And the Winner Is

I finally got the three zippers I ordered last weekend and I decided on using the aluminum zipper. I did try to machine sew the zipper in, but it stretched out the knit placket too much, so I had to rip it out and sew it in by hand. I also sewed in some snaps to hold the placket down. I made the smallest size, but it's still roomy enough to add a couple of layers underneath. The Schulana Merino was a bit aplitty to knit with at times, but the finished fabric is dense and very soft. I'm really happy with how this jacket turned out!

Weekend Knitting

I finished knitting the second sleeve of the sweater tonight. All I have left to do is knit the garter stitch flap on the right front. Interestingly enough, the left front isn't finished in any way. I may just knit on a few rows of garter stitch just so I can sew the zipper to a flat edge. This jacket will be a perfect layering piece for the cold weather that's hitting Portland right now.

Black Collar

I swatched with the Schulana Merino and met gauge with the recommended size six needles. This sweater is knit in one piece from the top down. Here's the start of the collar with the pink markers marking the raglan sleeve increases.

Getting My Money's Worth

I was trying to decide what my next knitting project would be when I started browsing through the fall issue of Knitscene again. Somehow I found a jacket I wanted to make that I hadn't seen all the other times I had looked at the magazine. I love the styling of this Motorbike Jacket with the asymmetrical closure and hidden zipper. The pattern calls for Schulana Merino Superlight yarn, which is like knitted I-cord and creates a nice dense fabric. I think I've found an online retailer that carries the yarn too.

Lace Twist Mitts

Lace Twist Mitts
Originally uploaded by actionhero

I finished these mitts this afternoon. It was a satisfying quick project. Knitting on the thumbs were the biggest pain, but they didn't take too long. I used one skein of Cascade 220 Superwash.