I've been knitting

Ten days of silence from me, there's a couple of reasons for this. One is that my work (two employed part time jobs, and a voluntary job) seemed to take a lot of my energy and another is that I had taken some photos but not got to the local library where I have to go and borrow a computer if I want to upload photos to show you.

I found that with my work demanding creative energy last week, there was less creativity to spare for my textile hobbies, so it was a good time to get on with a steady project where the planning stages are already history.

The first sleeve of the jumper I last wrote about in September turned out well on the second attempt, so I started on the second sleeve. First attempt at the sleeve: I knitted from shoulder to cuff and cast off in November, and it looked awful. I started the decreases at the elbow, instead of tapering it down from the shoulder. The most important lesson I have ever learned about knitting and other crafts is to undo work you aren't happy with and try again. This way you learn and move forward.

I am very pleased with the second first sleeve, and the first second sleeve is going well too. Here is my jumper, seen inside-out so as not to disturb the knitting needles.

The cuff on that sleeve looks rather long, as pictured above. The reason for this is that I want a really good warm jumper for the depths of winter, and for wearing to work at a job where the office I work in is a cold cellar room. I have decided that cosy cuffs, neck and bottom rib are important for beating cold drafts and as I have poor circulation, that snug cuff will help keep my hands warm.

I took another photo to show the jumper right side out with the cuff folded back, as I shall wear it:

Now my ambition is to finish this jumper while it is still winter and certainly before the anniversary of picking up the first stitches arrives in March this year!