Pattern: Last Minute Knitted Gifts' Hourglass sweater.
Yarn: 10 skeins of beautiful Cash Iroha.
Needles: Size 6 Addi Turbos, which I really liked.

I am very happy with myself for having finished this sweater. The hem and the cuffs blocked out totally flat, and the rest of the sweater looked great with only a light misting. I'm also glad that I decided to knit up the hem when I started the body and sleeves, a la nothin' but a t-shirt, so that I only had to seam the neckline at the end. I would NOT be wearing it yet if there was that much finishing! Even though I continued the yoke decreases further than the pattern instructed, I was surprised how big the neckline turned out to be. But everything looks better with a black turtleneck. ...and that oddly light-colored skein across the chest? It is MUCH less visible when not faced with the harsh flash. I have had this on all day now, and I think it is very wearable, unlike most sweaters I have made since I started knitting. Maybe this is the beginning of something good!

Tomorrow is the start of my official New Year's vacation, and I'm off until I have to head back to the office next Wednesday. I know they say that culture shock is a constant cycle, and I am definitely feeling a little overwhelmed about living in Japan right now, so I'm willing to believe it. Hopefully a few days off and away from all the people who are driving me crazy will be just what I need to remind me what made me want to stay a third year in the first place!