I finally decided on a NaKniSweMo (National Knit a Sweater in a Month) sweater pattern. I chose Paloma, by Thea Colman, a cozy and winter-perfect sweater. I had some Cascade Ecological Wool in my stash that I’ve been earmarking for a sweater like this. The color is Natural Grey. I quickly swatched on size 9 needles, since I’m usually a loose knitter and that’s a size smaller than the pattern called for. Then I tried size 10 and that hit the required gauge. I didn’t make a large swatch, nor did I wet block it, but I confidently cast on.
I knit and knit, rather quickly. I did almost all of this piece in one day. I started the ribbing Monday night and I was home sick with a nasty cold yesterday so I was able to complete all but the shoulder shaping. Somehow the moss stitch seems to go even faster than stockinette. The only thing was, it was looking rather skinny. I kept checking my gauge, but the piece was only about 16 inches wide unstretched, a good 3 inches narrower than it should be. This was worrying me a bit, but I kept going because the thing was so dang fast to knit. I’m glad I stuck with it. To assuage my worries I decided to wet block the back before moving on to the next section. I soaked it for 30 minutes and put it up on the blocking board and phew, it was plenty wide when on the board. Almost too wide. I had to squish it back into place a little.
This is by no means a fabulous blocking job, but I can feel safe knowing that the piece will be the correct size and I can move on to the next piece. Since this seems like it will be so quick, I am also going to try to get a couple of quick sweaters finished for Z. The Abate I made her last year is one of her favorites, so I will be making one in a bright pink that she seemed to like at our LYS. More NaKniSweMo progress soon!
I looked in the Ravelry group for this year and altered one of the fun Ravatars: 
Anyone else doing NaKniSweMo? What are you making?
I’m trying my first ever NaKniSweMo this year. http://seekingjohn1010-136can.wordpress.com/2014/11/02/nakniswemo-update-no-1-in-the-beginning/ I’m looking forward to seeing how it goes. I’ve never made a sweater or coat before….very excited 🙂
November is prime Christmas gift knitting time for me, mostly because I put it off until November and then have to figure out presents for at least eight people. I totally admire your dedication to not only make a sweater for you, but also a couple for Z within a month. That stitch pattern on the back is fantastic.
Great progress! Glad you liked the ravatars! (– Sugaroni on Rav)
I’m joining in as well! Knitting a Cypress Vest by Jared Flood. Love the color of your bulky cardi.
I favorited Paloma a while back and I really hope to make one, but I’m doing Breckon for my first NaKniSweMo adventure. which is probably altogether too ambitious. it’s my first full sweater, it’s got lacework, and it’s in fingering. but I can hope.
Go go go! Good luck!
Oooh! I might give this a go in December (in between travelling home for Christmas and doing all the usual shoppy bits).
In the middle of making a cape/blankety thing at the mo so will finish that before trying this.
Love the ravatars!
http://www.mancunianvintage.com
One of these years, I’m going to get my Christmas knitting organized well enough in advance to participate in this. Until then, I suppose, I’ll just watch you bust out amazing sweaters.
And one of these days maybe I’ll do more Christmas knitting. 🙂
Wow! Trying to knit a sweater in just a month — you’re braver than I am. I’m still doing squares and rectangles, that is, afghans, scarves, dishcloths, & baby blankets. Someday I do hope to learn to do socks, then maybe a sweater. Wish me luck.
Your needles are flying!! I want to do a sweater, but I have a few WIPs in the way…maybe a baby sweater??