Felting is so much fun--the sweater looked really big and lumpy and weird unfelted, but sure enough, after two trips through the washer it shrank down and fuzzified beautifully--not a bit too big except that the sleeves are overlong.
The only problem is that I can't get in and out of it without help, because it fits so closely and the fabric is so thick. It's less of a sweater and more of a jacket, really. So I decided to convert it to a cardigan and add a zipper.
Last night I took a deep breath and cut down the front from top to bottom. I then applied fray-check liquid to the raw edges. I'm going to line them with grosgrain ribbon and then put the zipper in. Herein lies another challenge: my sewing machine lives roughly 1000 miles away in Georgia. I don't think I can attach a zipper securely enough by handsewing it, so either I borrow a sewing machine or I arrange to have my own shipped up here (probably after I move). The latter option is tempting but also expensive--and it will mean I have one more big thing to deal with once I finish my degree and leave Ithaca. On the other hand, I don't even know if any of my friends have sewing machines--I can think of one who *might*, but I feel bad asking to borrow it. So I might have to put this project away for a bit while I figure out what to do. Maddening as that is, it won't be cold enough to wear it any time soon...and I've mail-ordered some gorgeous yarn for my upcoming projects, the Cool Crochet Darla sweater and the Knitting Lingerie Style silk slip. (Come to think of it, a sewing machine would be useful for the slip, too. Hmm...)
