Project 4: Heliopath Vest

Complete!

I recently participated in the Heliopath Vest KAL co-hosted by The Unapologetic Knitter and the GhostFaceKnitter. My initial post about this KAL can be found here and my progress during, here. Unfortunately I didn't win any of the wonderful prizes offered by these lovely hosts, but they didn't let me go empty handed. I received a very sweet note and care package for participating.

How did they know I love chocolate?!?!?!
And yes, that is a Cupcake wand.

It was quite a journey and I definitely feel like a stronger knitter because of it. I managed to finish it by the deadline and hope to show it off in public soon (weather permitting).

My Supplies:

• Berroco Vintage
• 5 skeins, Chana Dal
• 52% Acrylic
• 40% Wool
• 8% Nylon
• Buttons
• 8
• Circular Needles 
• 1 Knit Picks US 7 (4mm) in
• Stitch Markers
• 10

28 days later

I'm not talking about the horror movie.

 

It's been almost a month since the Heliopath Vest KAL hosted by The Unapologetic Knitter and GhostFaceKnitter began and I've been a busy lady. Since purchasing my yarn way back on March 1st, I've managed to stay a little ahead of schedule.

• Knit, blocked and gauged my swatch

Swatch: knitting cable/lace pattern

Drying in the sun

16 rows of pattern in 3"= 5.33 rows per 1"

20 stitches in 4" = gauge

• Cast on 208 stitches, knit 2" of ribbing and jumped into 14" of cable/lace pattern

2" ribbing and about 1" of cable/lace pattern

2" ribbing, 3" cable/lace pattern

16 rows of cable/lace pattern and my notes

• Knit over 10 hours straight to reach 14" of cable/lace pattern

2" ribbing, 12" cable/lace pattern

2" ribbing, 14" cable/lace pattern

• Started shaping the armholes with a ridiculous amount of help and support from @seaandlake

Shaping first armhole / open vest

Shaping first armhole / closed vest

I've clearly made quite a bit of progress in the last 28 days and I'm determined to have it done before the 11:59pm PST April 12th deadline. So far this has been the most challenging and rewarding knitting experience I've ever had, but I'm definitely thrilled it's almost over. I don't know if I would have ever attempted this on my own and I am so extremely thankful for all the encouragement and praise I've received so far. I definitely consider myself lucky to have found such a talented and supportive community of knitters through Instagram.

Heliopath Vest KAL

I was gifted an electronic version of the Unofficial Harry Potter Knits magazine in January (thanks babe) and have been waiting for the right moment and pattern to start knitting. Following @socalmeaghan and @ghostfaceknitter on Instagram provided just the right amount of incentive to start knitting the Heliopath Vest:

Photo Arrangement by: @socalmeaghan

They both provide all the details in their respective blogs The Unapologetic Knitter and GhostFaceKnitter. Not only is there a prize are there four prizes, these lovely ladies have literally broken down the daunting process into weekly goals. I made a nifty little Google Calender to keep track:

  The KAL (knit along) started today and even though I should have started knitting the swatch to check the gauge, I didn't exactly get the chance to put needle to yarn. I did, however, brave the rain to visit Unwind for my yarn, a new needle and a glorious scoop of buttons (plus 8 perfect for this project).

Berroco Vintage: Chana Dal (5192)