Recently in Fluffy Raglan Category

Two nights ago, winds blew gorgeous leaves onto our terrace. Oak and maples. I can't describe how vibrant they are, but those of you who are fortunate to live or have lived in colder climates know. Nature is so beautiful. And I am amazed. I've lived in warm climates my entire life—the Philippines, Nigeria, Southern California—and I'm enjoying this change of seasons in our little bit of German countryside.

I've been dutifully immersing myself in all things German. The language is far harder to learn, even though there are a lot of similarities between German and English. BFF said that it's easier for a German to pick up English than the other way around. It makes my head spin when we're engaged in conversation with friends, because it sounds like one long, guttural, tongue-twister. I have to ask, apologetically, "Langsam, bitte?"

German food is traditionally heavy, with its emphasis on meats, dairy, and potatoes with everything. The good thing is, Germans appreciate regional, seasonal foods. We've had spargel in mid-May; sweet cherries from our tree in June; apricots, nectarines, peaches, plums, and pfifferlinge in July, August, and September; and now pumpkin in October. BFF's parents took us to a gasthaus in the South famous for its karpfen; there was an enclosure for deer and we fed them apples crushed underfoot. I was a bit surprised to learn that they were raised for the table, but at least they're not in a feedlot, cramped and unhappy.

Now if only they had tofu in the regular supermarkets...

I've been reading Knut's blog. Ja, der Eisbär hat ein Blog. Oh, and news sites Expatica and Deutsche Welle.

Lastly, I finished my sweater. (It's *that* green.) A few weeks ago, overnight temperatures descended to 2°C (about 36°F) and we turned our little heater on. It was so good. I love my new sweater. I am loving Fall.

I finished the raglan sweater! Yay, my first ever sweater... Here it is:

I solved the neckhole problem by keeping the right side raglan partially open and crocheting two ties. The resulting collar works out perfectly. Thanks to the boyfriend, who suggested the tie idea instead of plain old buttons. No time for pictures, I have a bad deadline I gotta make today.

I learned not to tighten the mattress stitch too much. But I learned this *after* finishing the sweater! Doh! If you look closely, the sleeves pucker at the seams. It's still wearable, though. On to the next project!

Not much productive (story below) knitting going on this weekend. Party Friday, recovery Saturday, climbing with the same Party group today at the Devil's Punch Bowl in the desert.

I started seaming the raglan sweater yesterday (after the effects of alcohol had worn off completely, lest I create crappy seams). I seamed up the raglan edges and thought, with much excitement, "Ooh, let's put it on and take a goofy poncho picture like Mr. Fluffa!"

My head. Did not. Go through. (cue boyfriend's hysterical laughter)

Maybe there was still some alcohol left in the bloodstream because I tried to insert head into sweater neckhole FIVE times. (cue hysterical laughter from boyfriend rolling on the floor)

WTF? Yes, I knit my gauge swatch. I even washed and dried the acrylic square before measuring. I followed instructions, proud of the fact that I could even understand as I read through. *sigh* So what gives?

I'm not in any mood right now to deal. That's why the climbing today (but then, we always climb on Sundays). I'm staring at the sweater and I think I'll leave one raglan partially open with buttons and crochet loops for closure. Then I'll finish sweater seamage. Then if it still doesn't fit, I'll find a petite someone with a narrow head at the climbing gym and give the sweater to them.

Have a happy Sunday! Five more days to Memorial Day!