Friday 19 August 2011

FO Friday- Must make sweater

That's right, I have finished an actual full sized adult garment, something considerably bigger than socks, although if I am being honest it probably has fewer stitches than a pair of socks.

Last year I deicded I needed to knit something big, a sweater or cardi type thing. Being a lazy knitter I found some chunky yarn so it would knit quickly. I tried Lia by Mandie Harrington but although I think it loooks great in the pictures the ribbing did not do flattering things, it was frogged and I eventually found this: 


Yarn: Debbie Bliss Chasmerino chunky
Needles: Can't remember, really must be better at writing these things down, 6mm I think
Mods: worked back and shoulders, then fronts, attached front to back and worked sleeves in the round. Three rows of garter stitch at base of back. Sleeve length altered to "when one ball runs out its done".

It has been a FO for a while and should have been done even sooner but I dragged my feet about sewing in the ends (suprise suprise!).

I absolutely love it, the pattern is very simple and works up quickly because of the chunky yarn. I in no way made the correct gauge so it is a tiny bit fudged but fortunately it all worked out. The only thing I would like is a little more length in the body, but that is just personal preference. I have not quite worked out how to do that. The back would be easy, just keep knitting down, but more increases/rows on the front would mean more on the raglan shaping and lead to a wider back, more thinking needed here as I would consider making the pattern again.

It took (I think, again with the need to wirte stuff down) about 8 balls, which is not bad for a big cosy jumper, I have enough left to make something else, but I am not sure what, super squashy mittens perhaps, or a hat, but as previously mentioned all hats make me look ill.

I should have crossed the fronts over more for the photos, since it is a wrap around that gives it more shape and makes me looks less *ahem "fluffy".

The yarn is gorgeous, super soft and a beautiful colour. I am a tiny bit worried about it pilling and fluffing, but so far it is ok. I bought it from a Ravelry destash (which is how I could afford a sweater quantity) so can't comment on the price.

I was not sure about the detailing on the back, but it looked a lot better once it was blocked and flattened out (before it looked like I had made a flap to accomodate a tail, I do not have a tail).


Last week I read a FO post with a dancing picture, it made me smile, so here is me dancing because I totally love my new cardigan.


There are likely to be more cardigans in the future, although they may have to wait until the year of socks is over.

I will try to find something interesting to tell you all next week so it is not all FO and Year of Project posts.



26 comments:

  1. No! The body length is perfect! Such a great cardi :)

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  2. And yes, dancing photo is smile inducing :)

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  3. It's fabtastic, love the colour particularly. And the dancing picture made me grin :)

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  4. That's gorgeous - a lovely shape! *trundles off to look at the pattern*

    x

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  5. It's a job well done. Love the colour, love the fact that it knitted up quickly cause of the chunky wool.

    That pattern is definitely a winner!

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  6. I think the simplicity of the pattern combined with the chunky wool is really effective. Nice cardigan!

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  7. I think the length is fine, infact I think the whole thing is gorgeous! Well done!

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  8. it is a nice sweater! I smiled when you talked about the tail. Very cute.

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  9. Love the wrap and your stick you have to close it, heehee!

    I'm sorry Lia didn't work out for you. I have it queued so I hope I have better luck.

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  10. Ack I'm a slacker! I just realized your fiber is packaged up and happy sitting on the passengers seat of my car! I've been driving the company truck for 3 weeks so I didn't even notice until yesterday when I drove my car home.

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  11. I hate sewing up too! But the final product was worth it. I love the cardi. Well done.

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  12. Your sweater turned out nice, I love your closure!

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  13. It turned out great and looks wonderful on you.

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  14. Super cute! That's a great color too, should go with just about anything. Happy Fiber Arts Friday!

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  15. Your sweater is lovely and looks fantastic on you.

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  16. The sweater looks great! :) I like the back detailing, for what it's worth.

    ... and you say "all FO and Year of Project Posts" like it's a bad thing. ;)

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  17. Beautiful! I bet that cashmerino is super yummy.

    I really like the pattern, I say it's quite flattering and not at all fluffy. :-)

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  18. Very nice cardigan , and I really like the length . It's perfect , especially with three quarter sleeves. I hear you about the sewing in of the ends , same happens here ...

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  19. Love it!! I think the length is fine on your body. Love the color!!

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  20. It's fabulous! Don't stab yourself with the pin ;-)

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  21. love it-wish I could knit better to make such a pretty sweater-love that color, too.

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  22. I love the sweater, it looks great on you! I'm working on my first adult sweater also, and like you, I'm definitely going to be making more.

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  23. That is a super sassy cardi! Love it. I really need to finish my first sweater that I started...a year ago. Argh!

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  24. It's beautiful and I love the shawl stick too!

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  25. Love this, the colour is totally up my street

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  26. I totally agree, the body length looks fabulous on you! It's so sassy! I would love to make one myself!

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