FLAK Part 8 ("The End")

Well here she is... My Follow the Leader Aran Knitalong (FLAK) sweater is finished (the buttons are temporarily tacked in place waiting to be permanently sewed on). The cardigan fits me perfectly. A very big thank you to Janet Szabo who designed this top-down Aran sweater and for being the list mom of the FLAK Yahoo group. Janet publishes quarterly the Twists and Turns: The Newsletter for Lovers of Cable Knitting and has a new book called Aran Sweater Design that is a must for anyone wishing to learn more about Arans.

I must also mention the wonderful people who make up the FLAK Yahoo group . There is so much talent there and I learned so much from all the posts not to mention the fact there was always someone to give you encouragement when you really needed it.Wool: Peruvian Highland wool from Elann
Color: #1029 Admiral
Purchased: 22 50g balls
Used: 20 balls (includes 1 ball for swatching)
Needles: Addi Turbo's U.S. 5 (body) & U.S. 3 (ribbing)
Started: ~ 1/1/06
Finished: 7/4/06 (except for sewing on the buttons)
Buttons: 3/4" antiqued silver metal purchased on eBay (I originally purchased some very expensive handmade glass buttons but did not have enough so I went with plan B)What I liked: Learning the process of custom designing a top-down Aran sweater that fits to my measurements, learning the importance of swatching, and tips and techniques from the FLAK Yahoo group members.

What I didn't like: Weaving in all the loose ends and sewing on the buttons (still need to do).

Thank you Cathy B. in St. Paul, MN for telling us about the 'twisted rib' and Ann in Webster, NY for sharing her technique for pre-washing wool before casting on (see my January posts for details).

I am still working on FLAK for DH where I am on Sleeve Island. It's not too late to join in on the fun.