Cowichan Corrected

This warm,  'Oh-so-Canadian'  Cowichan sweater arrived at the store a couple of weeks ago.  

 

Much cherished by it's owner, it nonetheless has  had   a couple of flaws she hoped I could correct.


By it's slightly matted, fuzzy appearance, it would appear the sweater was improperly laundered at one time in it's past.  Lucky for the current owner,  as that  probably explains why she was able to purchase it cheaply at a second-hand store  in Nanaimo B.C  - the heart of Cowichan country.   For this  owner, the sleeves were a bit short  and she wanted pockets.    Could I do that?    I thought I could. 

It was decided  to insert storm cuffs rather than lengthen the actual sleeve.   To lengthen the sleeve itself,  would require cutting   above the cuff and knitting the sleeve  down. Not that difficult, but throw   matching three different colours plus matching gauge into the repair  and I thought it a process more likely to look 'corrected'  than  original.  A  storm cuff seemed a better idea.  They were easily accomplished by picking up stitches on the inside of the sleeve and ribbing down for a few inches.

 

Looks great.  The yarn used here was a double strand of Eco Wool.  Not a perfect match but darn close. 

The pocket was a little more complicated.  So as not to disturb the front pattern and because I could match the white yarn perfectly with Briggs & Little Roving,  I  cut the sweater just below a white band, picked up those stitches and ribbed up for an inch to create  pocket trim directly in line with the white band of the sweater. 

On the inside I picked up the upper  stitches and knit down, again using a double strand of the Eco Wool,   to create a pocket lining which I tacked to the  inside of the sweater. 

Barely noticeable which pleases me immensely. 

 One would think they were part of the original design.

My arm has been sorely stretched by my own   'atta boy'   'atta knitter'  pats on the back.  I am happy with the results.  I feel certain the customer will be too. The only decision left is what to charge her for the repairs.

Too Busy Baking To Blog

Life in a small town is all about the food.

See here  my  contribution to a few upcoming community events.  This week's after Church snack, a funeral lunch, veteran's Christmas boxes,  the ladies group I'm hosting next week,  and hopefully a bit left over for my own Christmas.

The kitchen still has 'mega mess' written in flour on the counter top and as is all too often my custom, I'm ending my marathon day in the kitchen by cleaning the oven.  If it isn't my cup, it's my pie.

Fred, bless his heart, took one look at the kitchen and suggested we eat out.  He read my mind. 

Thursdays Are For Knit Group

 It would seem to me that once burned, twice shy.  But  not Doreen.  She has agreed to knit another project for another friend and this one too is  driving her crazy. 

 

Pom pom yarn - that's what I'm calling it, I don't know the official name  - that is beyond difficult to work with.

 

Pulling each pom pom through is a chore in itself, but ripping out?  Impossible.  Ask me how I know.  Ask Nicki how she knows.  Better yet, ask Doreen. We have decided that a little therapy would go a long way to solving your 'S'  word issues, Doreen.


Nicki has finished baby sweater #2, from  Knitfest.

 

Top Down, no sew from Need A Baby Cardigan?   Is there 'Gramma-wanna-be'  thinking behind these baby sweaters, Nicki? 

Past the baby stage, Wilma's little grand daughters love barbie dolls.  So what would a good Grandma knit for Christmas gifts?  Barbie fashions of course.

Is it just me, or is Barbie more  sophisticated than she used to be?  Look at that hair!

Our Koigu queen was wearing a Koigu sweater. 

 

Normally her style leans towards wraps and shawls. We don't often see Ingrid in a sweater.   This one is beautiful  - of course  - and in particular the edging caught my eye. 

 

Crocheted, fast and easy said Ingrid with built-in buttonholes.  I think I'd like a lesson on that one.

Another great Thursday afternoon. A keenly-anticipated, weekly time-out as we enter the hectic season.