So close and yet so far.

No medal for me, but this was my "Personal Best". I'm actually pretty proud that I got this far on a sweater in 17 days time. I decided shortly after starting that I was going to resist the temptation to neglect my real priorities in life in order to complete this challange. (That in itself was a challange for me. I'm pretty competitive and don't like to lose a challange...even one I've set for myself.)
So, even though my Klaralund is not complete, it will be soon, and I don't have any guilt over time misspent.
I really like this pattern, but I'm not impressed AT ALL with the quality of the yarn. The colors are gorgeous, but the yarn itself is pitiful. I have had multiple knots in every skein, as well as many places so thin that I have to cut the yarn and start over with a thicker spot. I'm really wondering how this stuff got to be so popular!
As I said, though, the pattern is a great and simple one. I knit the body in the round, as I saw no need for having to sew 2 extra seams.
I think I'll let my daughter knit this pattern for her first sweater since it's so simple.
With perfect timing to cheer me up, I received a package full of great goodies from my Secret Pal on Saturday. I'll have pictures to share soon! Thank you secret pal!