Thanks for the offer Jessie - it won't come to that!
As I get a lot of craft items and particularly heavy card and paper I've got wise.  We go to Berwick at least once a year and this year I ordered a lot of card and paper and crafty things and had them delivered to my son free of charge....They are items which I cannot get at home or in N.Ireland and have no option but to do it this way.  Otherwise I will not pay through the nose....I have told many companies that they are discriminating against us but they couldn't care less.

Thank you all for your time and advice....not so desperately worried about the size of the pattern on the fabric, needed to know how easy/difficult to sew that fabric can be and thanks, I think I realise it might be doable with care.

Grateful for all the links too.

Ploshkin - yes the bottom edge will curl up and that is precisely what it is supposed to do!  If you don't like the look you could change to K1 P1 rib and smaller needles.  Does the neck edge curl up? (Editing to say that I see it does). That may look ok there. For me, a dyed in the wool traditionalist as far as knitting is concerned a 'proper' rib is the real McCoy.  It's 'elastic' and hard wearing.
I have been, like you, struggling on with a sweater I am knitting, it's 4 ply, it is the complimentary yarn I got from Designer Yarns when I politely complained about Debbie Bliss Fine Donegal.....I didn't have enough for a long sleeved sweater so bought some contrasting yarn and did the front in alternate stripes.  I find 4ply a tad slow to work with but, like you, I've been plodding on.  Watching tennis helped!  Back and front now complete and the 2 cuffs for the sleeves are knit all at once, have precisely 8 grams of contrast yarn for each sleeve as will put some contrast stripes just above the cuffs to use it up.
Anyhow P, yes, the edge will curl up and if you are ok with that go ahead....sounds like you aren't.  If you now change to ribbing it may not look quite as trendy....and will take more yarn of course.  Just my 2 cents...I'm an oldie.

Lovely sweater Ploshkin - best of luck with it.
Top down?  I'm with Jessie on this....Magic Loop?  Not for me either - I just could not be bothered learning any more new ways to do things which are second nature to me doing them my way, if you get my drift......grammar all over the place there!
Sorry the lamb didn't make it....hope you get the triplets to be able to pass it off with the lambless ewe....3 is too many for one ewe in any case.

Lovely blankets Jessie - especially the Spring and Summer one - indeed nothing to sew up afterwards.

I have said it before and will say it again....for those of you who are still at the learning stage - google Lucy at Attic 24 and you'll get all the tuition you need...very specific photos too

Lovely socks indeed....I know I learned how to turn the heel many, many years ago and would love to have another go at it....but I couldn't wear even 4 ply in my shoes....I have had to abandon sports socks as they are too thick for me.....the only things is to knit chunky ones for the grandteenagers for around the house as they have underfloor heating etc.

Come On DF - spill the info on the Italian job ....

Welcome back to the fold........I read your blog occasionally so kept sort of in touch.