Final Post! Georgette KAL

Buttonband:

Using the US#3, 32” circular needle, pick up 1 stitch for every row up the right front, 1 stitch for every stitch around the neck edge and 1 stitch for every row down the left front.  
Work in K1, P1, ribbing for 10 rows. 
On the 11th row, (RS), approximately 2 stitches before the 4th(4th, 5th, 5th, 6th, 6th, 7th) garter ridge from the bottom edge of the body, bind off next 4 stitches in pattern. Work to approximately 2 stitches before 5th(5th, 6th, 6th, 7th, 7th, 8th) garter ridge from the bottom edge of the body. BO next 4 stitches in pattern.  Note: the garter ridges are in the lace pattern and are in the body of the sweater. They are mentioned to help place the buttonholes. 
On the 12th row, (WS), work in K1, P1, ribbing until you reach the first set of boundoff stitches, CO 4 stitches using the cable cast-on-method. Work to second set of bound-off stitches, CO 4 stitches using cable-cast-on method.  Work 8 more rows in K1, P1, ribbing. BO loosely in pattern.  
Finishing:  Sew on buttons. Block to measurements. Enjoy!

And a final comment from Cathi...
I do hope you have enjoyed this Knit a Long!  Since I have gotten only a couple of questions in the past three weeks I am under the assumption that you have found this pattern easy to follow and you are just sailing along!  Good for you!
I do hope to see some of your finished or WIP's  on our FB page...it's always fun to see the end results!

As always, it has been my pleasure.  Happy Spring and Happy Knitting!
Final questions and comments can be directed to me at cathiknits4u@gmail.com.

Sleeves:
Using the US#9, 16” circular or US #9 DPNs move sleeve stitches from holder to needles. Pick up 6 (8, 8, 9, 12, 16, 20) stitches under the arm. NOTE: This is two more stitches than you cast on the body section. Usually this opening stretches just a little. You pick up 2 more stitches than you cast on to close up any gaps.

Knit 4 rounds 
Purl 1 round

Knit 1 round  Note: in this round increase or decrease according to your size: 
     Size 28: No increases or decreases. 
     Size 32: Decrease 9 stitches evenly. 
     Size 36: Decrease 1 stitch evenly.
     Size 40: Decrease 8 stitches evenly. 
     Size 44: Decrease 4 stitches evenly. 
     Size 48: Decrease 1 stitch evenly. 
     Size 52: Increase 1 stitch evenly.

Purl 1 round. 
Knit 1 round. 
Begin Lace for Sleeve:
(Multiple of 12)
Round 1: *(K2tog) 2 times, (YO, K1) 3 times, YO, (SSK) 2 times, K1,* repeat from * to end.
Round 2: Knit
Round 3 – 8: Repeat Row 1 & 2, 3 more times.
Round 9: Purl
Round 10: Knit
Round 11: Purl
Round 12: Knit 
XS & S: Repeat these 12 rows 1 more time for 2 full lace panels. Bind off loosely. Work second sleeve as the first.

M & L: Repeat these 12 rows 2 more times for 3 full lace panels. Bind off loosely. Work second sleeve as the first.

1X & 2X: Repeat these 12 rows 3 more times for 4 full lace panels. Bind off loosely. Work second sleeve as the first.

3X: Repeat these 12 rows 4 more times for 5 full lace panels. Bind off loosely. Work second sleeve as the first.  
and a short note from cathi~
I have seen some of your sweaters and have to say, they are lovely!  Thanks for sharing!
Some are asking about lengthening the sleeves and like I have told them, "of course you can!"...The sleeve is wide at the bottom, so you will have more of a kimono look.
You might have guessed that we are coming to an end on this project.  Next week will be your final post!  Just the button band to go!
Keep knitting and enjoy the journey!!

Start the Lace Pattern:   (Georgette KAL  Week 2 / March 1, 2015)

Begin lace pattern on RS (Multiple of 12 +1)

Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Knit  (NOTE: The first time you work this row make the increases according to your size. On all subsequent repeats disregard increases.)
     Size 28: Inc 7 stitches evenly across in this row for a total of 109 stitches. 
     Size 32: Inc 1 stitch evenly across for a total of 121 stitches.
     Size 36: Inc 4 stitches evenly across for a total of 133 stitches.   
     Size 40:  Inc 1 stitches evenly across for a total of 145 stitches.
     Size 44: Inc 9 stitches evenly across for a total of 169 stitches.
     Size 48: Inc 4 stitches evenly across for a total of 181 stitches.
     Size 52: Inc 7 stitches evenly across for a total of  205 stitches.
Row 3: Knit
Row 4: Knit
Row 5: RS: K1 *(K2tog) 2 times, (YO, K1) 3 times, YO, (SSK) 2 times, K1,* repeat from * to end. Row 6: WS: Purl
Rows 7 – 12: Repeat Row 5 & 6 three more times. 
XS & S: Repeat these twelve rows 3 more times for a total of 4 lace panels. End with: Beginning on RS, K 4 rows. BO loosely. 

M & L: Repeat these twelve rows 4 more times for a total of 5 lace panels. End with: Beginning on RS, K 4 rows. BO loosely. 
1X & 2X: Repeat these twelve rows 5 more times for a total of 6 lace panels. End with: Beginning on RS, K 4 rows. BO loosely. 
3X: Repeat these twelve rows 6 more times for a total of 7 lace panels. End with: Beginning on RS, K 4 rows. BO loosely. 

 Cathi's comments ~ There you go....that should keep you all busy for a few days.  Aren't you glad you started this sweater?  By now you are beginning to see some progress, and that is always motivating.  Besides that, what better way to pass these cold winter days?
Until next Sunday, stay warm and knit happy!
Any questions or concerns should be addressed to cathiknits4u@gmail.com

Georgette KAL Pattern by Christina Wall / Week One ~ Feb 21, 2015

Georgette By Christina Wall   

Sizes:
XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X) 
Finished Measurements: chest: 28 (32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52)
Length from underarm to hem: 10 (10, 13, 13, 16, 16, 19) inches 
Materials:
Alpaca With A Twist, Baby Twist, 100 % Baby Alpaca, 50g, 110 yds, 5 (6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13)  skeins; 550 (660, 770, 880, 1100, 1210, 1320) yards
#9, 29” or 32” circular needle
#9, 16” circular needle or #9 DP needles
#3, 29” circular needle
4 stitch markers
2 stitch holders
2, 3” buttons 
Gauge: #9 needle: 4st/5rows = 1 inch in stockinette stitch Change your needle size to obtain gauge. 

Note on Yarn Substitutions:
When choosing a substitute yarn for this pattern, you should choose something that has a lot of bloom to it. Because you are knitting a DK weight yarn with a #9 needle you will want a yarn that blooms and fills out when blocked. 
Designer’s Note:
Georgette is worked from the top-down, raglan style. The only finishing required is blocking and sewing on two buttons. If you are not familiar with top-down sweaters, that’s okay. This is a great sweater to learn this technique. The lace pattern is very easy – perfect for mindless knitting. 
Pattern: 
With US#9, 29” circular needle CO 2 (2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2), PM, 6 (7, 7, 7, 8, 9, 9) PM, 18 (20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26), PM, 6 (7, 7, 7, 8, 9, 9), PM, 2 (2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 2). If you used the long-tail method of cast on, purl back. 

Row 1: RS: *Work to 1 st before marker, YO, K1, SL Marker, K1, YO,* repeat from * across row.

Row 2: WS: Purl all stitches, including the yarn overs. 
Repeat these two rows 17 (20, 22, 25, 27, 29, 32) more times for a total of 36 (42, 46, 52, 56, 60, 66) rows. Total stitches should now count, 178 (206, 223, 248, 268, 287, 312). 

Divide Sleeves & Body:
Work across to 1st marker, remove marker, slip all stitches up to 2nd marker on a stitch holder. Remove 2nd marker, CO 4 (6, 6, 7, 10, 14, 18) stitches, work across to 3rd marker. Remove 3rd marker, slip all stitches up to 4th marker on a stitch holder, remove 4th marker. CO 4 (6, 6, 7, 10, 14, 18). Work across to end. The sleeve stitches are now on holders to be worked later. 
Work in stockinette stitch until piece measures 4 – 7 inches from armhole to needles. Ideally you want the lace to begin below your bust line. This is different for everyone so try it on and see how it fits!

and a note from Cathi~
Thank you for joining our first KAL for 2015!  Although the format is a bit different this year, you need to know that help will be available to you should you have any concerns.
You may message me on the Alpaca With a Twist FB page, or email cathiknits4u@gmail.com.
Please do not use my former email address as it is has been hacked and that problem is not yet resolved.

I think you will find that this is a wonderful pattern for all skill levels.  So have fun...feel free to post any photos on our FB page.  It would be great to hear from you.
Happy Knitting...back with your next set of instructions Sunday, March 1st.  Yay!!! March come quickly!

Ready to KAL?

If you need a reason to stay indoors and keep warm we have a great idea!  How about knitting this awesome little number with us?  You will find portions of the pattern posted every Sunday beginning this week (February 22).

For more information check out the blog dated Jan 21, 2015 and you will find a complete supply list and contact information if you have any questions!

Or email me, cathiknits4u@gmail.com.



 We love this sweater and think you will too!

Knit ALong with us!

We think you will agree, the Georgette sweater by Christina Wall is a great project to knit together while we anxiously wait for Spring 2015!

Unlike past KAL's, the pattern directions will be posted here, on the blog, each week.  Questions?  You can send those to me personally and I will answer them in a timely manner.

FaceBook posts should keep you up to date.  You can also watch the Alpaca With a Twist Ravelry Group for concerns and questions.

Grab a friend or two and join our little knitting circle! 
To determine the size you will want to make, please consider that this project is knitted at a loose gauge. It will grow a bit as it is worked and worn.  If you are "between" sizes consider knitting the smaller one, closest to your measurements.

Let's Begin: Find a sweater that you love, lay it flat and measure it across the back from armhole to armhole.  Double that number and you have your perfect fit.

The Details: Sizes: XS (S, M, L, 1X, 2X, 3X)
Finished Measurements: Chest: 28 (32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52)
Length from underarm to hem: 10 (10, 13, 13, 16, 16, 19) inches
Materials: Alpaca With a Twist's, Baby Twist  (100% baby alpaca)
                   550 (660, 770, 880, 1100, 1210, 1320) yards
#9  29 or 32" circular needle
#9 16" circular needle or #9 DPN's
#3 29" circular needle
4 stitch markers
2 stitch holders
2 - 3" buttons

Gauge: #9 needle: 4 sts/5 rows = 1 inch in stockinette stitch. Change you needle size to obtain gauge, if needed.

Note on Yarn Substitutions: When choosing a substitute yarn for this pattern, you must choose something that has a lot of bloom to it,  Because you are knitting a DK weight yarn with a #9 needle you will want a yarn that blooms and fills out when blocked.

Designer's Note: Georgette is worked from the top-down, raglan style. The only finishing required is blocking and sewing on two buttons. If you are not familiar with top-down sweaters, that's okay.  This is a great sweater to learn this technique. The lace pattern is very easy - perfect for mindless knitting.

And a note from Cathi: That's your homework!  Gather your supplies, choose one of the many colors available of Baby Twist and check back in for your first set of instructions on Sunday, February 22, 2015.
And if you have any questions contact me at cathiknits4u@gmail.com.  *Note this is a new email address, as my former email address has been hacked.

As The Wheels Turn~

Tucked away at the end of a strip mall and  the bustle of  Greenwood, Indiana is Starstruck Cat Studio, a haven for fiber artists.  It's located on Meridian Park Lane, behind the Kroger store on Highway 135 (to those of us out-of-towners).

If you knit, crochet, weave or hook rugs you will find all the supplies you need there.  The knowledgeable staff  will assist you with your purchases and can  advise you on your next project. 
Customers are encouraged to sit and chat together in a cozy corner dedicated for learning and sharing.

I visited Starstruck Cat Studio while on a recent yarn crawl, Roving Indiana.  I immediately noticed a wonderful selection of notions, needles, books and bags.  (They had me at hello.)
So when Susan, the owner phoned me to request I bring a trunk show to help celebrate their 4th Birthday this weekend, I jumped at the chance.  After all, a yarn shop seems my natural habitat and who could resist hanging out with fellow fiber artists for a couple of days? 

After dodging potholes, a couple of traffic delays and more than a few impatient Friday afternoon drivers, I arrived at the shop with a trunk full of yarn, patterns and baskets of shop models.
I was greeted by Heather, the store manager (and a great asset to the studio, I might add) who helped me settle in. The next few hours were spent talking with customers who eagerly shared my enthusiasm as they tried on the models I brought and chose Alpaca With A Twist's Baby Twist, Socrates, Fino and Surino yarns for their next project.  A few decided to join our next online KAL which begins in a couple of days.  (Contact cathi@alpacawithatwist.com for more information)
Others just couldn't resist the beautiful colors or luxurious feel that is un-mistakable  alpaca. 

Even better, a tempting discount for all purchases if you buy a project bag (at a discount, of course).  It's a gift to the loyal customers who make Starstruck Cat Studio such a nice little corner of the world!

So it is with eager anticipation I look forward to spending today with new friends and folks who are as passionate of their craft as the staff of Starstruck Cat Studio...and no, I did not see a cat sleeping in a basket of yarn, on a sunny window ledge or anywhere else in the shop.  Makes me wonder how they got the name...