Knitting for Victory

After several years of knitting, I have finally bitten the bullet and decided to knit myself a garment.
I've knitted hats, beanies, newsboy caps, scarves, toys, half a blanket and various other items, but I've never been brave enough to knit myself a jumper.
It's the sleeves I'm scared of. I've heard stories about people having trouble with their sleeves and armholes and shaping and bodices and all manner of knitting conundrums.

But I've decided to get over those fears. Afterall, there is no technique in this pattern that I am not familiar with. And everyone used to knit their own clothes, so it can't be that hard, right?
To ensure that I don't shy away from the more difficult parts I've decided to join a knit-along.
I saw By Gum, By Golly's Knit for Victory Knit Along back in November, when it started, and seriously considered joining, but decided against it.
But after a recent trip away, my dear sister brought me back 8 balls of the most delicious yarn. So I decided to cast on and join Knit for Victory.

The Knit Along gives you until the 31st of January 2014 to complete any 1940's inspired garment, be it a jacket, hat or even a pair of gloves.
I have a whole book filled with treasures from the 1930's, 40's & 50's so finding a pattern wasn't hard.
It'll be getting it finished that will be the hard part.

You see, as of today, the 1st of December, it is officially Summer here in Australia. Summer is hot, and sticky, and not ideal weather for knitting a winter jumper.
And because I have joined the knit-along a whole month late, I have just 62 days to get my jumper finished.
If it were winter I wouldn't be worried, but it's not. I seriously doubt that I'll get it done in time, but I'm going to try anyway! I like a challenge. And luckily it doesn't usually get too hot here in summer, except in the days before a storm. Then it is almost unbearable.

So wish me luck in my knitting ventures.
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The Details:

I'm using Morris & Son's Empire 4ply, a lovely Australian Merino yarn, in Kingfisher Blue

I'm making it into the Clara Bow-Panel Sweater from the gorgeous book Knit Vintage