A Pullover for Alex

I learned to knit when I was a little girl. I was probably about six or seven, but I never really took it seriously. I taught several children to knit, and a few adults, in the intervening years, but I never really progressed beyond making scarves and fingerless mittens (and the occasional wooly hat!)
The reason for my lack of output is, I think, because I lose momentum with a bigger project. Alex, the long-suffering Junksmithing widower, always jokes that I get almost to the end of making something before getting fed up with it, or deciding that it isn't right for whatever reason and undoing the lot! (He is right, actually - I'm terribly impatient!)
Well, he'll be laughing on the other side of his face soon, because I'm now knitting him a pullover!
I thought, if I blog this, as I go on, I'll be more likely to finish it! (We'll see...)
Alex saw the pattern and chose the yarn:

This is the pattern. It is a very straightforward stocking-stitch V-neck pullover with a slight detail on the hems. I'm knitting it in chunky yarn:

It is a wool/acrylic mix, so the best of both worlds really - warm and washable (but sadly not vegan) and it is lovely to work with. And I have invested in some nice bamboo needles (a bit more expensive but well worth it!) I like the feel of bamboo or wood. It's warmer to the touch and makes it a pleasure to knit.

Here is the beginning of my project. You can't see very well from the picture, but this yarn knits up beautifully, with flecks of pale green, soft brown and turquoise amidst the over-all peacock blue. And it comes together quickly, which is good for me. It's going to be a gorgeous pullover (and I'll probably steal it!)

One thing I have noticed though is that, following my tension square, I do seem to knit a bit loose (never knew that!) but I'm deliberately not adjusting my needles (just bought them and, as I said, they were pricey!) No, instead I am knitting the smallest size, which would fit the slender figure of the recipient anyway, and it will just be a little looser. No problem!

Alex loves it, but he did say (rather cheekily, I may add!) "If that thing ever gets sleeves on it, I'll be very surprised!"

Prepare to be surprised, Mr H!