I finished my first sweater! Be proud of me!! 

The pattern for this little number came from http://www.purlbee.com and can be found here. I love and use this blog for so many reasons: the instructions are detailed, include visual aids, and are extremely easy to follow; the comments section is amazing – if you get confused mid-knit, you can ask for help and the designer will respond to your query; and the projects are just super super cute!

While the original pattern uses different colours of the same yarn, I chose two different brands for my sweater. For the bottom portion I used Richmore Spectr Modem, a 100% wool worsted yarn made in Japan, in a dark grey (colour #48). This yarn is sold in 40g, 80m skeins, and I ended up using the better part of 5.  To obtain the correct gauge I used 60cm size 4 circular needles (Japanese needle size, mind you). I chose a different yarn – Wister Grace Merino, an extra fine 100% merino also made in Japan, in ivory (colour #01) – for the lattice portion because I wanted it to have an ever-so-slightly different texture. For this section, I used 1.5 40g, 120m skeins.

Also, while the original pattern calls for you to knit up the back, down the front, and then stitch the sides together, I chose to knit the bottom portion in the round (this was something that had been discussed in the comments section – thanks, random internet knitters!). Once the grey section was finished, I knit the lattice portion up the back and down the front, and then grafted the front sections via kitchener stitch. This made for a pretty quick knit, and the whole thing took about two weeks. I’d definitely reccomend this pattern if you’ve never made an adult garment before – the lattice bit may look intimidating, but I promise that it’s ridiculously easy!

All in all, I’m really pleased with how it turned out! I’m going to be casting on some leg warmers or a cowl today, but the next big thing I’m tackling is this Japanese cardigan pattern. Stay tuned for updates!