Monday, February 7, 2011

Not what I expected



I wonder whether it is wise to experiment without some idea of the end result. I wanted to knit the boyfriend sweater shown in the above picture, but I had to use different yarn which I thought wouldn't make that much difference.
The finished piece was supposed to be a roomy slouchy sweater, one just perfect for casual encounters, walking the dog and such like.



It's from this book which is one of my all time favourites for the young women in my life. I've knitted the dress in this before as you might all recall. My biggest woe is that I can never find the same yarns over here in NZ and I would love to get my knitty mitts on some Elle Stretch or even some Bamboozle.




The piece I ended up with is much more fitted. It might not be quite what I was expecting but I have say I am very pleased with the end result. It looks modern and trendy, with just the hint of shape and flair.

So I used an organic cotton, natural with just the hint of a green nub running through it. I took the needles down a size and used 6mm instead of 6.5mm. What I really love about this sweater was that it was knitted entirely in the round. There was no sewing up. No seriously apart from weaving in the ends that was it, once I cast off the whole piece was done. I have never before picked up the sleeves at the shoulders and knitted them in the round but I am so pleased with the result I might do it that way all the time.
Even the shoulders were joined using the three needle bind off. What more could a girl ask for.
If you're new to knitting and want to step up from a small project to a bigger one this is the project to pick. It's simple and fast to knitt, hardly any shaping and no sewing up. Oh I already mentioned that didn't I? Well it's exciting.
I was going to give it away to my step daughter and then I wanted to keep it for myself I loved it that much. I did give it to her and it looks stunning on her slim figure. I guess I'll just have to make another one.

Hope everyone had a great weekend wishing you a fab week at work or home.

12 comments:

Willow said...

The wonderful things of giving the sweater to your step daughter are that 1. she loves you for it and 2. you get to try out the pattern before you make your own. It's great--and I love having NO seams to sew too!

Bonnie said...

I am so glad we were happy with the way it turned out. There is nothing so disappointing as spending your time and talent and not being happy.

Mr Puffy's Knitting Blog: said...

I'm glad this had a happy ending :) So often sweaters end up being a lot of time and expense and then a bit of a disappointment. Have fun picking the color and yarn for YOUR sweater ~

kim said...

Just my kind of sweater, I love roomy knits with plenty of movement, and no seams.......brilliant. Love the slouchy look,
florrie x

Catherine said...

I agree with everyone else, knitting in one piece with no seams in The Business. Besides saving all that time the finish is a lot neater. The jersey looks fab - You should ask your step daughter to model it!

Thimbleanna said...

Wow -- no seams -- that sounds perfect! You're so good to give it away -- definitely another one in your future! Very cute!

SissySees said...

Beautiful. I hope to return to my sweater after I finish the baby blanket that's about halfway now...

Caroline said...

Ally, I keep checking on your sweater and the book you used. It's such a perfect pattern. I love knitting in the round, and I like sweaters without too much fuss. I knit a sweater for my daughter this fall, so I think it's time I knit one for myself. I hope your step daughter appreciates it. Gifts that you yourself want to keep but still give away are the most generous:)

LizzieJane said...

I love knitting in the round. It is so great not having seams to sew up at the end. Your sweater is lovely and your stepdaughter is very lucky to have it!
x

At Home Mommy Knits said...

Well I'm glad it turned out as you wanted!! Looks like a great sweater.

Jen S. said...

Pretty sweater! Nothing wrong with a trial run. I end up with a lot of wonderful gifts to give that way. =D

opportunityknits said...

Glad it turned out great. I was kind of afraid that it might be the opposite when I started reading your post and title :) I like happy endings.