And the Winner . . .

And with a big sigh of relief, and the light of Olympic Glory in her eyes, our knitter proudly models her complete (and thankfully still-fitting) sweater.

Phew!

You'll note, I've already got the gold-medal donut around my neck, huh?

What? A closer look?

I really enjoyed this top-down, totally seamless sweater. I cast on for the neckband, and worked back and forth across it, not joining it into a circle until I started the main body. Then, regular increases, along with color-patterning, down across the front, until it came time to divide for the sleeves. The sleeve stitches rested on markers, a few stitches were cast across the underarm "gap" and then everything knitted down to the ribbing, which I did in the same two-colors I used for the yoke. Then, back to the arms--picked up the stitches waiting, picked up the same few stitches at the underarm, and worked down, very quickly, to the cuffs, which I did in alternating green and gold (because really, It was a shame not to use the gold again). I'm glad I left the neckband solid, though. I did seriously think about doing it in an alternating rib, but I like the solid gold up there. I admit, that I really love the look of the alternating-color ribbing, mimicing the top of the yoke, and I'm SO glad I didn't choose to do the wrists in the same colors as the waist. The only problem is some of the stray ends poking through to the front (sigh).

Really though, very happy.

The one who wasn't happy? My fuzzy little boy.

Oh, he's happy enough about the sweater and all. But he was not happy with the little photo shoot. What, he wanted to know, was the point on going out on the deck if I wasn't going to let him down into the (muddy) yard to play??

It's been a while since he's been in the (muddy) yard to play because, well, it's muddy. I can entirely see his point, but still. I just gave him a bath yesterday, and his feet get dirty enough going for walks--and he had one at lunch. So really, he had nothing to complain about. He's just going to have to wait until (a) the ground freezes harder or (2) we get more snow or (iii) Spring comes and we hopefully get some actual grass. Really. There was no need for sulking.

Note: Apparently--to make matters worse--the cashier involved in yesterday's incident was in fact older than my sister "between my age and a senior citizen herself," according to my sister. Oh! That just makes it worse. She should really, really have known better . . . I'm guessing that she was the type to let herself go, though, she probably doesn't care how she looks, only cares about saving that extra $.12 on groceries . . .

---

And, this week's Booking Through Thursday

1. Are you currently collecting any authors? Why? Not at this precise moment, although I definitely do have the tendency to want all the books of any author I love.
2. Do you have all of their books? If not, why not? Usually--unless the quality fizzles in a series. Even then, if they're still writing, I'll at least look at the new ones to see how they're doing.
3. Did you buy all the books in the collection at the same time, or did you buy a book here, a book there? It depends--if it's a series which basically tells an entire story (e.g., Dorothy Dunnett), I'll usually buy them all at once (or in as few trips as possible, if there are a lot of them). If it's an author who writes "single" books or writes in pairs (e.g., Jane Austen), I'll usually just get those on their own.
4. Have you read the whole collection? If not, why not? Chances are good that if I have it, I've read it! 'Cause, isn't that the point?

---

And, I thought this was cute.

You Are Scooter

Brainy and knowledgable, you are the perfect sidekick. You're always willing to lend a helping hand. In any big event or party, you're the one who keeps things going. "15 seconds to showtime!"

The Muppet Personality Test

Comments

[Carole]

The sweater looks fantastic. And Chappy does indeed look miffed.

[Beth]

I'm also sick of the mud. Enough already - freeze so the dogs can play outside and stop driving me nuts. :)

[Chris]

Talk about laying on the guilt - he's got it down! The sweater is fabulous and looks great on you.

*happy Deb sweater dance*

Hmm. Fozzie Bear.

[Jane]

Congratulations! The sweater is fabulous and looks great on you.

[margene]

The sweater is fabulous! Very nice work and you deserve the GOLD!

[Tracy]

Want a white dog, now that really shows up mud!

[jacqueline]

great sweater! well done and enjoy your gold medal!

[Cathi]

The sweater is beautiful and looks wonderful on you. You win the gold!! Poor Chappy such a sulking look on his face. He is too cute but I can see why no mud for him to play. Soon enough there will be grass to play on.
He needs a treat!!!

[Laura]

Congratulations on your Olympic finish! Awesome sweater. :-)

[Lizzy B]

Heh, my dog, who is white and brown, HATES to get dirty! He's very prissy about water and mud. While his Labradoodle buddies go romping in the water and mud he will delicately walk around the puddle or mud bog!

The sweater looks lovely on you!

[christine]

Yay, Deb gets a medal! As if there was ever a doubt.
The sweater is wonderful!

[Katy]

Definitely worth a medal. The sweater looks great on you--congratulations!

[Annie]

The sweater looks great.

And Chappy is adorable! He looks so fluffy and clean. You've reminded me that I need to give my two dogs a bath. Thanks. ;)

[sandy]

OH! I was Scooter too! :)
Congrats on the sweater! I am impressed! Big time! ANd it looks GREAT ON! It looks like it will become a favorite!
Great job!
xo

[Jackie]

WOW!! The sweater looks beautiful. I am so impressed. You look super wearing it. :)

[Risa]

That sweater is even more beautiful in person!

Really, I can't blame Chappy for wanting to romp around in the mud. Young boys like that kind of thing. I know I have a dickens of a time keeping Alex out of puddles!