This close...
I grafted the hood. It was an interesting process of trial and error as I've never grafted knit and purl stitches before. The pattern indicated that I could graft or 3-needle bind off; I didn't want the seam so I opted for grafting. What I did was graft the RS just like normal, but when I came to purl stitches I flip it over, pulled the needles through and grafted on the WS, then I flipped and did the right side, continuing this way until I was done. Here's some pictures--I was alone so I did the best I could to show how I did it:
Grafting on the right side:
Grafting on the wrong side:
I also made sure that I grafted continuously so there would be no holes. This means that if the next stitch was a purl I still threaded the yarn through that stitch and then turned it over to graft. So half a stitch was done on the wrong side at each knit stitch/purl stitch change. I don't think I'm explaining it well, but it did work for me. Look ma no visible seams (I used a dpn to show the grafted part):
And here's the finished hood:
I was so psyched after this victory. I would be finishing this baby today. Then I tried it on. It seems I was a bit overzealous with the steam blocking and it was too big and not to gauge. So I had to wet it all down and reblock it. Now its sitting to measurements, wet, on my blocking board. I would rather this, than have it all seamed up and ready to go and have it too big. I'll put the fan on it and maybe I can sew on the sleeves tonight...well more likely tomorrow.
Very nice. Working my way up the hood, but unlike you I have only part of the first sleeve done. I'll be cheering for you as you cross the finish line!
Posted by: claudia | February 22, 2004 at 01:22 PM
wow. that's a beautiful job. i hadn't even thought about how you'd finish the hood so it all matched up.
can't wait to see it in person!
Posted by: squib | February 22, 2004 at 05:29 PM
Very impressive grafting job!
Posted by: Leigh | February 22, 2004 at 07:39 PM
That looks great! I'm a little scared about the grafting - for some reason, I have never been able to do it neatly (mostly because I always do it wrong). But your tips about reversing the fabric for the purl stitches will help - thanks!
Posted by: Aven | February 22, 2004 at 07:44 PM
That turned out so beautifully. I can't even manage to knit a blanket in such flawless detail with the most simplest of knitting terms - let alone this. I'm just a tad jealous, lol.
Posted by: Allison | February 22, 2004 at 09:58 PM
Hmmm. I guess I haven't been in here a while - your Rogue has literally developed overnight as far as I can tell. It's gorgeous!!
Posted by: peggy | February 22, 2004 at 10:39 PM
Ah, you're a brave woman. Good for you - it looks fabulous!
Posted by: kathy | February 23, 2004 at 09:29 AM
Man, you are speedy! How many sentences have you added to your thesis in the past couple of weeks? Heh heh. By the way, are those giant tulips on your pants?!?
Posted by: Mariko | February 23, 2004 at 02:03 PM
It's gorgeous. I love to hear success stories about grafting - it can be done!
Posted by: CJ | February 24, 2004 at 08:30 AM