rift sweater, finished

It is done! I am cutting it oh so close to the shipping deadline for pre-Christmas arrival, but I made it. And I think it turned out really great. I found these funny leather tags in my stash and put one in the neckline - I am sure my dad will get a chuckle out of it. (it's a little bulky, but I told mom that if it's distracting she can just snip it out) 

Pretty much everything about this project looks quite polished. The neckline is simple, the ribbing up the side and under the arms looks complex (but wasn't), and the sea of stockinette on the body blocked out so well. The color is difficult to photograph, but it's a really lovely green. I'd say the shades in the first and last photos are most accurate while the second and third photos are emphasizing the interesting mix of yellow and blues that are also in the yarn. So pretty. Would use again. 

This detail at the shoulder is what drew me to suggest this pattern in the first place (Rift by Jared Flood). It's a neat looking texture that gives the piece some interest while also, I suspect, helping with the fit/drape of the shoulders. I was quite intimidated by the seaming here and around the arms, but I decided to let go of the expectation of exactness and it all turned out ok in the end. 

I have not made many sweaters before (two?) and never one for someone else, so this is a pretty big knitting milestone for me. It was not without its adventures - ripping out the body more than halfway up was especially frustrating - but I will file them away as lessons learned for next time. I have also learned that I love the tubular bind on for a tidy ribbing edge and will try to use it whenever I can. 

According to my Ravelry notes, I cast on September 2, so about 3.5 months from start to finish. That's not quick, but considering I knit quite a lot of it twice I'll call that pretty good! Speed is not the point, after all. Unless you're trying to meet a deadline. Which means I have to go pack this up and get to the post office. I love that I am sending my parents a box of hand knit gifts for the holiday.