Shawl collar sweater - finished!

This item was actually finished two weeks ago but needed some quality time with the iron to get steamed into shape. I'm pretty happy with the finished product. In the interim assembly, before for the collar was attached, it seemed like it was going to be better fitting. Now it seems a little big - the sleeves are a little longer than I'd hoped and the shoulders drop off my shoulders. I might add a hook and eye closure to make it closer-fitting. However, it's cozy and simple and I think will be a good addition to my work wardrobe.

Pattern: Shawl Collar Sweater from Jo Sharp Knit 1
Yarn: Jo Sharp Alpaca Kid Lustre in "brew", 11 balls
Modifications: Shortened sweater body to 21". Modified sleeves to taper from elbow to wrist.

The collar that may just choke me

I am a big fan of Jo Sharp's designs even though they are sometimes hard to find in the U.S. I was particularly excited about her new book, Knit 1, and in particular the beautiful sweater on the cover. I decided to make the shorter version and even shortened it a bit beyond that. After miles and miles of stockinette, the sweater body is done. The collar is knit in k2, p2 rib, separately, and attached afterwards (it's that shriveled thing with all the stitch markers). Now all that's left is the attaching!

After two hours of weaving in ends and blocking of the collar this morning, I attempted to put it on four times. I am a real perfectionist when it comes to seaming and finishing and this thing was not cooperating. So it's been relegated to a heap on the couch as punishment. Sadly then I had to turn to some real work for the rest of the day so it seems I was punished too. Hopefully by next weekend this mass of gray will materialize into a gorgeous finished object.