The O.W.L. this term: Herbology (aka "Cables, and lots of 'em!")

So, the O.W.L. proposal went in yesterday, and it looks to be approved. It's going to be a sweater, for Herbology. This is the yarn:






This is all the stuff I'll be using...

1. Knit 'n Style, August, 2010;
2. Vogue Knitting, Fall 2010;
3. Rogue, by Jenna Wilson;
4. 3000 yards of Green Shepherd's Wool from Stonehedge Fiber Mill;
5. Four sets of 7" bamboo needles (for knitting all the parts of the sweater at once; fronts will be on the same set of needles);
6. 1set of 36" size 7 needles (for button band and collar);
7. Nine brass buttons;
8. Yarn needle; and
9. Stitch holders.

I was good and actually made a schematic - so having swatches would actually be, y'know, USEFUL. And did my Quidditch sweater (which I cast on Sunday night) schematic at the same time. I even put a key on it so I'd remember which lines were for which sweater.


Then, of course, there was the swatching. I finished it late last week, and went about doing the blocking on Saturday. Usual steps: Drench, Wring in Towel, Pin Out To Dry.






Then, on to the explanation, which flows best from what I submitted in my proposal:

I have multiple swatches, as there are several areas of this sweater that I needed exact measurements to be able to make my master schematic. In addition, I am changing several components of the sweater, as explained in detail below. First, moss stitch, which is the main "background" stitch of the sweater. I plan to keep the moss stitch relatively untouched, but will be able to use the moss stitch side panels of the sweater to conceal the subtle waist shaping.


The second swatch is the double-braid motif for the upper part of the sleeves, with a button band cast on and worked up one side. I am adding the button band and collar from the London Calling cardigan. Below is the original front of the sweater, and my proposed button band and collar.

  
Here is the related swatch:


Next, I will be changing the bottom part of the sleeve. The original sleeve has paired mirror-image twisted cables. I will be adding a closed-loop Celtic motif at the wrist of each sleeve, which will go (based on the swatch) to just below the elbow.





Finally, I'll be modifying the main panel celtic motif. In my opinion, closed-loop formation at the hem and neckline of the sweater will make the panels appear more intricate, and they will better match the sleeves.

I figure I'll cast on sometime Wednesday, or when I get to the "divide for front and back" part of my Quidditch sweater, whichever comes first. Woohooo!!