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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7896441.stm

I am a BBC news addict.  They posted an article on Wednesday, February 18, 2009, about how “Knitting can delay memory loss.” Just what I need, another excuse to knit!  Upon reading the article I have to agree with it for a number of reasons.  One, it seems like with every project I spend the first part of the project doubting it will work.  I think of all the reasons why it won’t work - is my gauge swatch really right (guage swatches are liars sometimes), is this yarn going to work, how am going to change what ever it is in the pattern I don’t like and is going to look right, will I look like a pickle in this sweater, etc….  Then I have to do math (terror for us liberal arts majors) and wonder if my knitting instinct is correct.  All this requires critical thinking skills which help in keeping one’s memory.  Second, knitting is also a great way to relax.  Once you get into the groove all the stress seems to go away.  Third, I have a great knitting buddy and even though we don’t always get a lot done we have a good time gossiping, sharing laughs, and using each other as sounding boards.  And finally it makes me take time out for myself -I get to do something that I enjoy!  So keep your mind sharp by knitting!!

It’s been awhile since I’ve made a post.  I took some time off knitting to move and paint my daughter’s room.  I also got hung up on the bust dart.  I finally went to Abundant Yarn and got some much needed help.  I would recommend you patronize your yarn shop for help on this one.  Wrap and turns are a PAIN especially when picking them up the purl side.  I finished the dress last Thursday night after knitting two straps of I-chord (5 stitches) each 12 inches long.  Friday night I put the dress in the washer and washed it at 120 degrees.  Rowan recommends 160 degrees but I thought I could always shrink it on hotter water if it didn’t shrink enough.  I admit I was really scared - what if shrunk too much, would my daughter have a new dress?  I was practically shaking when I opened up the washer and it looked fine, almost too big.  I put in the dryer and waited an hour for it to dry.  I pulled it out and put it one and was PERFECT!!! I sewed the straps on and thought they were perfect. Then I wore the dress and gravity pulled it down and I had to readjust the straps.  Readjust again, and finally readjust again. I would recommend 10 inches in length.  I ended up sewing the area that’s supposed to be the arm hole up because it was flopping forward. In hindsight I wish I would not have left the arm hole open and had taken in a few stitches about 2-3inches below the top.

I am really glad I did this project.  I got over my fear of yarn-overs and simple lace patterns.  I also learned how to do a bust dart, but I have to admit it’s not my favorite thing to do. It was also fun to make something really BIG and different.  This project also increased my love for Rowan Denim.  The color is fantastic and the vine lace and pattern at the top look absolutely stunning after some shrinkage.  And the shrinkage - my calcuations of adding 20% length the portions (the skirt, the waist to the arm hole, arm hole to the top) really worked well.  There was a little bit of shrinkage on the width too. I promise to add some more photos of me in the dress soon.

The Mason Dixion After Dark Nightie is DONE