A Sweater for Matty

Matt's birthday is coming up in late August and I was trying to think of something cool to get him. It's hard to buy for someone and make it a surprise when you share an account and live with them so I decided to make him a sweater:) I love how excited he was when I told him. I knew it would be something he would be extremely stoked about and that he would love. I found this pattern in the Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine and knew instantly that it was perfect for Matt. I think it's such a handsome cardigan! 

This will possibly be my greatest knitting challenge to date. As you know, I've made a lot of accessories and a few afghans but I've never attempted a sweater. Somehow, knitting an entire article of clothing just seems overwhelming. I think I'm ready for it though, and I plan on making myself something after I've completed this:) We went to my favorite yarn store on Friday and picked up the yarn for it. The pattern calls for cashmere wool yarn that is ridiculously expensive and dry clean only. I got some bulky yarn that is 75% acrylic and 25% wool so that I can wash it and it's obviously a lot cheaper to make. I love how knitting or sewing your own clothing is more expensive than if you just bought it (insert heavy sarcasm). It honestly makes zero sense to me. But, it's more meaningful and heartfelt and I love doing it so it's worth it to me. I still feel like handmade items should be more cost effective but oh well... 

The top picture is what I've done so far and the bottom is what it will look like when it's completed (hopefully). I started working on it Saturday morning. Matt took his GRE on Saturday. I wanted to have something to work on because I thought I'd be nervous and anxious while he was gone, but I was surprisingly calm. I knew in my heart that he was prepared and that he would do amazing. Of course, I was right. He is going to kill me for posting this, but I think a wife has a right to brag on her husband:) He got a 1320! That is the average GRE score of the students at Princeton by the way:) Yes, he is a genius and I couldn't be more thrilled and proud of him. He was so worried and filled with dread over the test so I am thankful that it is over and that he is satisfied with his scores, as he should be. He is starting the application process and is applying to a lot of different schools so say a prayer that he gets in. I don't doubt that there will be a school somewhere that will want him for a grad student, but it's so competitive nowadays... I like to imagine that he will wear this sweater when he is a professor someday. Doesn't it just look like a professor's cardigan? All he needs is a corncob pipe:)

In other news our tomato plants have finally blossomed! We are crossing our fingers that we will be eating yummy, fresh tomatoes soon. Does anyone know about how long it takes for the fruit to be ready once the plant blossoms?