Monday, November 22, 2010

My Latest Sweater

I partially knitted the front of this sweater three times before I finally got it right. The first time it was smaller than the pattern indicated (even with my gauge being accurate) and the second time I noticed the tiny cables were much looser than they were pictured in the pattern. As in not as pretty.

So I unpicked and knitted one size bigger and twisted twice as tightly (every 4 rows instead of every 8) and was finally satisfied.

The fun thing is, the cowl and the sweater are actually two separate pieces so that if you're cold you can wear it with extra warmth (and fashion) but without for a cooler day (or a coordinating scarf).

All in all very nice.  And I'm on to another.

If you're interested in this one for yourself you can find the pattern here at Lion Brand (for free!!).

And by the way . . . I'll be taking a break until after the Thanksgiving weekend.  We've got volleyball and sledding and The Nutcracker and lots of pie-baking and gluttony on the schedule. No time for posting but I'll be thinking of you and hoping you're having a great Thanksgiving too. Next week I've got all sorts of nice things to report on--like giant zebra heads.

***

And if you're feeling crafty this Black Friday weekend, may I suggest a couple books that I've recently been sent to review that I thought were quite right?

First, Design It, Knit It: Babies from Debbie Bliss is a fun addition to your library.  Showing you how to put together your own designs, it's a little different than your average knitting book but still takes advantage of the smaller time requirement that baby clothes offer.  As with all of Debbie Bliss's books, the designs are very cute and the patterns easy to follow.  She makes such classy clothes.

Second, there is How to Sew a Button (And Other Nifty Things Your Grandmother Knew) from Erin Bried which is just what the title says--a little domestic how-to manual for those of us who may have missed the Home Ec classes in junior high (raising hand). A great little gift for the holidays or as a stocking stuffer, it would be particularly great for any future college students about to be thrown into the wilds of the dorms. 

Finally, there is The Complete Book of Baby Bargains: 1000+ Best Ways to Save Money Every Day by Kimberly Danger. I've been a mom for 16+ years now and I will swear that this book had ideas that were new to me.  And good ones! If you've got a new mom on your shopping list and want to help her out this might be one of the best new-baby handbooks out there, right next to those "What to Expect" books.

30 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh my goodness. That is gorgeous. Impressive.

Bee said...

Un-knitting isn't nearly as much fun as knitting, is it? It's a gorgeous sweater and I love the fact that the cowl is separate. Going to check it out.

Serena said...

It's lovely! The color is great, and it looks wonderful on you! Well worth the effort! ;)

Flea said...

The sweater is beautiful. And I can't wait to hear about the giant zebra heads.

Kim N said...

Beautiful! I am very impressed. I love the color too.

Janelle said...

That's a very cool-looking design. I really like the color, too.

Happy Thanksgiving, Michelle!

Mrs. O said...

It's gorgeous! I'm curious to know which size you knitted, and if you added any length to the sweater.

Are you on Ravelry?

Tammy said...

It's so beautiful! I've yet to knit a sweater!

Scribbit said...

Thanks--I didn't add any length but I went with a large rather than a medium as I recall. Or at least this size: X(X, THIS ONE, X, X) :) I can't remember what it was called.

hoopty doopty said...

This is so gorgeous and I would love to knit something so beautiful and wear it. I've only knitted a scarf after teaching myself to knit and keep telling myself I'm going to knit something else but I'm pretty sure I need to learn a few more things first and practice on easier items.
Really, really pretty and you look fantastic modeling it. The belt is a great accent.

flip flop mama said...

That is really beautiful. Great job! I love knitting and crocheting!

Mimi N said...

That is stunning! You also look gorgeous in it. I love the belt added to it.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

~Mimi

Michelle said...

It's so Anthropologie! I love it.

Michelle Glauser said...

Although the sweater isn't something I'd personally wear, the fact that you MADE it is awesome! I think my eyes popped out of my head.

Howard Family said...

Wow Michelle- I wish I had the talent that you have in your little finger. You're amazing and that sweater is beautiful!

Suzie B. said...

Beautiful! Is there ANYTHING you can't do?!!

Holly said...

I'm so impressed with your sweater! All I've ever been able to do is cast on.

Anyone who actually schedules gluttony is fine by me! ;) Happy Thanksgiving.

Stephanie said...

It looks great on you! (AND - I love that color).

stephanie@metropolitanmama.net

momneverstops said...

It's beautiful! I love the color.
I like the pattern as well.

jean said...

Wait a minute. YOU made that? It is fantastic! I don't mean to doubt you but that looks so complicated! Great job.

Happy Thanksgiving!

J said...

That's a gorgeous sweater, and you look gorgeous in it. It's sometimes a matter of finding what looks good on your body. On my short curvy body, I would look shorter and rounder. But on your tall willowy body, it looks fabulous.

Your knitting skill is amazing. Really, really nice.

Cheri said...

It is so beautiful and I love the color! It is so cool that the cowl is seperate, what a great idea! Wish I could knit.

Anonymous said...

That is beautiful!! We are going to the nutcracker too on Sat afternoon. My daughter is finally old enough! yay.

Jenna said...

Holy frijoles! That is amazing! You continue to astound me!

jacjewelry said...

Gorgeous sweater! You are so talented. Hope you've had a wonderful Thanksgiving! How was The Nutcracker? We are going to see it next weekend!

Amy said...

It's absolutely beautiful. This is why I keep trying to knit, even though I like crocheting better.

You did a great job--reworking it was definitely worth it.

Amy said...

Oh my word- STUNNING!! I bow to your knitting needles, my friend! xo

BlondeMomBlog (Jamie) said...

That sweater is incredible Michelle!!!! Love the color, the style...just gorgeous. I think I'd be lucky at this point to take on knitting and knit one tiny plain scarf. ;)

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simplycathi said...

Love the sweater!! It truly is gorgeous!!