Christmas Sweaters.

I finished my latest sweater at 11.30 pm last night, only just under the self imposed deadline I'd given myself to complete it. Knitted in brownish red baby alpaca (KnitPicks Andean Treasure) which was a gift from my friend for my birthday this year, its the first time I've tried to knit something top down without a pattern as such. I was working from the book Custom Knits by Wendy Bernard, but I couldn't get gauge with the alpaca (or any other yarn I had on hand) on any of the sweaters I liked so I used the "design your own sweater" at the back of the book. I don't think I added quite enough ease through the bust and hips, its a little snug, but will work over a fitted shirt fairly well I think, or over a thin polo neck top. Being alpaca its gorgeously warm and soft. I am not totally happy with the way the neck welt came out, but I expect I will get better with practice.

Mum gave me this lovely soft, dove grey cashmere/angora mix cowl neck for Christmas so I will wear that tomorrow with black jeans when I go to her house for a meal as its more festive, especially if teamed with long strands of blue and purple beads or my long strands of heavy pearls. The alpaca is more of an everyday sweater and will get worn later in the week I expect.