Iceland

Iceland is done:

Iceland by Stephanie White from Rowan 42
Rowan Cocoon in Scree - between 6-7 skeins
US 10.5 needles

My only modification was to knit the bottom ribbing in the round, sans buttons. The pattern is written out instead of using a chart, which (for me) made it seem more complicated than it really was, but after 1-2 repeat I didn't need the instructions. I blocked the sweater before adding the bottom part, which really gave this sweater its shape and opened up the lace pattern. The pattern is simple, you knit the front and back, then sew them together and add the band on the bottom. I think that I had my hopes up for a bulky pattern, thinking it would take like 2 days to knit (even though it is 800+ yards worth of yarn! What is wrong with me?), and it ended up taking almost 2 months (although, I was doing other knitting in this time - it was a big project, so no that portable on trips/to work). But it was a fun knit, and I enjoyed knitting it. And I love the finished product! I feel like its fashionable and it fits well too. Its warm, but not stiffling because of the open lace pattern and arms. I had been afraid that this would be "weird" and that it would look awkward on, but its not. Its a great sweater, perfect for these cold days, lounging at home or going out! The Coccon yarn was a bit fuzzy and did shed a bit, but its soft works well with this pattern. I had a hard time deciding which color, it comes in beautiful neutral colors. I am trying to decide what hat to make with the leftovers now - I think I have enough for a bulky, fitted hat - maybe this or the Cardor hat also from Rowan 42 (aren't there so many great patterns in this magazine?)