I'm really pleased that I've finally finished my aboriginal flag hoodie (size approx 7 - 9 years). I started it quite a few months ago, but put it down when I got stuck on the first sleeve. I was trying to add a sun on the elbow, but it wasn't working properly with the increases. When I went back to it recently I decided that it wouldn't work at all, so just did the sleeves in black and red. I think it would have been easier if I'd been knitting with 4mm needles, as the fabric would have been more dense, and taken colour changes a bit better. With 5mm needles it was all a bit loose, especially with the increases. The main sun on the front would have been a bit tidier, too, but I think its roughness has a sort of rustic charm, which goes with the patchwork of red yarns - all 8ply, but the difference in weight varied remarkably between the different yarns.
I did the red side of the hood all in one red, so that the shape wouldn't be compromised. The hood string is plaited lengths of the three colours, and I made it so tight that it's quite firm. I got a bit stuck looking for something to thread it through the hem of the hood, and ended up using a stitch holder. It got a bit hooked up once or twice, but worked well.
In all, I'm happy with how it turned out. It's my first attempt at a colour pattern, and one that I've designed myself. I don't know that I'll get into it in a big way, but I'd like to make jumpers for my nephews with their names on the back, footy jumper-style.
This one is going to K4BN, and if it's received well, I could see myself doing another one. First I would adapt the pattern to work with 4mm needles; that kind of adaption would also be a first for me, but I think I can do it. I have a few other UFOs to get through first, though!
