All I need now is a Trapper Keeper

Back-To-School U-Neck Vest

Pattern: Fitted Knits by Stephanie Japel

Needles: #7 Knitpicks Options

Yarn: 3 skeins of Cascade 220 Superwash in Charcoal

Finished: September 23, 2007

When I was a kid, I didn't exactly relish the fact that autumn would put an end to my school-less summer. However, a little back-to-school shopping, a bag full of new jeans, underwear and shoes, and a new shiny Trapper Keeper and I was ready to catch the bus.

I miss going school clothes and supply shopping. I miss the smell of freshly sharpened pencils, folders free of doodling and my precious Trapper Keeper. They were all a symbol for me: a fresh start.

Now I won't get all sappy and presume that my newly knitted sweater vest is quite the same as a red Trapper Keeper, but it certainly is helping me close the book on the summer of 2007. I do feel a bit like I've got a bag full of new clothes, however. And I didn't need my mom to check the fit.

This sweater is sure to get a lot of wear for several reasons. First of all, it actually fits me in a way that I am comfortable with. It should, afterall, it is from a book called "Fitted Knits" that's primary purpose is to teach us newby knitters the importance of tailoring.

And the color is so very suitable for my closet. I am the queen of crisp shirts for fall, with a closet full of white, light blue, and red ones. I, therefore, have lots of options.

The book is full of mistakes and errata provided on Stephanie Japel's site, but nothing deterimental to the pattern. I did make the bottom ribbing a bit longer as to allow for my shape. I got a chance to experiment with the three-needle bind-off on the shoulder seams and I am very happy with the neatness of the connection. Picking up stitches for the arms and neck was an easy task. However, I was unhappy with my first neckline and ripped it out and started anew, this time I tidied up the neck area and bound off a little tighter. Still not sure which version I liked better.

Now all I need is a cool autumn day and some No. 2 pencils.

Weekend
My weekend was spent taking a short road trip, knitting my sweater vest, walking with my beloved (along a new community-wide trail system), power washing our house, cleaning house, washing loads of laundry, watching "Monk" and making chili. Bring on fall, we're ready.

Bright sunshine and a glaring white shirt worked against my resident photographer, Cynical. I much appreciate him breaking away to shoot a few shots. Maybe we'll get some better, less "fuzzy" shots this fall.