I’m using a light blue for the stripes and parts of roses that are light red in the pattern, and dark blue instead of dark red, hence the name.

I’m knitting the second size. I’m using .25 smaller needles firstly because in Finland, we don’t even use .25 or .75 needles and secondly, because my gauge was perfect with 3mm needles. I have followed the pattern so far to the point, except for starting the stripes with the main colour and not the contrast colour as is shown in the pictures. In the written pattern, however, it is instructed to start with the contrast colour. I thought it looks nicer when started with the same colour the rib is knitted but this of course is a matter of taste.

For one rose motif I used one metre of green, about 80cm of dark blue and 50cm of light blue. It was a little difficult to work with the loose yarns hanging there, especially on the wrongside rows. But the outcome is ok, it could be a little neater but I’ll probably do better on the front piece.

9.1.2012

It is such a pain knitting the roses intarsia/fairisle style! I’ve knit the back and one of the sleeves. On the back, the motifs have holes and aren’t very neat, and on the sleeve, the knit is too tight. I think I’m just going to give up, unstitch until the motifs are out, and then just knit with main colour and later make the roses by duplicate stitches. Call me a quitter but it’s just easier!

21.1.2012

It was definitely a good decision to make the roses with duplicate stitches, the outcome looks great, very neat and pretty. And it is easier, too. I’m done with all the pieces, and almost done with all the roses as well. Almost time to knit the neck, then, and start looking for a suitable zipper.

4.3.2012

Finally finished! This has been waiting for the final touch for quite some time now, and today was the day. I am so happy with the outcome, it’s everything I wanted :)