The pattern is from a back issue of [I]Knit Simple[/I], (Winter 2006/07, page 33). It is going to be a raglan cardigan. Yesterday I seamed it together, picked up the live stitches and started on the 2x2 ribbed collar that will fold downward. After the collar is worked to 7" I will BO and then pick up stitches along the front vertical edges and work the buttonbands.
I have enjoyed working with this yarn. It feels better after having been washed in woollite and blocked. I received a great compliment from my husband too. While I was pinning it out to block he came into the room to see what I was doing. He ran his hand over the fabric and said, “Wow, that looks just like the ones you buy.” I just hope the finished garment will look the same too.
I have spent a lot of time on this baby.
So far I have used under two skeins of this yarn. It is so economical.
The sheet that I block items on has 1/4" wide stripes and they are a big help in getting the sections lined up accurately. I would love to find a sheet with a 1" grid check pattern. That would be a big help.
I knitted the 1st and last stitches on all rows regardless of pattern. If you look closely at the 2nd picture, you will see that I have a thin sock yarn running along the outer edges through the edge stitches. Using a blunt needle, I placed them there before I washed the fabric. This thread was a big help in lining up the pieces and pulling them into shape.
I think I may have blocked the ribbing to much. Hopefully the next washing will relax it a bit. I’m still learning.
Looks great so far! The color is beautiful, and will be very versatile. Can’t wait to see pictures of the finished product … be sure to post more pictures when you’re done! :cheering:
Your sweater is beautiful and I am anxious to see the finished result. I have done some small projects with this yarn recently and really like it. Have some of the oak twist or marl (I forget) to make a vest with when I get to it. Keep us posted.
I made my DH a scarf and hat using this wool and it turned out great. It softened up really well after it was washed and the cables on the scarf have great stitch definition. I love the color of your cardigan too. I may have to pay closer attention to that one.
I would have preferred a seamless pattern, but this is a pretty pattern and I felt I should be able to make it without a lot of trouble. But, you’re right the less seams to deal with the better.
My daughter and the DGD’s are coming to visit so it will be the end of next week before I get finished with the cardigan. I will post a picture then.
I have finished the cardigan, but I am not satisfied with the way the 2x2 ribbing buttonbands look. To me they take away from the look of the sweater, making the whole thing look homemade and not hand crafted. I’ll never wear it if I feel it looks less than it should look. The curse of a perfectionist. No, I “ain’t” perfect, but I strive to do all that I do the very best that I’m able, either until I get it right or prove to myself that it can’t be done.
I plan to remove the buttonbands and I’m trying to decide what to do in their place. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Would a seed stitch border work well with the 2x2 cuffs, collar, and bottom?
I also thought about edging the fronts with I-cord trim and then sewing on a placket behind these with buttonholes.
I also thought about knitting 1x1 ribbbed vertical bands and sewing them in place.
Help me please! I want to get this finished so I can move on to other stuff.
Sorry, but I can’t get the pictures to load here at home. The connection is to slow. I will have to wait until I can get back to the library.
Oh I am so sorry that your buttonbands didn’t live up to expectations. I don’t have any help for you there but I do have a suggestion for your blocking sheet. I use gingham fabric. It comes in one inch by one inch squares. I bought 2 yards and covered a piece of styrofoam that is used for insulating a garage door. They come in 4’ x 6’ (I think, I am on vacation so I can’t measure to be exact) I have the grid to line things up and the styrofoam to push the pins into. Hope this helps. Nana
Aprilbetty, I picked up 2 out of three. Had I picked up 3 out of four, it may have looked better, but I still did not like the look of the buttonholes.
Here are three pictures of the details and finished cardigan.
I know it’s hard for people to give advice without having pictures to view, but today is the first time I’ve been able to get to the library and upload these pictures.
In the mean time, I removed the buttonbands and I’ve made separate 2x2 ribbing vertical bands. I have finished the attaching the left side and I’m now working on the right side. The buttonholes are neatly enclosed in the purl stitches between the k2 columns.
The last two picture show the 2x2 vertical ribbing. I like the way the slipped stitches look along the outer edge too.
Well, personally I think “perfect”, as humanly possible, is a good thing. I know I would have had changed it too.
You can already see the vertical band is a much nicer finish.
Really nice sweater. :yay:
How was that yarn to work with? I’ve seen it in stores, but it seemed a little rough to the touch, so I hesitate buying any.
I like this yarn. It isn’t as soft as say the superwash, but it is economical. Besides, I won’t be wearing it next to my skin. When I get finished, I will have used just less than two skeins. I bought the yarn on sale. I’ll have about $16.00 in the cost of yarn. I still have to search for buttons.
Oh this looks spectacular! I’m with you. I’m REAL FUSSY about buttonbands and buttonholes. There aren’t too many buttonholes that I don’t “tweak” and “modify” in some way, coming up with a little different formula for them.
I really do like the vertical bands that you added! Very streamlined and seamless and clean! Great job! I’ll have to remember your trick! And, the seaming of the vertical bands will give it stability, too!
Correction: Because of some of the yarn wasted with redoing the buttonbands, I had to start on the third skein.
I have finished the cardigan, all but the buttons. I’ll have to wait until I can make a trip to purchase them. There is nothing here in my area that sales buttons other than the 2 or 3 you’ll find at Wal-Mart.
This will be a utility sweater more or less. It was a trial piece to learn the ways of the Fisherman yarn and to decide if I would want to use it in the future when and if I am able to find that certain pattern for a more dressy garment.
I’ll post a picture after I am able to get buttons.