planning ahead . . .

Lately, I've been trying a new concept in my knitting. I call it "planning ahead". As opposed to last year, where I was forced by beautiful spring weather to abandon my heavy brown sweater WIP for something more seasonally appropriate, I'm trying to plan things to be finished at appropriate times. So, I cast on for February Lady in, well, February, and finished it up by mid-March. I only had 300 yards of yarn (Brookside Yarns Pico Alto in Spring), so I made a cropped, sleeveless version.

Basically, instead of putting the sleeves on stitch holders like the pattern said, I just bound off, which luckily made cute little cap sleeves with no effort on my part, and then knit the body in garter stitch until I ran out of yarn. All done totally by the seat of my pants, but it turned out great.

And it's perfect for anticipating spring, throwing on over a long-sleeve shirt or when I need a bit more layering at night.

The crazy-awesome pin is from Impulse of Delight. She was offering an amazing deal where all yarn orders placed in March would get a free shawl pin. Sign me up! I actually made buttonholes and everything, but I don't think I'll ever put buttons on; I like this so much.

Next up, I'll be making this from this:

I saw it at Needlenook and fell in love. Hopefully, by the time I finish, it'll still be cool enough for a mercerized cotton sweater. Planning ahead? Well, maybe. :-)