My second Still Light is just as much of a squishy stockinette joy as the first one I made almost four and a half years ago. I wear the first one very often and especially when I have to wear something semi-dressy and want to wear a knitted item. I really could use about four or more of these, but they do take some time to make.
This time I decided to knit the neckline ribbing and bind off immediately after. Then, I picked up those stitches before starting the body. Since this is such a large item it’s important to have a firm foundation to give it support. This was my way of doing it. Last time I did a provisional cast on and waited until the end to bind off at the neck. I think the way I did it this time was less fiddly.
I also decided to put the body on hold and knit the sleeves when I ran out of the first ball of Ella Rae Lace Merino (color Dark Teal). I’m glad to have the sleeves done, because on a large garment like this knitting them two at a time when you have to flip a large sweater back and forth is more of a chore. I’m very pleased with Ella Rae this time around. I used it last time and the balls were the same dyelot then, but were different enough that it seemed necessary to alternate balls every couple of rows. Alternating slightly different skeins of the same color can help mask any dramatic deviations. That was a bit of a pain and it left a ridge where I was alternating the skeins that didn’t block out for a long time. So far I haven’t noticed any major pooling or dramatic color shifts between these hanks.
This is a soothing knit. Some might call that boring, but it’s great company for meetings or car rides or trips to see Zootopia with small people. My brain is also pretty exhausted many evenings, so autopilot knitting is just the ticket. This would be the perfect color for St. Patrick’s Day. If only I had a week to just knit!
I can’t wait to finish this and hopefully wear it this season. Matt’s Rift is still happening but I only work on it about once a week these days. I don’t have hope that it will make an appearance this season due to the early warm weather, and that is zapping my motivation somewhat.
It’s going to be fun to think about some spring knits soon! Any inspirations? Please share! My Ravelry perusing has steeply dropped off so I’m behind the times.
That’s interesting, knitting ribbing and then binding off for a stronger foundation before starting the top down body. I love this color.
It’s turning out great! 😀 I prefer knitting the sleeves beforehand too (have found it much easier) Lovely color picks, Cassy.
I must look into this yarn. It looks so soft.
It looks so beautiful! I can’t wait to see the finished product!
What a great color and what a great pattern!
The tunic looks such an easy-wearing piece. You definitely need more of those in your closet.
Binding off the ribbing and then picking up the stitches, sounds very interesting. I’ll try it on my next sweater.
Enjoy your mindless knitting…..
It is very wearable. For my other one I’ve dressed it down with jeans, or dressed it up with knee high boots and tights. Love that piece.
It looks beautiful and very wearable.
I really love this color! While not exactly a spring knit, I’ve had Caspian from the Brooklyn Tweed Ganseys collection on the brain. I’ve been wanting to try saddle shoulders for a while!
I love the look of a saddle shoulder. I’m going to do one someday… Maybe next winter.
Such a fantastic colour! To my great surprise, I am also delighting in fingering-weight stockinette at the moment, but I think it’s for the same reason: I’m just too tired at night to focus on anything more demanding.
Spring is finally on its way here, so I’ve been thinking about summer knits. After working with Sparrow last year, I think more linen is in the cards, and I loved the Aila tank they just released. I would be totally into a casual KAL in the spring, if you’re interested…
Aila is gorgeous! I’d love to do an informal KAL with you! Let’s keep that in mind.
This yarn looks like the perfect choice. I love your sweater, it is working up great. I have been crocheting 35 lamb hats for the local NICU Easter Morning, so my knitting needles are languishing. My next project will be something for the new grandbaby (our first!!) that is due this fall.
We saw Zooptopia yesterday. A bit scary at times, and I didn’t like the j.e.r.k word but otherwise beautiful place to live. Loving the new knit!
I have started knitting this very tunic a few weeks back 🙂 It’s the first time I knit something top down, and I’ve struggled a bit with my short rows, I have tiny holes in the raglan seams, I think I may have to unravel and start again, but I can’t wait to wear it 🙂
It looks great! I’ve been wanting to knit this tunic, but I need to psych myself up for it more 🙂 Great idea, doing the neck ribbing first, and knitting the sleeves before there was an entire tunic in the way!
Well the sweater is anything but boring! Love the colour you chose. I’d love to do one in mustard : )
It seems a lot of people like to knit the sleeves first! Then, once that long body is done, you’re DONE!
Oh the color is so lovely. Perfect for spring!!
I love the idea of binding off the ribbing first! Great tip!
That is such a great color and a beautiful sweater. Looks like you are making great progress.
This looks very pretty – love the color! Looking forward to seeing the result 🙂
http://bookwormscloset.com/