Bound Off: I Heart Aran
You can't call it Year of the Pullover with just 1 pullover. Even with 2 pullovers, it's kind of iffy. But three. THREE pullovers is really something. Three pullovers really makes it Year of the Pullover.
Pattern: I Heart Aran by Tanis Lavallee
Yarn: Knit Picks Andes del Campo in Dove Heather (appears to be being discontinued)
Needles: Sizes 7 and 8
Tanis' version of this sweater is done in her own beautiful yarn, with crisp stitch definition, it's a real stunner. But for my sweater, which I intend to be a cozier, kicking-around-the-house sweater, I opted for a more rustic look. I chose a 2-ply yarn, which has a cozier feel, but doesn't make the cables stand out so dramatically. As a result, my sweater looks worn in and well-loved, even though it's just been finished. I like it, but if that's not the look you're going for, definitely opt for a more firmly plied yarn.
This sweater is knit in pieces and seamed. The sleeves came out rather long, that was probably a measuring error on my part (I know I should lay all pieces out on a sturdy flat surface to measure, but I usually end up tossing them down on the couch). The shawl collar is shaped with short rows, and I found I was much more successful this time around than I was on Aunt Fred. The directions were clearer, and I think I picked up more stitches along the sides, so it's not as tight.
For both sweaters, the directions for sewing the edges of the collar into the neckline were to overlap the two pieces and then sew all 3 pieces together. For Aunt Fred, that's exactly what I did, and it looks a bit sloppy. This time, I sewed the first side down, then laid the second side on top and sewed it down separately. It's perhaps a bit bulkier, but looks much neater. You could easily reduce the bulk by using a thinner yarn for seaming.
So there you have it: 3 pullovers complete for 2014. I still have 2 on the needles, but recently signed 2 contracts for designs that will be published next year, but that need to be written THIS year, so the fate of those 2 sweaters is up in the air.
I've also started plotting for 2015: Cardigan Comeback. First up is the beloved Pumpkin Ale. I also have my eye on Monte Rosa. And who knows what patterns I'll be compelled to buy during the Indie Design Gift-a-Long kickoff week! (Great time to purchase those patterns you've had your eye on, even if you won't get to complete them during the GAL!)