Cheers to me, I have finished knitting Birthday61!
This was a pattern that haunted my days. I’d come too far to rip it out or leave it to mold. I had to trudge on. As I began the sleeves, I couldn’t find a good way to do that small circumference.
On the first sleeve, I tried Magic loop, DPNs, and 9 inch circular. I ended up sticking with Magic loop.
As I knit the first sleeve, and of course noticed I was getting nowhere fast, I said the hell with this!
I did the short sleeve version and I’m not sorry. I almost couldn’t believe I was done. I kept wondering if it was really true!
My sweater ended up being a bit tighter than I would have liked, although it’s a bit better after washing. The fabric is very nice, and I was so happy with the yarn. I’d definitely buy Biches n Bûches again. I do have nearly 3 full skeins of yarn left because I had planned to do long sleeves.
I don’t want to dis this pattern. (See the pattern page at Ravelry.) If you are an experienced, and fast knitter, this may be a great pattern for you. It is well-written. Many knitters have successfully made the long-sleeve version.
In a nutshell: One row is knit (in the stitch below) and purl, and one row is all purls. So lots of purling. I don’t mind purling. What I do mind (I’ve discovered) is knitting 2 rows that equal only one in reality! This is what makes the squishy fabric – and contributes to the time invested in the project.
ALSO… No one is ever going to notice the work (time)I put into knitting this top. It is a pretty plain looking, short-sleeved, pullover. I’m the only one who will ever know the months it took to create.
I will definitely wear my Birthday61.
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New England's Narrow Road 