So, my beef with Bardot - lack of schematics in these patterns. I think I need to add at least an inch in body length for my tall daughter, so she can wear it with her somewhat low-slung jeans without leaving three or more inches of exposed flesh to the elements. I have nothing against exposed flesh, I used to wear such things myself at her age, but what is the point of a Cashmerino sweater if it doesn't cover enough territory to be reasonably warm on a cold evening out? A little gap of skin is sexy, but a landscape of exposed gooseflesh is SO not sexy. I'm going to add ten rows before starting the raglan shaping, just for extra measure, to allow for her height (5'9") and boobage (Italian). It'll still be skimpy and sexy but hopefully will be enough to avoid gooseflesh. That's why I'm wishing for a drawing - overall length doesn't tell me what I want to know here. It's a raglan sweater, and raglans are damn near as long above the decreases as below - sometimes longer - and I don't know what I'm going to have where when I finish the decreases - will it be long enough where it counts? I've knitted many a raglan but they were more "raglan-ish" than this - because of the wide neckline this doesn't decrease as much, and therefore wouldn't get as long, as a "normal" pullover. I'm almost at the point of the decreases, so it's time to make the call - I'm going with ten more rows before I start decreasing - it's not much, but it may avoid major gooseflesh exposure. Cross your fingers for me, and if you've made this sweater (Bardot from Debbie Bliss No 5.) and have wisdom to share, please email me.

Oh, and on the Body Quest - though the scale has not registered a significant change in the past few days, I think it's close to time to park the size 12s. I am wearing an almost new pair of slacks that are supposed to be fitted. What is the point of spandex in your clothing to add ease and stretch, if the pants are billowing around your body? These are hanging off my hips like Old Man Pants. They are too damn big. My issue is still my lack of toning in my abs, but that's what my Pilates workout is for. 10s are on the horizon, and this is good because they are still hanging wistfully in the back of my closet, reproaching me every day. The 8s I am buying from scratch, because when I get to Size 8 Land again I am changing the whole look - the Clingy Knits Will Be Back, Baby! It's been too long, we need to get reacquainted.

Murphy story, since the star of the blog has been somewhat pushed to the background by his mother's obsessions - when we walked this evening we met the most glorious Mastiff. Don't think for a minute that because I am the slave of a small bossy dog I don't adore big dogs. I am crazy about them and still consider acquiring one, but I'd have to find one that is ready to be dominated by 7 pounds of Mr. Know-It-All. Anyway, this Mastiff was absolutely gorgeous - what a head, what a face, he was show quality, I am sure of it - his owner and I exchanged brief pleasantries, and the dogs exchanged nuzzles. I would never have let Murphy get that close to a strange mouth that size under other circumstances, I am not crazy, but this big boy was wearing a Halti so he couldn't open his mouth enough to misbehave, even if he had seemed to be the type. I am a fair reader of dogflesh, and I had no real concerns with this guy. What a darling dog, he was so sweet, Murphy kissed him and nuzzled his huge head, went insane expressing his doggy affection for a huge cousin, and this enormous dog whose head is bigger than my entire dog put his big head down and wagged his tail, then gave me the sweetest, most soulful look - if he's not a show dog he should be, that face and those warm, intelligent eyes would bring a judge to his/her knees. Murphy was so jazzed, he'd never met a dog THAT big before. He adores big dogs. Now I want a Mastiff. I hope I see that dog again, I need to ask his Mom if he will be bred. That face just haunts me, and Murphy worshipped him on sight. We are both in love. But Murphy rules - I would never add a second dog who would hurt him. Taking his inflated ego down a peg is fine, but harm him physically, never. That's why adding a big dog is so dicey - I want another dog, and a large dog would be wonderful, but I'm not going to take on an animal who might hurt Murphy or the cats. A puppy is ideal, a gentle cooperative breed is ideal. I really need another Golden, I think....