With the help of some unseasonal weather I was able to both finish and photograph May. In fact, it does really feel a bit like May at the moment, or maybe even June since we are experiencing 78 degree weather as I type -- which is a partial explanation for the dreadful hair day I was having while John was taking the pictures. The new hair cut is actually a lot more flattering when it's not quite so windy and warm.
It feels quite remarkable to have actually finished a knit garment -- even if the phot oshoot occurred on a day where it was far to warm for a sweater. When was the last time I actually completed a sweater that wasn't a baby sweater? I started Rogue last fall, but didn't get very far before I got pregnant, and decided to put it aside, knowing that my size was going to change rather dramatically. It was probably the correct move on my part. Although Z is now 3 months old, I'm still a long way from recovering my old shape -- between the 15 extra pounds that are lingering with me and the extra inflation in the "boobal" area I've shifted up from the 32-34" circumference range to the 36-38" range.
Nonetheless, I'm pleased with the final result. I rather like the way the shawl collar sits. And sewing on those little I-cord ties made all the difference, believe it or not. I didn't like it as much when I tried it on before those ties were in place and tied together. More proof of how such a small detail can affect the overall structure of a garment.
The center seam is a little more visible than I would like it to be, but I think the result would have been the same if I had followed the instructions to the letter instead of using the three needle bind off that I chose. I do think the collar sits well in the back as well as the front -- and I'm not doing anything special to help it hold its position.
About my only irritation with May is some flaws that I found in the Cashsoft itself. You may notice the small light spot on right side of the back -- that was a flaw in the yarn. The first couple of balls were just fine, but the last couple seemed to have quite a few joins and places where the plying got a little wonky. That was disappointing given the cost of the yarn and my previous positive experience with Cashsoft.
This photo collection clearly wouldn't be complete without a picture of the sweater and the baby it was made to help celebrate. A cute small person is clearly a nice way to help show off a new sweater! And now that she's going back to taking the occasional afternoon nap, maybe I'll get the chance to start working on my Diamond Fantasy scarf again!
Sweater Details:
May, from Rowan Classic, Mother & Baby
RYC Cashsoft DK in "Ballad"
Needles: US 7 and 3.
The sweater is lovely but the pictures of it don't compare to the picture of you and that beautiful baby together. Stunning.
Just beautiful. . . Mother, baby and May! Just beautiful! Romelda
Aww! It's great to see a picture of you and May and Z! You all look GREAT!
The new hair looks chic and beautiful, even with the wind. Ms. Z is a remarkably adorable girl, which I can say for certain having met her! The sweater is just terrific, and your craftsmanship, flawless!
It came out wonderfully! You all look beautiful.
The sweater and hair look great. I have read your BLOG for a long time, but needed to leave a comment because motherhood certainly agrees with you and you have a special glow that you didn't have before.
Your May turned out beautifully, Theresa! The color and the shawl collar are so very complimentary. Quite lovely: Mum, babe and sweater :o)
Beautiful sweater! I can't believe how big the little one is getting, too!
Hi Theresa
You look great--blue eyes on you and Z, blue outfits to show off the eyes!!! Great sweater. By the way, I had some imperfections in my cashsoft yesterday--a big slub type glob.
Very nice! All of the pics (sweater with and without baby-ling) are just stunning. You look great!
What a beautiful sweater--and a beautiful baby!
Well, I was going to comment on how lovely the sweater is, but then it got upstaged by the baby...
Too cute! (baby AND sweater)
Blessings!
Your last picture is beautiful. I like your sweater, too.
Very nice. I'm surprised about the Cashsoft DK since I went through 5 balls of it recently without a single issue. I think you might want to mention the issue to the shop you got it from and see if they had heard of others with an issue from that batch Or even contact Rowan themselves. I could be wrong but that does seem an excessive amount of glitches.