The Sweater. I thought I would finish the first sleeve last night. A sleeve is longer than one might think. Or perhaps more accurately, it’s longer than I thought. Then I ran into difficulties in figuring out how to do the decreases. I have one pattern that I am following for the sleeve, neck and shoulder decreasing. I couldn’t quite make heads or tails of it. Why does a pattern say this? “dec 1 st at each end of next 9 rows, then on every foll alt row to 20 st.” Decrease on each end sure – but then what? Just decrease then on one side every alternate row? I wasn’t sure. So I conferred with my knitting friend, Susan. She was very helpful. I know I am a sweater newbie, but here is how I think the instructions should read:
“Christina, when you begin the row, decrease one stitch. When you get to the end of the row, decrease another stitch. Do this for NINE rows. That is, decrease one stitch at the beginning of the row and at the end of the row for NINE rows.
Now, my dear, you are finished decreasing at the end of each row. You will not be doing this anymore. Instead, you are going to decrease ONE stitch at the beginning of EVERY OTHER ROW AND EVERY OTHER ROW ONLY.” (Apparently I respond well to yelling instructions.)
(midnight update so as to not confuse myself when I refer back to this one day. As if I might knit this again, although I might write this pattern up. There are 9 rows with decreases at each end. Then decrease on Each End every alternate row to 20 (was actually 21 on mine). Then decrease each end on 3 more rows.)
This is knitting pattern writing for dummies. Christina dummies.
I am so curious to see what this thing is going to look like that I drape it on David or position it flat as often as I can.
Lots of weaving in left to do.
I haven’t posted a picture of Davey in at least 24 hours so I thought I’d take a couple of him:
Then he wanted to point to the sweater as I took a picture. (ok this was my idea.) I learned that he points with his thumb which I found very cute.
Cpeezers 
Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re going to need all your strength to sew in those ends! That sweater is going to be so gorgeous, a certain person who is going to wear it should take you out to dinner to show it off. Just sayin’…
The sweater is beautiful, you are very talented! Your little guy is adorable!
I can’t wait to see it finished!
Not just one dinner out from the recipient, but at least once a week for as long as it took you to knit the sweater. I am still awed by how you are figuring it all out & then knitting that beautiful colorwork. I think Davey is giving you a thumbs up for your good work!