I think I’ve decided against fringing Charlotte. I like the scalloped edge created by my blocking, though there is one part where it doesn’t scallop evenly that I’ll need to re-pin.
(My hair has gotten a lot darker than I thought!)
I’m wearing it off-center, I know. It isn’t like I can see my back when my face is on my front, though.
I’m working on both fronts of the ruffly jacket; they’re coming along nicely.
It was *gasp* 34 degrees when I got home this evening from dance. 34! Insane.

I’ve been blogging for a year today! I’ve certainly come a long way in that year. I had only really gotten into knitting (though I had learned a year previous) a few months before I started my little blog. I’d finished a few humble first projects, like a scarf and a stuffed rabbit.

Now, of course, I’ve just finished my first lace shawl, I’ve knit three sweaters, five pairs of socks, and plenty of other things that I can’t think of at the moment. Wow!

Cast on yesterday. This is the pink yarn I got on Ebay a few months ago. GGH Safari. Quite strange, actually. It reminds me of what a napkin looks like when you get really bored at a restaurant and start twisting it into little strands. Except this yarn is softer. And pink. The fabric it produces is very light and feels different. I can’t really describe it because, well, it’s different.

Cast on today. I got this at the same time I got the yarn for my mom’s cardi. I ordered it because there is a minimum amount you have to spend at Smiley’s, and I hadn’t reached it. I’m making this, a free pattern for a cabled sweater from Lion Brand.

Charlotte grew considerably when I pinned her out. (It isn’t that lopsided in real life, I promise. It’s just a funny angle because I was standing on the top bunk in our guest room, so I had to take the picture sort of sidways.)

Close up of the pattern. Nifty!

It only took me a week! I started last Friday evening, and I finished this Friday afternoon!
The unblocked measurements are supposed to be 56x24. Mine is 44x23. So my gauge was apparently partially correct. I’m not sure why it isn’t right along the top (sides while you’re knitting). I don’t really care, though. It won’t be the measurement it’s supposed to be, but when I block it I think it will be all right.
I haven’t decided whether or not to do fringe. I have enough yarn; that was the benefit of having my gauge too tight, I suppose.

This pattern was quite easy. I expected it to be more difficult, reading others’ blogs, but I quickly memorized the pattern and I don’t think I made a single mistake. (besides, of course, not checking gauge) I didn’t count my stitches, I didn’t use stitch markers; I was able to check everything as I did the purl row after each pattern row. I’m beginning to think that everything is easier than I’d expect….

I’m done with NaNoWriMo! I submitted my story at 2 this morning, and I’m a verified winner!
27 rows left!