Sandia Caped Coat

I have finished my coat. It's no longer a caped coat - but it is a cosy warm fit for purpose coat nonetheless. Everything was fine until I got to the collar. The instructions did not make complete sense to me. I could not understand how the two halves would fit together. I did follow the instructions to the tee. I lovingly and painstakingly attached all the seams using the 3 needle cast off - without any puckering I might add. I digress here but wish to make a very important point - if anyone tells you that you have too many needles, explain the concept of the 3 needle cast off to them!! When everything was sewn together it looked great. Then I tried it on. I had tried on the coat without the collar and knew the shoulders and neck line were in the right place and the shape of the coat flattering as I'd hoped. The collar would not turn down to form a caped shape - I wanted to cry - it was the whole reason for knitting the coat. Each time I put the collar in place it flipped up around my neck like a shawl collar. And then the light went off in my head. Why did I want the coat in the first place? So I didn't freeze on the side lines of the rugby pitch. And what would make me feel nice and cosy? A collar wrapped about my neck and ears!! So although it does not look like the picture in the nice book it is toasty warm and will serve me well and I love it!!

Sandia Caped Coat Project Details:

Pattern Source: Simply Shetland 3

Yarn used: Debbie Bliss Merino Aran - Yarn used double throughout

Needles: 6mm Susan Bates Circulars

Started: 16 October 2007

Finished: 30 November 2007

Comments: Apart from the dodgy collar which I think may be down to the breadth of my shoulders and my overall larger frame than the actual pattern - it was a relatively quick knit and is very sumptuous when worn. The 3 needle cast off method of joining seams is very neat and decorative. I will definitely use it again.

This is all I had left!!