classic.

My first sweater of 2013 – finished! And I’m only posting this now … I was distracted with other things like Opposite Pole. I actually started this back in September but I was distracted by other projects. I decided in early January to push through and finish it for our annual Tofino trip. Unfortunately, I did not finish it in time but that was ok – I have it for camping this summer.
 

 

Pattern: Ladies Classic Raglan Pullover by Jane Richmond
 

Yarn: Lion Brand Fisherman’s Wool in colour Brown Heather
 

Needles: 5.5mm for the body, 5.00mm for the ribbing
 

 

I was inspired by Kelly’s versions here and here. Both of hers turned out beautifully. And as others have noted, the pattern is great. Another easy-to-follow and clearly written pattern from Jane. I like that it is an item you can dress up or dress down. Old jeans? Definitely. Black jeggings and boots? Absolutely.
 

 

A small confession that I have to share with you, though, is that by the time I finished the yoke I was sick to death of plain old knit stitch. While I worked the body, I worked a simple right twist down each side. It just gave me a little sparkle to look forward to! Silly, I know.
 

 

Modifications:

• lengthened body by 2.5”
• lengthened sleeved by 1.5”
• added 3 extra increase rows in the hip shaping to finish with the 40” bust size at the hip (too narrow for me in the 36” bust size at the hips)

 

I don’t think that pullovers are very flattering on me. I’m not very tall and I always feel, even when lengthened like this one, that they are boxy and shapeless on me. Even with the waist and hip shaping, I feel frumpy. What I really wanted a pullover like this one for is to wear with my down-filled vest and wellies when we are camping. Often I find myself wanting something warm and far-from-fitted when we are mucking about around the campfire and whatnot. I think this definitely will fill that bill!
 

 

How do you feel about pullovers? Do you have a good track record with them? Any favourite pullover patterns to share?
 

ps. I’m sorry for the two low quality photos – M was my photographer per usual and we had to use artificial lighting in some of the photos as it was getting too dark.

wonder-pole.

Knit in less than a week, this will definitely be one of my favourite sweaters going forward. Simple but interesting construction to keep it a little spicy, this cardigan is surprisingly flattering. I have to admit, I was a little sceptical when I read peoples’ comments about how flattering this sweater was – I am a convert!

It really is as flattering as they say – it hugs where it should and drapes where it should.

Pattern: Opposite Pole by Joji Locatelli
 

Yarn: Patons Classic Wool (Worsted) in colour Mercury
 

Needles: 5.5mm
 

 

Those who know me, know that my two favourite colours are grey and yellow. So what could be better than a comfy yellow t-shirt under this cozy, chunky-ish knit … my favourite scarf of course!
 

 

Yup, I`m in love! I made no modifications to this cardigan. The only thing I would do differently next time is knit the next size up sleeves. I chose the bust size 36-38” and while that is perfect, I just always need that extra inch or so in the upper arms.
 

 

However, because this is a little bulky, I would not want any more bulk in the sweater body itself. The length is perfect. The oversized collar is awesome – have I mentioned how much I love big collars?!
 

 

While this project was all about stash-busting and I started it on a whim when I was home alone last Tuesday night (yup, it was a 7 day knit!), I kind of want to knit it again … and again … and again …
 

 

Lovely pattern, Joji – I really enjoyed this one!

weekend work.

“What’s a weekend?”

-The Dowager Countess of Grantham, Downton Abbey, Season 1

The weekend seems to be the best time for me to work on my various crafting projects as I usually have some quiet time to myself. It is nice for me to have some small breaks from the routine of the week. And it is even nicer for M to have some catch up time with Tiny and enjoy some father-son bonding that he misses with his weekday schedule! What has sort of ended up happening is that I get a chance to work on my knitting. I thought that going forward, I would continue to share some of this ‘weekend work’ with you as I am able since I tend to mostly share finished projects rather that works in progress…

Last weekend and this weekend (in whatever free time I have), I have been working away on a gem of a knit! I am completely in love with this one – and it’s not even my usual style!

 

I chose yarn from my stash that I did not know what I was going to do with – thankfully I had enough as this is a yarn-eater! There is a deceiving amount of knitting in the collar/skirt.

The only regret I have about this knit is that I wish I had not done the three-stitch garter border on the outside of the large cable. I just love the look of a cable border but that’s ok – I am happy with it anyhow.
 

 

Isn’t this just the coolest? It is surprisingly slimming even though it is quite bulky. The short rows cinch it in nicely and I am really looking forward to wearing this one! I have not made any modifications to this yet – and I do not think I will. Hard to believe, I know! I hope you are working on something you are thoroughly enjoying :)

rain rain, go away.

Come again another day!

But if it is going to stay … which it tends to do here in rainy Vancouver … then I may as well have a super cute jacket, yes?

It came together beautifully – I couldn’t be happier. The Minoru Jacket was definitely challenging but I enjoyed every minute. Although there was re-sewing in a few instances, it was definitely not outside my skill set … which is pretty limited when it comes to sewing.

I think what I am happiest about is that not only does it fit me … it fits me perfectly … ZIPPED UP!

I cut out the size 12. Reveal time! I am a 42” hip and 36” bust so I was nervous that the jacket would be too big in the yoke and too small in the hips – my complaint about every single jacket I have ever owned.

BUT! (no pun intended) this was not the case with this pattern! It fits in both areas perfectly. Win!

The only two modifications I made to this (I was not about to start mucking around with this pattern) was:

• Lined the hood, and
• Lifted the elastic line about 2” to hit my waist. I have a long torso and after doing my muslin, I knew I would probably have to raise it. My waist is 28” so I did have to cut off 5” of the elastic after I thread it through the casing – there was not enough shaping in the waist otherwise.

I found a water and wind resistant outdoors 100% synthetic at a local fabric wholesaler. It is quite stiff so yes, working the gathers was a little difficult. I had second thoughts about my fabric choice at that point but I’m really glad I persevered. This feels and looks like a real rain jacket – it is definitely outdoor wear. And the gathers actually turned out quite nicely considering it is stiff fabric:

I didn’t interface anything. As you can see, there was no need! If I had interfaced the front plackets, I think it would have made the jacket so stiff that it would have been lifeless. Instead, there is some movement but keeps its structure.

The pockets. I wasn’t sure what to do about pockets. I wanted them … but I didn’t. If I didn’t put pockets on, the utility of this jacket would have decreased a huge amount – I need somewhere to put the truck keys when I’m managing Tiny Tuna! So … I made simple simple simple pockets with buttons from my stash:

They are 5” wide, 6” deep at the long side and 4” deep at the short. I’m really glad I added these and I think for what I was looking for in the jacket, they finish it nicely.

While I was sewing, I decided to do a little math once I finished to explore the ‘cost’ of making pieces of clothing like this in comparison to buying them. If I had bought this jacket, it would have saved me time but would it have saved me money? value? What was the true sewing value of this item?

As soon as I finished, I decided to calculate my estimated cost, price and value of my Minoru. This is how it all broke down in the end:

Cost: $79.39 (after tax, CAD)

Price: $145 (after tax, CAD) (this is the cost of the same jacket that I originally wanted from Mountain Equipment Co-op)

Value: $261.91 (after tax, CAD)

So, ideally cost will be lower than price will be lower than value. That is certainly the case here. My jacket, to me, is worth a lot more than it would have cost me to buy it outright … that’s pretty cool in my humble opinion :)

All-in-all, regardless of the numbers, math and money, this was an awesome project. Thank you Tasia, for a wonderful pattern for the pear-shaped ladies out there!

What have you made that fits you perfectly? or a winning pattern you’d make again? I’d love to hear about it!

ps. Yes, we took these photos in the rain for authenticity! M kept reminding me that the camera is not waterproof. Who knew? hehe

scholarly.

He is not particularly scholarly at this point as most of the time he is more interested in his hands and toes … and trying to eat them … but this is one gorgeous cardigan never-the-less!

Lisa has done it again :) I had the pleasure of testing this sweet little cardigan over the past couple of weeks and enjoyed every minute of it.

Pattern: Storytime Scholar Cardigan by Lisa Chemery *pattern to be released soon!

Yarn: Cascade 220 Heathers in colour 2452

Needles: 6.5mm for the body and sleeves, 6.00mm for the collar and button band

This is a very sweet little cardigan. I love the colour on him, too. The length is perfect for the cooler weather as well since everything rids up on him at this point.

Can you see Charlie’s nose there in the corner? I am not sure if he was busy sniffing Tiny or the newly-washed-in-lanolin-and-must-be-tasty sweater … hmmm

There are a few things about this little sweater that I just love – the garter stitch elbow ‘pads’ are just darling and the 1x1 ribbed pockets are a wonderful finishing touch.

My favourite aspect of this little sweater, though, is the collar/button band – it is the reason I wanted to test knit this for Lisa. I completely fell in love with it at first sight. I just looove the combination of 1x1 rib and garter. What a wonderful idea!

It looks even more wonderful on him! I just love the subtle transition and the perfect shawl collar that it creates:

I know that I will get some questions about the yarn I chose to use. I was stash busting (again) and did not have enough of any Aran weight in my stash. Cascade 220 is a light worsted so the fabric that was produced on 6.5mm needles, while gauge to the pattern, is quite light weight and a little frustrating to seam (there is a small amount of seaming to finish the pockets) – but I expected this as I had knit with Cascade at a loose gauge before. I would have gone down another needle size if I knit this again for the button band as the garter is quite stretchy but other than that I am happy with the finished sweater. The nice thing about Cascade is that while light, it fluffs up nicely when given the chance so it worked nicely for this but if you like more substantial knitted fabric, this might not be the best choice of yarn for your project. It does not get very cold here in Vancouver so this will be perfect for Tiny through his first winter. Right, Tiny?

Right, Mommy!

Finally, here is a photo of the finished sweater minus Tiny:

Next, onto holiday knitting. I`m almost finished! Are you doing any holiday knitting? Have you finished? How is it going?

winter swell.

Due to a few different things – namely running out of yarn and Tiny being born – this took a while to finish! I was stash busting and realized halfway through the first sleeve (after finishing the body) that I would not have enough yarn to finish. Tiny was born within a day or so of my realisation and of course, this sweater went onto the back burner … for good reason! haha I am glad it is finished now, though.

Pattern: Nanook by Heidi Kirrmair

Yarn: Cascade 220 Heathers in 8401 Grey

Needles: 5.00mm circs

My favourite aspect of this sweater are the back yoke increases. They were interesting to work and the result is gorgeous.

A brilliant pattern by Heidi, the only modification I made was to separate for the sleeves 1.5” shy of the pattern. I did not want a lot of bulk underneath my winter jacket. I am glad I did this because I have small shoulders and it fits perfectly with this small modification.

I also lengthened the body slightly. Size M1 (36” bust) gives me a 0” ease fit but due to the garter, it’s more like +1-2” of ease, which is perfect. The buttons are handmade and wooden. M actually chose them – I think they are perfect on this cardigan.

This cardigan is also super cute unbuttoned – I have been wearing it mostly buttoned since the weather has cooled here substantially. It will also see lots of wear in the shoulder seasons though since it is cute unbuttoned!

Overall, it is a great fit. It was a great project. I would love to make it again in another colour. The Cascade was absolutely perfect for this sweater.

What great projects have you finished lately?

weaving baskets.

I had the pleasure of testing this sweet little baby coat, which I was able to work up last week. It was a pleasure to work up.

Pattern: Woven Basket Baby Coat by Lisa Chemery (due to be released at the end of the month)

Yarn: Patons Classic Wool in Natural Mix (1.2 balls)

Needles: 6.00mm and 6.5mm

Lisa asked me to make the 0-3mos size which worked out perfectly as Tiny Tuna is 12 weeks tomorrow. He’s at the top end of the sizing but I think this will fit him through October then I will put it away for *hopefully* a future child :)

The woven basket pattern was easy to learn – it really makes the coat. I love how she worked the buttons into the band. Very genius.

The construction of this coat is a classic raglan but because you start with the hood, when you cast off at the bottom, you feel that the bulk of the project is finished. There are some little details – like a slight tapering of the hood – that really make this project special.

Isn`t that the perfect fit!

The sleeves are tapered slightly which is really nice – no bulky, baggy cuffs! I also added an extra row of buttons because I had 6 and I thought why not use them all instead of just 4.

I left off the pockets – I can always add them later or to larger versions (I will definitely be making this again).

Thank you for the opportunity to test for you, Lisa – it was a pleasure!