Cutaway
It's done! And I have the pictures to prove it. And my outfit in these pictures is actually what I wore to work today:

It's a perfect fit!
I decided to leave the sleeves with a little roll at the end, like some of you suggested, and I really like the way it looks. And the bell sleeves turned out just the way I pictured them!

I've got my hands on my hips. I'm sassy like that.
Here's a view that really shows the bell of the sleeve:

I'm admiring my work.
I am super proud of this sweater. I made changes in the pattern to suit my style, but I was also able to really knit it to my size and shape. Bonne Marie's patterns are extremely well-written - the sleeve cap could NOT have come out more perfectly. And I was a little worried about sewing them together. I'm going to wear this sucker out! Hooray for new sweaters! And just in time for Rhinebeck!
I finished Jacob's socks, too, but the toes are just a *tiny* bit too tight. I'm hoping a good blocking will fix that issue. They look good, though. I was so happy when I finished them last night that I instantly cast on for a quick knit project that I think I'll wear a lot: Glampyre Stef's Bulky Knit Mini Cardigan. I'm almost done with the body and I started it last night! I love me some instant gratification.
And, I ran seven miles on Sunday. !!!
It actually felt great. If you are interested in what my runs are like, click on the extended entry below....
[For the uninterested, that's all I've got right now. I'm looking forward to an evening of knitting and hanging out with Jacob, and this weekend is RHINEBECK! So. Excited.]
For those who are curious, my runs are like this: I get my mp3 player and a bottle of water (I carry it in this belt thingy that HEJ lent me). I start out super slow -- walking at first, then running very slowly. Once I feel warmed up, I start my intervals. I run for three minutes, walk for one minute throughout my whole run. My fabulous interval timer on my watch - this is the watch I use - beeps at me when it's time to switch from walking to running, and I LIVE for those beeps. This week, my first three miles were REALLY rough and I thought about cutting the run short. My shins were super sore because I didn't ice after I ran on Friday ... But once I passed three miles, I felt better and my shins stopped hurting, so I pressed on, and I'm so glad I did.
Since my run was pretty long this week, I also brought pretzels with me, and I started eating them during my walk breaks after about 4 miles. The difference in my energy level was CRAZY - I felt like I could've kept going after 7 miles! Seriously, if you are struggling to get past 3 or 4 miles, you should try the walk breaks - it makes a huge difference. I really feel like I can complete the half marathon now - even a whole marathon one day! And I was totally discouraged before.
Yay. Okay, now I'm sounding like a peppy running coach. GO TEAM SCHMOO.
Comments (47)
oooohh... she is so beautiful!
I can't wait to see her in person!
eee!! yaay!
Posted by frecklegirl | October 14, 2005 12:36 AM
Lovely cutaway, and thanks for the running inspiration. Good job on all fronts! (hee hee)
Posted by lizzie | October 13, 2005 7:26 PM
Great sweater. Now I'm motivated to finish some projects for fall.
Posted by Tess | October 13, 2005 4:23 PM
The Cutaway looks great! Perfect work sweater.
Posted by Kathy | October 12, 2005 7:38 PM
I LOVE IT!!! Very stylish with the shirt you have on under it, too!
Posted by Eklectika | October 12, 2005 3:23 PM
It looks great on you. I love the bell sleeves. I would have done it the same way!
Posted by Megann | October 12, 2005 9:05 AM
That sweater looks great! And great on you! Love the color. Looks very "Fall." And great job on the running! Aren't you glad the weather is getting cooler?
Posted by Allison | October 12, 2005 8:28 AM
Beautiful!
Posted by Doris | October 12, 2005 6:17 AM
Seven miles = superstar schmoo. Beautiful sweater. Everything's coming up Carrie!
Posted by Jenny | October 12, 2005 1:25 AM
I love the sweater! I am very proud that you are running seven miles. I have started running and I have not made it a mile yet. I have a long way to go. Your are my inspiration!
Posted by Annette | October 11, 2005 11:02 PM
Oooh! So pretty!
Posted by Elspeth | October 11, 2005 8:18 PM
Pretty, pretty sweater! With the knitting and the running, it seems like you have a lot of good work to be proud of yourself for. It seems like practice and figuring out what works best for your personal style seem to be important for both.
Posted by Jenna | October 11, 2005 6:38 PM
okay, I totally have to buy that pattern now. Or since you had so much fun knitting yours, how about giving it to ME? And then you can knit another one. Fun times.
And also, the running...you are a supa-star.
Posted by Anne Marie | October 11, 2005 4:17 PM
cutaway! came out great...I love the neutral color..it looks so good on you!
I love these easy projects...even better when knitted by bloggy pals! way to go with the running as well!
Posted by heather | October 11, 2005 4:05 PM
Hey Missy - Cutaway looks GREAT! I think I may have to try that one. Thanks for the info on the watch - as it turns out it is the updated version of my current (very old and much loved) watch. I will pick one up the next time I head out to Tarzhay. Great job on running 7 miles. You may want to go to your local running shoe store and make sure the shoes you are using are good for you. I had shin splints years ago that were remedied by shoes better suited for me. You may also want to try cross-training. I started cycling in addition to running about 9 years ago and have been injury-free since. I was definitely NOT injury free before then. Keep up the great work! xox,
Posted by Julia | October 11, 2005 3:48 PM
Great job on the Cutaway! I love the color. Keep it up with the running - you'll feel so great after you cross that finish line!
Posted by Melissa | October 11, 2005 2:17 PM
Love the sweater - I think I want mine LIME green - when can I come pick it up???? Jus' kiddin' - I do think I'll get me the pattern - just gotta' measure and be sure it'll fit.
thanks for the running coaching - sounds like you're doing fine fine fine.
Have a fun time at Rhinebeck - can't wait to see that "extended" post with lots of pics!!
Rob
Posted by Robin | October 11, 2005 2:12 PM
ooh, that's such a great, functional sweater. you did a wonderful job! don't you love that you can wear it to work?
thanks so so much for all of your running tips.
Posted by carrie m | October 11, 2005 1:10 PM
First, the Cutaway is so gorgeous. I love it! I might even have to make one for myself.
Second, how's the new job going? I hope it's going well. I start a new one in a couple of weeks (after my vacation).
Finally, thanks for the running info. I've been thinking about running, but I am so wimpy. I feel like my whole body is a Jello Jiggler except heavier and it's hard. Any other suggestions for this wannabe runner would be greatly appreciated!
Posted by Skylar | October 11, 2005 12:55 PM
The sweater looks great with the button! I'm looking forward to keeping an eye out for it at Rhinebeck this weekend (hopefully it'll be cool enough). :-)
Posted by Cordelia | October 11, 2005 12:33 PM
Yeah!! Keep it up girl!! You've given me inspiration for my 7 miles this weekend, it's scaring the hell out me, but you make it sound so easy!!!
Posted by jenny | October 11, 2005 11:35 AM
Loving the sweater! Fantastic alteration and it looks great!
Posted by Anita | October 11, 2005 11:04 AM
Wait, you're going to Rhinebeck? So am I! I'll just be there on Saturday afternoon. We should try to meet up at some point. I'll email you.
Posted by susan | October 11, 2005 9:56 AM
Big congrats on the running. I'm feeling motivated. I normally do all sorts of excercise besides running- kickboxing, spin, eliptical machine, water aerobics...ANYTHING to avoid running. But, you have me considering it (maybe next year's Music City Marathon). I guess I'd be concerned about the time it takes to train.
Sweater looks great, too. I wasn't loving the pattern when I first saw it on ChicKnits. But I think the bell sleeves change my mind.
Posted by Tisra | October 11, 2005 9:54 AM
Hey! That cutaway is awesome! And I can't wait to see you wearing it at Rhinebeck! Yayayayayayay! So excited.
Posted by biglug | October 11, 2005 9:19 AM
I'm lovin Cutaway! Wish I could see it in person at Rhinebeck but sadly I can't go.
Great running advice, I'm having a tough time getting past three miles, but did four the other day with a walkbreak and felt great. Yay for walking!
Posted by Kate | October 11, 2005 9:18 AM
Cutaway looks awesome. And could you BE any cuter? Jesus. You Athens knitting gals KILL me with your cuteness.
I am so impressed with your running skills....I only run when I hear the ice cream man coming through the neighborhood. Or if there is a shoe sale in my area. Keep up the good work! GO TEAM SCHMOO!
Come kidnap me and take me to Rhinebeck! I want to go SO BAD. There's always next year though. Have so much fun, and bring back lots of goodies!
Posted by Sarah | October 11, 2005 8:51 AM
Carrie, Cutaway looks fantastic. Great job on the sleeves, and I'm so glad you're happy with them!
You guys blow me away with how far you can run. It's all I can do just to haul my arse up and down the huge hill to my new house every day. Walking.
Posted by jodi | October 11, 2005 8:42 AM
aw man! that sweater looks so good on you. you did a fantastic job. i love the bell sleeves, and they work perfectly on Cutaway!
Posted by lynette | October 11, 2005 7:02 AM
Alrighty, then. I was undecided about Cutaway, but now that I see yours, I have to have it. I agree totally with you about Bonne Marie's patterns. I love knitting them!
Posted by Marlena | October 11, 2005 6:14 AM
Carrie - Love your site, love your "schmoo", LOVE this sweater!! You did a GREAT job -- I saw the pattern on Bonne Marie's site and thought it was lovely there, too - may have to try it!
Posted by Liz | October 10, 2005 11:58 PM
The sweater is awesome! Great job!
And good job with the running! I think i need to try your trick of run/walk and drink/eat. I have been in a running rut that I have been feeling like I may never conquer. I'm hesitant to eat or drink while I run (cramps) but it's worth a shot.
Finally, I'm totally bummed I can't make it to Rheinbeck (I really wanted to do karaoke). :-( It's bitter sweet since the reason I can't go is my best friend and her husband will be visiting. Such is life...have TONS of fun!
Posted by maya | October 10, 2005 11:52 PM
very cute! the color is beautiful. your cap sleeves look professionally sewn in. great job!!
i can't wait for rhinebeck... i just hope i can walk by then!!
Posted by kim | October 10, 2005 11:45 PM
Your Cutaway looks great! Any tips on finishing it? I'm a little (lot) scared...
Seven miles? Wow. I'm impressed!
Posted by terby | October 10, 2005 11:33 PM
Yes, I'm curious about the running... 3 miles is my max right now and I can't imagine going past that w/o barfing. Definitely will try the walk breaks -- thanks, Coach!
And great Cutaway. Nice work.
Posted by anne | October 10, 2005 10:48 PM
I love that sweater! I just ordered the pattern a couple of days ago. Can't wait for my yarn to arrive! (Although now I'm a little scared of the sleeve caps...I tend to go with easy-peasy raglans).
Keep up the good work on running. Walk-run is the way to go. Someone should make a Runner-Knitter button... "Running with Needles"?
Posted by Zarah | October 10, 2005 10:34 PM
Cutaway looks great! Will you be sending a pic and details to Bonne Marie for her "Gallery Chic"?
Posted by Deanna | October 10, 2005 10:31 PM
Lovely Carrie! The sweater looks divine on you. Am horribly envious you are now doing SEVEN miles. Go girl!
Posted by maia | October 10, 2005 10:27 PM
The sweater looks wonderful - stylish and comfortable - perfect for work.
The running is GREAT! We should plan for a run at Rhinebeck. I was thinking about that today - that I might miss a run. When are you coming? leaving? So glad to see you! (I hope!)
Posted by Cara | October 10, 2005 10:22 PM
Ooh! I love the Cutaway! I wasn't too interested in making it before either, but it looks good, and I may have to put it on my "list"!
And I don't think I have told you, but I am super impressed with you and the running. Running is HARD.
Posted by Stacey | October 10, 2005 10:09 PM
Your sweater looks great! The fit is excellent. Good job on the running, too, I'm super impressed. Oh, and jealous about Rhinebeck. Say hello to the sheep and bloggers for me...I'll be working. Boo.
Posted by sarah b. | October 10, 2005 9:54 PM
You are a schmoo. I love your sweater and I am excited about your running! Go TEAM SCHMOO!!
We totally have the same watch. Twinsies...
Make me a sweater now. Thanks!
Posted by Cathy | October 10, 2005 9:53 PM
It looks fabulous--and I can't wait until Rhinebeck! Just . . . pray for good weather. Right now (still days out), the forecast isn't looking good, but if we ALL get together and close our eyes and wish really hard . . . positive thinking! Looking forward to meeting you, because, well, I'd better!
Posted by --Deb | October 10, 2005 9:36 PM
I love your cutaway! I wasn't interested in making it until now. What yarn did you use?
And congrats on your seven miles! It definitely gets easier as you go! =)
Posted by Angela | October 10, 2005 9:23 PM
Carrie, the cutaway is lovely. The roll on the sleeve edges is perfect. This is really a very nice looking sweater. Congratulations!
Posted by Mandy | October 10, 2005 9:20 PM
The cutaway is gorgeous and flatters you beautifully! Yay! Also, congrats on the running success. Hope to knit with you again before too long!
Posted by courtney | October 10, 2005 9:18 PM
Looks fantastic! Good job-- looks like a sweater you will wear a lot.
Posted by Emily | October 10, 2005 8:57 PM