octavia sweater, finished

Yesterday I texted my mom the photo below with the caption: I have a plan.  

This sweater has been in Time Out since New Year's Even when I bound off the last stitch. I tried it on and was dismayed that despite fixing my gauge I still wasn't thrilled with the neckline. Still just kinda too big for my taste. I used every last inch of the navy yarn so I didn't have the option of continuing on or ripping back and expecting any adjustments to be smaller - conservation of mass being a law of the universe and all. I soaked and pinned it out on Monday, so yesterday it was plenty dry to try on and decide that a) the rest of the sweater actually fit way nicer after blocking (it was Not Very Nice before, another reason for Time Out) and b) the neckline isn't terrible, it should be fixable. 

I purposely wore the green version of this sweater one day this week to remind myself of how that neck turned out. It was Pretty Good, actually. I was comfortable all day and didn't really have issues with straps showing or anything feeling too stretchy. So I decided to use the same crochet chain stabilization approach with this sweater that I did with the green one. The one snag is that I had to use the coral yarn because I was out of navy, but if it peeks it just looks like a nice intentional facing detail. The neck is still a little wonky looking even after blocking (just the rolled neck) again, but it will do. I skipped the raglan stabilization I did on the green one. I can always go back and make that adjustment if I feel I need to but this version actually was at gauge so it isn't that saggy through the arm circle. 

For reference, the picture on the left is both sweaters folded the same way. I have to say I do like the 'baggier' fit of the green one quite a lot still, but I'm looking forward to wearing this one and seeing how the correctly sized garment treats me. I love this coral color in combination with the navy, and once again the striped pattern modification is very fun. Proud to have it done! 

Note: more photos to be added in a post to follow once I get some nice shots outside..