Over forest, over vale

I had predicted in May that my summer would pass happily away.  And it has.  My summer has PASSED and has passed quickly.  I can hardly believe that May is more than two weeks ago.  Where did June go?  And when did July pass by?  Is September really, actually, and truly around the corner?

My last post about the dishtowels was over a month ago.  I have done so much since then, and yet I never had time for a post (nor to check anyone else's, either).  Check out my pictures on Instagram for the all the cool pictures I have taken this summer, such as my favorite flower, the best knitting in public picture I have taken, and a very pretty skein of Loveland wool!

Of course, two weeks ago, I was happy to have posted this:

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Yayyy!!!!! My Gibralter Henley from #interweaveknits is done!!!! Here I am, modeling the unblocked, straight-off-the-needles FO. I couldn't keep still for a picture, and I lost my arms as a result 😉 #knittersofinstagram #knitting #knitwear #iloveknitting #shadowlace #woolsweater

A photo posted by Nicole Ganger (@gangernicole) on Aug 12, 2015 at 5:30pm PDT

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After months and months of knitting, I finally finished the Gibraltar Henley by Joan Forgione from the Interweave Knits Spring 2015 issue.  And as soon as I was done, I slipped it on!  Even unblocked, the sweater looks fantastic.  Love, love, love it!

Today I got my official project pictures of the Gibraltar done.  It looks, feels, wears so great!

Some notes on my modifications:

First, I chose to knit the sweater in lace.  I find that, even if it takes months and months to complete a sweater, it is extremely rewarding to knit with lace.  There is no bulk, and yet all the benefits of merino wool are still there!  Soft and more delicate, these sweaters turn out stunning.

Second, I disregarded the "henley" portion.  I do not necessarily dislike the sweater with the little button opening, I just decided it would be easier and cleaner to skip it.  My buttonholes do not have a perfect track record!

Adding onto that, neckband I did different as well.  I have noticed that ribbing is happier with more stitches, and so I am now in the habit of adding lots and lots.  I crowd in a ton of stitches and squish them all together.  I like the look of it better on the finished product!  Of course, like knitting with lace, this takes a whole lot more time.  The ribbing is always, ALWAYS a pain.

Finally, I did the sleeves completely different than how the pattern is written.  I will be including my pattern notes on Ravelry for them--I am rather proud of my sleeves.  I am fairly sure that I can pick up and knit the sleeves on any sweater without any fear, now.

And that's that!  My current project is flying away now, thanks to some airplane knitting (har-har), and so I should be able to showcase that one soon.  That is, unless I hate it....  I am holding my breath on that one.

Hope your summer has gone well!  Hello, hello, hello again!