Several months ago, I was on the verge of finishing this project, Julia's Tiny Tea Leaves. It would have been finished months before. But the truth is that this project nearly didn't make it. You see I did run into a little problem. That was entirely my own fault. I ran out of yarn. On the wrist of the last sleeve, with only the buttonhole borders to go.
Only trouble was, this yarn was discontinued. I emailed many different online suppliers over the course of a month. It seemed nobody had it anymore. I even searched ravelry to see if anyone had any to spare. It wasn't to be found. I would even start thinking about it when I woke up at night.
Eventually I emailed the company that actually made the yarn. (In hindsight something I should have done first). They had it and were happy to send me one. Thank goodness.
It is quite a shame that this yarn is discontinued. A wool and alpaca blend, it is beautifully soft with a lovely mossy green colour.
The pattern was surprisingly quick to knit up. My largest project to date, but one of the easiest I have knitted. In no small part due to the fact that the pattern was very well written. I actually can't wait to make another. Perhaps in a tinier size for Violet or even for myself. The main body was knit in one piece and then the sleeves were knit from this piece on double pointed needles. Which was far easier than it sounds. I believe I'm losing my fear of double pointed needles.
I knitted the size 8, which gives Julia a little more room. It also made the sleeves (which are supposed to be three quarter) full length on her for now. The buttons I found in my button jar, which I had picked up at the op shop at some time or another.
So as you see this story ends happily, with a cardigan promptly finished, and no complaints from the wearer. I think she might even like it. It passed the not-too-long sleeve test and itchy test with flying colours.
And I have learnt to always, always, buy more wool than I think I will need.
Ravelry notes here.
It's a gorgeous colour. It would have fitted in with my post last Monday. Lucky Julia, the pattern is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteSuch a gorgeous cardi Tania, that colour suits Julia beautifully.
ReplyDeleteI too learnt the hard way as you did. I knit Anthony a full cable jersey years ago but was about 5 balls too short. I had no idea just how much yarn a cable knit too up...thankfully my mum had purchased the same yarn so I stole it from her :)
I still fear not having enough when I buy now so always purchase much more than required which leaves me with lots of odd balls of wool.
The tea leaves is one I want to eventually knit for myself too.
x
i wish i was clever enough to knit penny one. i love the style and the colour is beautiful. it suits julia well. i am sure she is grateful for its warmth too. xo
ReplyDeletegorgeous. I made this for myself and wear it so often that I'm going to make another one. Isn't it the easiest and best pattern?
ReplyDeletecheers Kate
Oh I love it! I have been hunting for a lovely cardigan pattern for my six year old, this is perfect!!
ReplyDeleteNow i just need to find some wool :)
Beautiful! Both the cardi and the model ;) Well done!
ReplyDeleteTania what a beautiful jumper you made and I do love your colour choice:) Congratulations on such a beautiful finish. xx
ReplyDeleteOoh, it looks fabulous! I love the colour and she looks so happy wearing it! Frustrating about the yarn..I've had this happen too and have ordered more from the manufacturer, such a relief to be able to finish the project.
ReplyDeleteGreat job, you must be so pleased!! :)
What a gorgeous cardi. Thank goodness you got to finish it. xxoo
ReplyDeleteWell done, you are so clever. I tried double pointed needles again recently and gave up, maybe I should try again ... That cardigan is lovely, so glad you could get it finished.
ReplyDeleteOh tea leaves is so cute in the junior size. I recently completed it in my size but used wrong needles so I have given it to my MIL. It is one of those patterns that is super easy and I am keen to attempt it again with correct needles! I also ran out of yarn and was lucky that the next dye-lot was a dead match. xx
ReplyDeleteHow lucky that you were able to get the last bit of wool you needed. I agree that it's a shame they ceased that wool. It's a really lovely colour. I liked seeing the cardi completed as per the pattern. With my tea leaves I ended up doing a rib base and cuffs and buttons all the way down so I could do it up more.
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful - pattern, colour and little model. I once ran out of yarn with only a neckband to go. Luckily I found a Raveller locally who was happy to post some to me. I'm glad you found it in the end. x
ReplyDeleteWell I AM impressed! It's beautiful and looks so good being all one piece. Love it.
ReplyDeleteLove it! What a gorgeous colour and shape. Julia will be lovely and warm this winter and how lucky is she to have a special handmade lovely from her Mumma? Very. xx
ReplyDeleteYou have done a fabulous job!
ReplyDeleteIt is a delightful cardigan.
Love wool and alpaca blends!
I'm so glad you were able to find the yarn to complete the sweater as it is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteOh what a brilliant job you've done! ANd hooray for finding the yarn! I have earmarked this pattern for Bijou. You have done such a beautiful job I'm all inspired to cast on :) x
ReplyDeleteTania, that is a gorgeous cardi and such a wonderful colour!! Your daughter looks stunning in it! well done xx
ReplyDeleteLove Julia's new cardigan, it looks great. well done Tania
ReplyDelete