WIP Wednesday: Sloane's Cozy Classic Raglan

Well, that escalated quickly. Like many in the Bay Area, my family was already preparing for some form of social distancing a couple of weeks ago, but things have changed dramatically in the last few days: my kids are out of school, probably for the year, and our entire region is under a "shelter in place" order. We feel incredibly fortunate that so far, all four of us are healthy and safe, and are figuring out how to hunker down for our new normal. 

Fortunately, our new normal is allowing for some time for some of that selfish knitting I kept telling myself I'd do at the beginning of the year and hadn't started as of <checks watch> ... March. And of course, my first project is ... not on my list of selfish knitting projects that I put together back in January. But, I beg your forgiveness, because there was this yarn....

At Stitches West a few weeks ago (back in the prelapsarian era of, uh, gatherings?), I got a chance to meet the wonderful Aimée Gille, the force of nature behind La Bien Aimée yarns. I had been kicking around the idea of some pairings between our yarns and those of some of our fiber friends, and I fell head over heels for her silk-mohair laceweight, which is fuzzy and delightful and hand-dyed with just enough variegation for visual interest, without having so much that it violates my "could I have worn this when I lived in DC?" rule. I picked up two skeins in her beautiful Dawn colorway, thinking I would hold it together with one of our lighter undyed shades of Weld (ultimately, I settled on Fawn).

If you've never held two different yarns together, give it a try! It's a great chance to blend the properties of the two yarns, and in my experience, almost always produces a whole greater than the sum of its parts. No surprises here, but I love knitting with Weld, especially as a sweater yarn (because I live in Northern California, where it is the right temperature for a fingering weight sweater every day), but the addition of the silk-mohair blend here does something really interesting, adding sheen and a nubbly, fuzzy texture I'm really into. It was love at first swatch, pretty much. (Have I mentioned that you should swatch? Especially if you're combining yarns. There are a lot of fingering weight yarns in the world and a lot of silk-mohair laceweights in the last 18 months, but they are not all the same.)

So, why did it take me so long to find a sweater to make (besides that I'm known to be, uh, slightly overwrought about these decisions)? I really wanted a basic, simple sweater—partly because I haven't made one in a long time and also because when I look at my wardrobe, that's a thing I wear frequently and almost never knit. But when I went to find one that was in the ballpark of my gauge and had the silhouette I was looking for, I hit a major snag: size inclusivity.

This is not a choice I think everyone in the market for knitting patterns has to make, but I'm trying, in my small single-actor way, to focus on making patterns that are size inclusive. The conversation around size inclusivity is improving, but we have a long way left to go (and I don’t want to suggest that I am without sin in this regard—I have a lot of old magazine sweaters of my own that I am still working on expanding sizing on). But, I finally found one I loved, and was in fact designed for the very fingering weight merino-blend + silk-mohair combo I was working with: Jessie Mae Martinson’s new Cozy Classic Raglan, which she released at the end of last year.

She recommends 4-6” of positive ease at the bust and 5” of positive ease at the bicep. Because bodies think size charts are dumb and inconvenient, this puts me smack in between sizes. Because my gauge is a wee bit tighter than pattern gauge, I’m sizing up to the 42” and hoping I end up somewhere a little smaller than that. I measured a few sweaters in my closet before I started just to sanity check that sizing, and it turns out that’s pretty consistent with the majority of my most-worn read-to-wear sweaters. The pattern provides a couple of different options for the body (shaping or no shaping), but I’m going to figure out where I am once I get the sleeves separated, block the yoke, and then make a decision about how I’d like it to fit (and do any necessary math based on my actual, real life, I am knitting a sweater gauge).

I’ve mostly loved knitting from someone else’s pattern for the first time in ages, and I’m trying to resist the urge to modify on the fly. I did make one modification to the cast on, however: whenever I knit in the round, I start from a long-tail cast on, rather than a provisional or starting with the ribbing.  Being able to pick up the neckband against a cast on edge helps with structural soundness, which is particularly important in an in-the-round sweater. Otherwise, I’m knitting along as written, and learning some new-to-me techniques along the way (hello, lifted increases!).

My emotional energy for math and drafting will come back, I’m sure, but for now, I’m loving the way this is the perfect pick-up-put-down project for these crazy days. I hope you’re all staying safe and sane, and filling as much of the time as you can with the things that fill your bucket.

Take good care, and happy knitting,

Sloane

128 comments

  • Posted on by sandra benard
    In today’s world, many people see natural herbal remedies as a valuable alternative for healing. Yet, only a few truly appreciate the effectiveness of Dr. Aigbomian’s natural herbal treatments in addressing the herpes virus. From my own experience, I can happily share that Dr. Aigbomian’s remedies helped me overcome HSV-2. His medication has delivered impressive results, and my test results show that I’m now free from the herpes virus. This success came from using just two bottles of his medication and carefully following his instructions. If you’re interested, you can reach out to him via WhatsApp at +2349153323194 or email him at draigbomianherbalhome3@gmail.com.
  • Posted on by Harris Thomas
    “In the crypto world, this is great news I want to share. Last year, I fell victim to a scam disguised as a safe investment option. I have invested in crypto trading platforms for about 10yrs thinking I was ensuring myself a retirement income, only to find that all my assets were either frozen, I believed my assets were secure — until I discovered that my BTC funds had been frozen and withdrawals were impossible. It was a devastating moment when I realized I had been scammed, and I thought my Bitcoin was gone forever, Everything changed when a close friend recommended the Capital Crypto Recover Service. Their professionalism, expertise, and dedication enabled me to recover my lost Bitcoin funds back — more than €560.000 DEM to my BTC wallet. What once felt impossible became a reality thanks to their support. If you have lost Bitcoin through scams, hacking, failed withdrawals, or similar challenges, don’t lose hope. I strongly recommend Capital Crypto Recover Service to anyone seeking a reliable and effective solution for recovering any wallet assets. They have a proven track record of successful reputation in recovering lost password assets for their clients and can help you navigate the process of recovering your funds. Don’t let scammers get away with your hard-earned money – contact Email: Recoverycapital@fastservice.com

    Phone CALL/Text Number: +1 (336) 390-6684 Contact: Capitalcryptorecover@zohomail.com
    Website: https://recovercapital.wixsite.com/capital-crypto-rec-1

  • Posted on by Guest
    Getting rid of Herpes virus wasn’t easy, I came across Dr Osazu on how he

    has cured so many people from herpes and other illness so I decided to give
    him a try, now am permanently cured using the natural herbs medication and
    cleansing supplement sent by Dr Osazu ,no more herpes. contact Dr osazu_spell@outlook.com
    telegram -— https://t.me/solution59

  • Posted on by Cindy Albert
    HIRE A BITCOIN RECOVERY EXPERT; BEST CRYPTO RECOVERY SERVICES

    True Trace Solution: The Most Reliable Solution for Crypto Recovery

    In the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency, scams have become increasingly prevalent. Victims often find themselves lost, searching for a trustworthy solution to recover their funds. Enter True Trace Solution, a company that has established itself as the most legitimate, best, and reliable recovery service in the industry. With a remarkable 98% recovery success rate and a proven track record of recovering over $640 million for clients, True Trace Solution is dedicated to helping victims of various scams reclaim their lost assets. A Trusted Name in Recovery

    True Trace Solution has successfully assisted clients in recovering funds from numerous types of scams, including:
    Crypto scams
    Romance scams
    Ponzi schemes
    Investment scams
    Phishing scams
    Fraudulent trading platforms

    True Trace commitment to ethical, legal asset recovery has made it a go-to choice for victims seeking justice. The company works closely with law enforcement agencies, ensuring that every recovery operation is conducted with the utmost integrity and within the bounds of the law. This collaborative approach has solidified True Trace reputation as a leader in the field. Specializing in Top Cryptocurrencies

    When it comes to cryptocurrency recovery, True Trace Solution specializes in the following top digital currencies:
    Bitcoin (BTC)
    Ethereum (ETH)
    Tether (USDT) (True Trace Solution recovers USDT as well)
    Ripple (XRP)
    Litecoin (LTC)
    These cryptocurrencies are not only popular but also commonly targeted by scammers. True Trace expertise in recovering these assets has helped countless victims regain their financial footing, including those who have lost their Bitcoin, Ethereum and USDT investments. A Proven Track Record

    True Trace Solution is built on principles that prioritize client trust, legal compliance, and results. With a 98% recovery success rate, the company has successfully helped thousands of clients reclaim their lost assets, demonstrating its commitment to justice-driven recovery solutions. The testimonials from satisfied clients serve as proof of True Trace effectiveness: Testimony 1

    “As a victim of a sophisticated crypto scam, I felt utterly defeated. True Trace Solution guided me through every step of the recovery process with professionalism and transparency. Their team not only recovered my lost funds but also educated me on how to safeguard my assets in the future. I cannot recommend them highly enough.” —Frank T., Financial Consultant Testimony 2

    “I was apprehensive about seeking help after losing my investment to an online fraud scheme. However, True Trace Solution exceeded my expectations. Their dedicated team worked diligently, keeping me informed throughout the entire process. Thanks to True Trace Solution, I was able to recover a significant portion of my funds, restoring my faith in the crypto community.” — Priya S., Business Owner Why Choose True Trace Solution?

    True Trace Solution stands out for several reasons:
    Pioneering Legal and Ethical Asset Recovery: True Trace Solution operates within legal frameworks, ensuring clients are protected throughout the recovery process.
    Built on Principles, Proven by Results: The company’s history of successful recoveries speaks volumes about its capabilities.
    Authenticity You Can Rely On: Trusted by thousands, True Trace Solution is backed by numerous success stories.
    Driven by Integrity: The team at True Trace prioritizes client confidentiality and ethical practices in every case.
    Top-Tier Recovery: True Trace offers zero gimmicks and guarantees 100% authenticity in its recovery processes.
    Preferred by Clients, Trusted by Experts: As the premier recovery firm, True Trace Solution has earned accolades from industry experts for its outstanding service.
    Fighting Fraud with Precision

    In a digital age where scams are rampant, True Trace Solution remains committed to fighting fraud with lawful precision and ethical purpose. The blend of advanced technology and years of expertise enables True Trace Solution to deliver fast, secure, and confidential results. When clients face the daunting task of recovering lost funds, they can trust True Trace Solution to act swiftly and strategically. Collaboration with Law Enforcement

    True Trace approach includes close collaboration with law enforcement agencies, ensuring a comprehensive strategy for asset recovery. This partnership not only bolsters the chances of successful recoveries but also enhances the legitimacy of the recovery process. Victims can rest assured knowing that their cases are handled with professional care and legal backing. Get in Touch

    If you have fallen victim to a scam and need help recovering your lost funds, True Trace Solution is here to assist. With 24/7 support, you can reach out at any time:

    WhatsApp: +18288143630

    Website: https://truetracesolution.com
    Conclusion

    In a world where scams lurk around every corner, True Trace Solution emerges as the most legitimate, best, and reliable recovery company available. With a commitment to ethical practices, a 98% recovery success rate, and proven results, True Trace Solution is the trusted partner you need to reclaim your financial stability. Don’t wait—contact True Trace Solution today and take the first step towards recovering your lost assets.

  • Posted on by Mark Cornell
    I was going through a rough time in my life and it greatly affected my union with my wife. We had so many emotional problems and struggles and this alone made us pay less attention to each other’s need. While i was on it trying to fix my problems and get back on my feet so that i can reshape my marriage and make it work better, my wife had women around her that influenced her wrongly and made her took the wrong part by walking away. That incident alone broke me and i was sure she wasnt doing everything she doing with her right senses. I did what i can to restore peace but it never worked and i had to Contact Dr Isikolo who made it possible for me fix the problem. He worked for me and restored back the love and connection between me and my wife and she returned back home. The result of his work started manifesting just after 48 hours as promised and i can bold say everything is fine between us now and we are both happy together, I am here to validate the information out there that Dr Isikolo is a good and honest man that you can trust to help you with your problems. His webpage: https://isikolo-temple.com and you can as well text him via WhatsApp +234-8133261196.

Leave a comment

All blog comments are checked prior to publishing
You have successfully subscribed!