This week we made Sirloin Steaks with Mushroom Sauce from the September 2008 issue of Cooking Light. Initially I wasn’t too impressed because the steaks lacked deep flavor, but the leftovers tasted tons better after the sauce had a chance to seep into the meat overnight. I think this quick recipe is a keeper!
I started my Rusted Root sweater five months ago, but it never made an appearance here previously because I hemmed and hawed so much about ripping it. Since I bought the yarn specifically for this project and couldn’t think of anything else to do with it, I forced myself to keep going. I worked on it only in little bits until last month, when I finally stepped up the pace because I wanted to finish it by my self-imposed deadline — our Hawaii trip at the end of August. I thought it would be neat to have a new top to wear on vacation. Plus my friend Cheri planted the idea of doing the photo shoot for it on a beach.
Well, my Rusted Root came off the blocking board two days before we left and I did bring it all the way to Oahu, but sadly no beach photo shoot occurred because I didn’t bring an appropriate layering shirt to wear underneath! But perhaps this was a good thing because it was way too hot to be walking around outdoors in a sweater.
Pattern: Rusted Root, size small
Yarn: Mirasol Cotanani, colorway 409, 7 skeins
Needles: US #4/ in 16″, 24″, and 40″ (to knit sleeves via Magic Loop); US #6 in 16″ and 24″
Modifications: I followed many of the changes made by parikha (Ravelry link).
-Started the neckline with a tubular cast-on using US #4/16” needles. I knit 3 rounds of k1p1 ribbing,then switched to US #6/16” needles. Then I started the pattern with the beginning round (the one with dividing sections by placing markers).
-On Round 12, I switched to US #6/24” needles.
-I knit one extra decrease round in the shaping section.
-At the hem and the sleeves , I knit k1p1 ribbing and used the k1p1 bind off.
Thoughts: This is a clear, well-written pattern with a simple lace panel that kept the knitting from being too dull. I would highly recommend using the tubular cast-on at the neckline if you dislike picking up stitches. If I could go back and make changes, I would a couple of extra decreases at the waist and lengthen the sleeves a bit. This was my first time knitting with Mirasol Cotanani and I loved it. Normally I am not a fan of knitting with cotton/cotton blends, but the Cotanani knits up really well and feels wonderful against my skin. All in all, I was happily surprised to discover that I love this sweater!
