I have run into sad times with the Sapporo sweater. For some reason I just cannot keep a consistent gauge on this project! I failed to mention in my last post that I had to rip and re-knit the second sleeve three times to get proper gauge. Then, after knitting about seven inches of that boring black stockinette body, I found that my gauge was too loose. Switched to smaller needles and knit about three inches...still a bit loose. I am already down to a 2.75 mm needle, too. I think the bulk of so many stitches on the needle (obviously, it's knit in the round) is making me knit really loosely. So, Sapporo has gone into time-out for the moment. Given how late it is in the winter season, I may end up putting it into hibernation until fall and hopefully my enthusiasm for it will return. I do hate to do that though, because I find it really difficult to get back into the rhythm of a project after a long break.

Thank goodness for small, colorful projects to make me feel better! In a pensive mood:This is the Purl Beret and Mitt Envy fingerless mitts. Not much to say other than that they are quick, cute patterns! And I am very happy with the Socks that Rock yarn, especially the beautiful colors.
Pattern Notes:

1) "Purl Beret" by Isabelle from Purl Soho, free pattern linked above. Simple pattern, followed to a T with no problems!

2) "Mitt Envy" by Weezalana, free pattern linked above. I like that she gave separate directions for the right and left mitts, as it saved those few moments of trying to figure out the reverse shaping. There was one weird thing, I'm not sure if it was an error or just me being confused (I would bet on the latter). After putting the thumb stitches onto a holder, it doesn't have you "bridge the gap" by casting on extra stitches like most mitten patterns. The pattern does say to to pick up an additional seven stitches when start to work the thumb later, which seems like it would be hard without having those "gap" stitches? I dunno--anyway, I just cast on six stitches over the gap and it seemed to work (five probably would've been better).

3) Yarn for both: Socks that Rock Lightweight in color "Peaseblossom", knit on 2.5 mm needles. Nice and squishy, pretty colors, knit up beautifully--what more could you ask for?Next up--something cute, cuddly, and made in craft store yarn...Hmmm...

Apparently March was supposed to come in like a lion up here, but the snowstorm we got today was really not that impressive.That's OK though, we have plenty of snow to last us until spring. Speaking of spring, today I listened to my first spring training game of the year, squee! Even better, the Sox managed to rid themselves of the nefarious Glenn Geffner (awful radio announcer) so all is right with the world. And of course, the Sox are looking pretty good...can't wait for the season to start!

I am still plodding along on the Sapporo sweater. I managed to finally finish the sleeves, and with a swift karate chop I have moved on to the body:Hee-YA!
Working on the body is starting to suck the life-force out of me though. Except for the three rows of gray striping at the bottom, it has been pure black stockinette. It is little wonder that I could not resist the siren call of Socks that Rock yarn in happy spring colors (graciously gifted to me by my bud Kelly) that has been marinating in my stash for ages:I just can't stop staring at the colors, they're mesmerizing! It looks gorgeous knit up too: This is the Purl Beret, and I'm hoping to have enough left over for a pair of fingerless mitts, we'll see. Either way, it's a nice mental break from all black (and from the month of March). Actually, I shouldn't complain as I am very glad February is over. That cold I was coming down with when I last posted turned into a two-week cough fest. I really can't remember the last time I had such a long lasting cold. Here's to a good March for all!

P.S. Thanks all for your comments on the Victoria Shawl! And no, Jeanne, you may not have your yarn back, LOL ;)