The Sleeves Are Free!

 

Or at least the stitches for the tops of the sleeves are free.  Life got a little crazy earlier this week, so it wasn't until last night that I had a chance to sit down and knit to where the sleeve stitches get separated from the body.  They are now waiting on stitch holders (waste yarn) while I finish the body.  I didn't get much farther than separating the sleeves because I've got to set up the Smart Counters on Knit Companion for the body shaping.  The latest update for Knit Companion has something called Smart Counters, and you can set them up for several different things.  I'll be using them for the body shaping, so when the pattern says to do something 5 times, every 4 rows, I can set that up with the Smart Counter, and as I'm knitting along on the chart (the back texture is charted), a little thing will pop up 5 times, on every fourth row.  I don't have to keep notes on a pad of paper anymore!  I do have to get all the smart counters set up for a chart all at once though.

That's my little job for today - set up Smart Counters.  Today is braces day for Caleb as well, so I'll be sitting and knitting at the orthodontist while he gets banded again.  He's starting Phase II, and he should only be in braces for a year, but I know the next couple of days are going to be rough for him.  Someday he'll look at his smile and be glad that he had the braces (I know I'm very grateful to my parents for orthodontia), but I know it's going to be a while before he realizes this.  Right now it's all about eating soft foods.