This weekend, I am reading John Grisham’s “The Associate” and I am knitting a red cardigan with pockets. I have been reading this book on and off for the past two weeks. The sweater has been on my needles for about the same period of time. Let’s talk about both.
In my book and on my needles . . .
A look at “The Associate” by John Grisham.
I decided to read “The Associate” because I have a stack of Grisham books on my shelves that I have not read yet. I figured it was time to start working my way through the stack. I have made my way through page 144. So far the book is a typical Grisham. There is a young lawyer who has gotten himself in over his head. There are older more experienced players pushing the young lawyer to do something immoral, illegal, and scary.
The book reminds me of “Paranoia” by Josh Finder. That book was a younger tech guy who got into trouble. He also was pushed into doing immoral, illegal, and scary things by older and more experienced players. At the end of that one, the young guy turned out okay. However, I ran through the pages trying to figure out how things would end.
But, back to “The Associate” because it is a typical Grisham, it is a page-turner. The back story for our young lawyer makes you want to keep reading to see how he will escape his past and not ruin his future. I am having fun trying to figure out how Grisham will work it out.
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On my needles . . .
On my needles this week is a red cardigan I have designed. This sweater is accessible to anyone because it is made using Red Heart Super Saver yarn. Anyone who knits and crochets knows that this is an inexpensive acrylic yarn. I found it to be a nice yarn for sweaters because you can throw it in the wash with no problem. After a few washes, it will maintain its shape and feel much softer and cozier.
I have a busy schedule next week so I probably won’t finish this one. I will keep you up to date on how things go with the book and me.
I love cables and find that most of my sweaters are chock full of cables. This sweater has three different cable patterns. The first is a simple cable on both sides of the front. The sleeves have a double-twisted cable. The middle of the back of the sweater has a beautiful diamond cable.
Most of the sweaters I make are things I design myself. I have found that sweater design is quite easy. It is nice to make sure that things fit me perfectly. The sweater I am making is made in one piece from the top down. I cast on the required stitches:
- 6 stitches for the left button band
- 12 stiches for the left front
- 15 stiches for the sleeve
- 32 stitches for the back
- 15 stitches for the sleeve
- 12 stitches for the right front
- 6 stitches for the right button band
I used blue yarn for the cast on and two rows of a K1P1 neck ribbing. Next, I switched to the red yarn which is the main body of the sweater. From there it was a matter of increasing one stitch on both sides of the section borders until the piece is long enough to reach the underarms.
I worked across to the arm section. Then I put the stitches for the arms on stitch holders. I worked across the other stitches. On the next row, I cast on 20 stitches where the underarm holes now were. From there, I worked until it was time for the pockets. For the pockets, I bound off 20 stitches 5 stitches after the front cable section. On the next row, I cast on 20 stitches. Later, I will sew the pockets into these holes.
Next, I continued working to my desired length and began my K1P1 ribbing for the border. I plan to work the bottom ribbing for about 3 inches with the last 2 rows and bind off in the same blue as the start of the sweater.
When it is time to do the arms, I will pick up the stitches on the stitch holder and pick up 10 stitches from the underarm edge. I will work the sleeves until they are they reach my wrists. Then I will do a 3 inch K1P1 ribbing. Just like with the ribbing for the body, I will do the last 2 rows and bind off in the blue. We will talk more about the sleeves, pockets, and possible hood next week since they are not on the needles right now.
***Spoiler alert *** I am thinking about working on some socks when I take breaks from the sweater and my book.
I look forward to writing to you about what is in my book and on my needles!