify me xx
I love that sweater, Meredith. I know I say that about all of your projects, but that has to be my favorite. Thinking of LB as he starts another year of school. I'm sure you're familiar with "wiggle seats" for kids that have a hard time sitting still? I just learned about them, and can't stop sharing. They seem amazing, but I've never had first hand experience, just heard that they work for others.
I love the sweater dress it looks so well finished. So sad that children are having to do those kind of drills. I hope it all goes well at school.
Your sweater is gorgeous! Everything you knit is. You are very talented. I am so sorry to hear about your awful headaches. Are they from stress? How is LB doing in school, so far? Yes, that is one of the saddest things I've heard...that CHILDREN have to be taught how to deal with active shooters that might come into their school. Our children should not know this kind of stress. It is a crazy, messed up world.
love your jersey and the colour too! Gosh - shooter drills at schools. We practice for lockdowns and fires, but the police don't even carry guns here nor are people allowed even concealed weapons/rights to carry guns anywhere. I hope the new term goes well for Little Buddy!
Woa! that is an epic knit. It looks so great and such a lovely colour. Jo x
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