Gathered Pullover: Progress is being made

   These have been some busy weeks around here, what with Spring and all.  Now that the weather is nice, all of the outdoor chores that were neglected during the winter are demanding to be done (right now!).  I work and work and work, yet the list just keeps getting longer!  It's a race to get everything done before it becomes unbearably hot here.  It's actually the same exact time each year; exactly one week before I finish.  So I end up with heatstroke and a sunburn from standing on the garage roof, painting the trim in 110 degree weather.  Good times.

I will write up a post about the more fun/interesting house projects soon.  Like my garden!  [Side Note: It has 1 brandywine tomato plant in it.  I bought it from the nursery.  All of my seedlings died.  No big surprise here.  I just wish I knew WHY!  They never made it past the 'first two leaves' stage.  I avoided fungal rot at the base of the plants this year though.  That's progress!]

My gathered pullover has an entire body, eagerly awaiting sleeves.  The fabric is lightweight and has enough drape along with really defined stitches.  I think the larger needles (US 7) really help this pattern live up to its potential. 

Here's a close-up view of the ribbed, cabled, gathered area on the front of the sweater.  It's like an island of intricacy sitting in a sea of stockinette.  It was a very welcome change after nearly a foot of knitting a straight tube!

Alas, I don't think I'll finish this in time to wear it this spring.  We've already had a few 80 degree days.  There's always the office though, kept at a crisp 68 degrees during the hotter months.  That sounds like light sweater weather to me.

I'm going to have to adjust my knitting calendar so that I'm a season ahead from now on.  Note to Self: Begin spring things immediately after Christmas.  Begin fall things in July.  Begin winter things by September.  That ought to do it.