I have some actual exciting progress to show you on my Shepherd sweater! (Design by Kate Davies, yarn by the amazing Juniper Moon Farm — you can STILL get kits to make your own Shepherd or Shearer sweater right here!) This post is pretty photo heavy :)
Since my last update, I finished all the knitting and wove in lots of ends. First, I finished the hood knitting! Soooo much seed stitch.
Then I handled all the yarn ends lurking on the inside of the sweater. Some people don’t enjoy finishing work and find it kind of a chore; I actually really love it! It feels so tidy and orderly, and the results are super gratifying.
Next up, blocking! I ran into a little speed bump… the sweater was way too big to fit into my sink, where I usually wash handknits.
The solution? The bathtub of course!
After a nice, loooong bath in warm water and Soak wash (I have the special Ravelry scent, and I love it!), I squeezed it out, squished in a towel, and laid it out for blocking. This sweater needs a fairly firm blocking hand, to make the cables really stand out properly and to get the right size. I blocked to a combination of pattern measurements and my own modifications (for example, I made the sleeves shorter, because my arms are shorter :) )
Since the sweater is kind of hefty, it’s still drying. (Well, also because I live in a very damp rainy place, and that’s not helping it to hurry up and dehumidify.) Hopefully in a couple of days I’ll have a dry, finished sweater to show you, with buttons sewn on and everything! I did get buttons, and I looooove them. More on that next time :)
barf green is best 
Looking lovely!! I’m almost done with one sleeve. The sweater was ripped back to the beginning a couple of weeks ago so I could change from seed stitch to regular 2×2 ribbing + add another stitch to buttonhole area. I’ve never been so fussy about a sweater before–what has happened to me!!?? I also made it shorter .
I think it’s natural to be fussy with something designed to last such a long time! I totally get it :) When yours is finished it will be just perfect!
It looks absolutely gorgeous! It’s the next project in my queue. I can only hope to do such a lovely job as you did with yours!
Thank you so much!! I’m certain yours will be amazing too :)
Beautiful Sarah!
Yay thanks Torre!
Your sweater looks fabulous! More photos when dry!
Thank you SO much! Yes, absolutely more photos – promise!
IT’S AWESOME!!!!!!!
YAY thank you!! I love it :) Shepherd & Shearer is the BEST project, I’m so glad I get to be a small part of it!
Oh my gosh, I am SCREAMING WITH GLEE. It is so so awesome and I can’t wait to see it on!!!!
Eeeeeeeee I’m SO EXCITED TOO! I cannot wait to add buttons and wear it everywhere :)
It is amazing, Sarah! Can’t wait to see your modelling pics.
Yay thanks Allie! It is STILL drying, if you can believe it… I’ll post ’em when I’ve got ’em! :)