I've finished the Acorn Sweater neck band.....
and I've darned in the few ends that I had (spit-splicing is the way to go, I'm telling you!). The band is not yet blocked, but it lies pretty flat.
Technical notes: I picked up every stitch with the same size needle I use for the body. I then set up one round in the same color in a K2P2 rib; during the ribbing set up I would P2tog some stitches on the back neck, at the front neck curve, and at the shoulder to reduce the stitch count and make it divisible by 4. When possible, for a nice little perfectionistic touch, I try to put the P2 next to the shoulder I-cord bind off to make a continuous line. I then dropped down one needle size on the next round when I began the corrugated rib. After about 1 inch of ribbing, I did one round K2P2 in the dark color, again P2tog'ing here and there at the front neck curve, the shoulder joins, and the back neck to help the ribbing lie flat. I bound off in regular bind off.
I'm going to California for a week, and John will be able to try on the sweater to check the sleeve length before I add the cuffs. My goal is to finish this before the month is out. I've got lots of ideas for new sweaters and I'm anxious to get this one DONE DONE DONE!
California Party Girl
Speaking of California, Yarn-a-Go-Go Rachael is hosting a Dulaan Knit-In on Sunday afternoon, March 25th. Check her blog for details! I'm looking forward to seeing my southern friends.
Janine -- Your Acorn is absolutely gorgeous! Safe travels.
Posted by: Meg in North AL | March 22, 2007 at 12:52 PM
The neck looks beautiful. It behaves so well, lying down very nicely.
Posted by: Leah | March 22, 2007 at 01:04 PM
I love the collar and thank you for an explanation on how you do it. I have a couple of questions. Why do you pick up stitches on the body needle instead of the smaller needle? And why decrease just before casting off? To make it lie flater?
I have never thought of myself as southern before, but I'm looking forward to seeing y'all this Sunday.
Posted by: Maia | March 22, 2007 at 01:09 PM
Wow! Gorgeous!
Posted by: Romi | March 22, 2007 at 01:18 PM
acorn is still my favorite :-)
Posted by: vanessa | March 22, 2007 at 07:05 PM
I'll likely be there too - it will be very nice to meet you!
Posted by: no-blog-rachel | March 22, 2007 at 10:30 PM
What beautiful colors. Incredible!
Posted by: Barb | March 23, 2007 at 01:28 AM
Your acorn sweater looks fantastic! Very nice:)
Ang
Posted by: angelarae | March 23, 2007 at 04:05 AM
Wow! That is an incredibly beautiful sweater. How can you possibly let anyone wear it! ;-) I'd hang it on the wall and put a frame around it! lol
Posted by: Kate/Massachusetts | March 25, 2007 at 03:48 AM
Great tips on neck ribbing. Beautiful sweater.
Posted by: AnneB | March 25, 2007 at 05:29 AM
It really looks perfect! And I do love the colours.
Posted by: heidi | March 25, 2007 at 06:31 AM
Janine - it looks absolutely wonderful!
Posted by: Naomi | March 25, 2007 at 03:41 PM
Wonderful sweater! Beautiful work. Congratulations. Linda
Posted by: Linda | March 26, 2007 at 01:17 PM
It's looking great Janine! Love all the little details for the neck shaping, they worked out beautifully.
Posted by: DeeAnn | March 26, 2007 at 07:42 PM
That just looks so gorgeous....
Posted by: --Deb | March 26, 2007 at 07:49 PM
I'll keep checking in to see this completed. Looks great, love the colourway.
Posted by: colin | April 01, 2007 at 07:59 AM