I was going to make the Branching Out for my mother for xmas, but I like this one so much better!  I have some Inca Alpaca in a nice blue that will be perfect for mom who is a tad sensitive to wool.  What a lovely pattern.  Thanks for the link.

Erica

my blog:  http://knitpics.blogspot.com

I just got this book last friday, and one of my younger sisters exclaimed that she wants one for xmas.  I was so happy that she was excited about them because I bought the book with her in mind.  She's 14 and I'm 27 and I find it hard to predict her likes/dislikes; she changes so quickly.  I think I'm going to make her one with red hair and freckles, but I don't think I'll go with the whole cowgirl theme.  This is a really fun book; a little bizare, but really fun.  A knitalong for this is a great idea!  I can't wait to see the different variations of these dolls posted here. 

Erica

my blog:  http://knitpics.blogspot.com

Erica I like the modifications you made to the pattern,  on the outside cables did you just cable back instead of forward on the left side?  Also I love that ribbed cable how do you do that?

I added one stitch to make the total cast on 43.  The extra stitch is for the center cable which is a 7 stitch cable.  You are totally right about the right and left cables.  For one hold your stitches in front; for the other hold them in back.  For the center cable, see the following website.  http://wendyknits.net/knit/twistcable.htm She is using the center cable pattern to teach how to knit without a cable needle.  Regardless of whether you use a cable needle or not, the pattern for the center cable is there with picture.  I hope this helps

Erica

my blog:  http://knitpics.blogspot.com

I too had trouble with the third needle.  I could never find it when I needed it, so, like subloke, I learned to cable without a needle.  Here is a video that helped me a lot:  http://smedia.vermotion.com/media/15409/resources/cable.wmv. 

Erica

my blog:  http://knitpics.blogspot.com

I love, love, love this sweater, but I can't decide on a yarn.  I want something warm and soft and (preferably) washable.  I also really liked the green from the picture in IK but I guess I could use another color.  What yarn are you using?  Why did you chose that yarn.  Are they working for you? 

Erica

my blog:  http://knitpics.blogspot.com

I am also working on the Irish Hiking Scarf (for my dad, for xmas).    I have about 3 feet done.  You can see pictures on my blog.

Erica

PS:  Everyone's projects look great!  I especially like the wristwarmers.
 
my blog:  http://knitpics.blogspot.com

Hi,
This is my first post.  I am interested in joining this knitalong.  I bought the pattern and Rowan 4-ply cotton a couple of weeks ago, but haven't started knitting.  Just curious, were you able to get the gauge using US# 3?  I am usually a fairly loose knitter and yet I was up to 5s or 6s to get the gauge.  Did you wash your swatch?  Maybe that's where I'm going wrong.

Erica

my blog:  http://knitpics.blogspot.com