Onward!

 

I've made it through the first four red stripes!  Even more importantly, I've made it past the place where the sleeve stitches go to holders.  Once I hit this point on a top down sweater, I know it's clear sailing to the hem.

I've woven in some of the ends (with the stripes, I feel like I need to stay on top of ends or they'll take over) and I'm really happy with the way it's looking so far.  I have a loose plan for getting this done on time:  one week to get past the place where the sleeves go to holders, the second week to finish the body, and a week for each sleeve.  At the moment, I'm ahead of schedule.  I'm not counting on staying ahead because while this week is pretty quiet, the next couple of weeks, right before school starts are going to be much busier.

Also, I have to mention, that while I haven't gone far enough to know for sure, I have a nagging suspicion that I don't have enough red yarn.  According to the pattern, I'll need a total of 950 yards.  I have 1280 yards - four skeins of ivory, four skeins of red.  I know that should mean I have enough, but my gut is telling me I'll need more red.  I'm going to knit like crazy today and if I'm still afraid of running out of red, I'll try to get some more.  Fingers crossed they still have this dyelot!