I took the bull by the horns and finished up the second sleeve for Audrey:

It was a real struggle for me to knit the 2×2 ribbing with Calmer, a very slippery yarn. I use the ring finger on my right hand to regulate the tension of the yarn. By Saturday morning, when I was working on the last couple of rows, this finger had become extremely sore. I really gave it a work out! I’m starting to suspect that my neck/back/arm pain may be related to the amount of 2×2 ribby type projects I’ve been working on over the past year. After I finish the berry jacket, I’m going work on some nice mindless stockinette stitch projects–or lace, or something where I’m not fighting to keep all my stitches even.

I’ve also managed to do a couple of repeats in the lace neckband, which I’m enjoying. Finally. I’m having fun with this blasted sweater. Hopefully, I’ll be able to sew it together next weekend

I enjoyed reading the comments my readers left in the contest entry. At first, the trend was in favor of the berry jacket. I sensed a real streak of practicality in the responses, i.e., why finish something that you’re not sure you’re going to wear and that you don’t even enjoy knitting? Good question. I’m not sure I have an answer, except that common sense has never been my strong suit and I’m terribly stubborn.

I was happy to discover some kindred spirits in this little excercise. Those who answered, “finish Audrey since you’re almost done anyway” or “get Audrey out of the way so you can only have fun projects on the needles” must be able to read my mind!

Because this was so much fun for me and because I appreciate your feedback, I’ve decided to give out four prizes instead of just one. I wish the prizes were more exotic and/or prettier, but ye olde stash is limited, hence, the nice, but serviceable Cascade Fixation. Winners are: Karen, Judy, Theresa and Jaya (heavens, if she really did spend all weekend thinking about this, she deserves it!). Please let me know (imogen@REMOVEspeakeasy.net) what your mailing addresses are so I can send your prizes to you