Almost Done

It took me long enough, but I finally stopped procrastinating and assembled the body of the rice-stitch cardigan.  It was actually quite easy to seam and all the appropriate lines of the pattern lined up perfectly.  I don’t know which angel was looking over my shoulder, but I extend my thanks.

After I assembled the body and tried it on, I had had doubts, it seemed to pouch out at a funny angle through the armscye.  But of course, one can’t tell until the sleeve is in place.

So I basted up a sleeve:

and basted it into the body of the garment.  The fit was pretty good.  The sleeve length was perfect and the little bit of extra shaping (a few well placed short-rows in the sleeve cap) were perfect:

Finally, it was time to soak the sleeves and block them.  This fabric is rather stiff before that initial wash, but becomes lush and soft after blocking. 

While the sleeves are blocking I can pick up the stitches around the neckline and begin the collar.  Will I be finished for a little bit of showing off at Thursday night knitting?  I hope so.  After all, I am (semi) retired now, right?  I can work when I want.  I can knit when I want.