I’m done! I’m done! It’s only the first sleeve, so I shouldn’t be doing a happy dance yet, but I’m done! And I’m happy!

The second sleeve has been started, but I think I’m going to take another scenic route. Should I start on Mari’s poncho? The Flower Basket Shawl, perhaps? Or maybe some yummy Koigu socks? Hmmmm. What to do?

Oh, and incidentally, this sleeve has taught me the value of row gauge. I’ve always paid attention, no, let’s start again…. I have learned to pay attention to stitch gauge, that is, how many stitches per inch or centimeter. I have now encountered a situation where row gauge is important. That would be when shaping a sleeve cap. At least, this sleeve cap where every row is spelled out and necessary. Blast. My row gauge is off. Instead of getting 30 rows to 10 centimeters, I get 27. (Note- this is the first time I’ve seen a gauge requirement where the stitch gauge and row gauge are the same number. Hmmmmm.) I usually ignore row gauge, because most patterns that I’ve seen ask you to knit a certain number of inches, for example, not rows. Yes, I’m still learning. So, my row gauge is off. I had to monkey with the cap. Like, significantly. I remain confident that it will work out. Stay tuned….

Also, Kristin from yesterday’s comments gets a Gold Star. In response to my request for a good Koigu sock justification, she said this….

“This is how I justify my Koigu purchases (I’m working on Charlotte!): I say, “Self, you are not addicted to cocaine. Way to go! Have some Koigu!” That pretty much covers all the bases.”

I LOVE IT!!!!!! That was great, Kristin. Made me laugh. Gold Star for you!