Remember this post when I shared about how hard it was for me to start a knitting project? Well, it has come to fruition! This project took me four or five months. Some weeks, I worked on it daily, but also took some longer breaks. I ended up using a…
Remember this post when I shared about how hard it was for me to start a knitting project? Well, it has come to fruition! This project took me four or five months. Some weeks, I worked on it daily, but also took some longer breaks.
I ended up using a pattern from a magazine, Campus Hand Knits For Men and Women Vol. 71. It advertised Bear Brand and Fleisher Yarns. Copyright 1963. I picked style 7118, the Round Neck Pullover version. Except, I couldn't let it be that easy.
Four panels before seaming
Reverse of colorwork
Because the pattern was plain stockinette, I wanted to do something that would make it a little special since there wouldn't be much unique about the sweater in terms of style or texture. I graphed out my own color work pattern inspired by fair isle sweaters I liked. In the end, this color work section was the most challenging (obviously?), but not for the reason I expected. Counting stitches to keep track of the pattern was ok, but it was hard to keep the tension correct when switching colors frequently. I think I might have made the back section too tight and the front section too loose. This is a technique I will have to practice more.
I was happy that my arduous math calculations were "close enough"! Almost everything fit as intended. The ribbed collar was just a little bit too small to get over my head. I ended up solving this with a single button at the side of the collar instead of trying to rework anything.
I learned a lot from the experience as I had to look up different instructions and videos to problem solve things like increases and decreases, the Kitchener stitch to weave two live edges together, seaming two sections of knit fabric, and the best method for weaving in all the many ends!
When I blocked it, I did not stretch the ribbing. This way, the ribbing kept its natural stretch so it fits closer around the waist and wrists. I decided that would work better for styling it with vintage looks. I'll wear a layer underneath it (so I don't have to wash it as often and for better warmth), but I'll usually wear the under layer tucked in.
Overall, I'm pretty happy with my first sweater. I'll know a few more mistakes to avoid for the next project. Yes, there will be a next project! Knitting has been very enjoyable. I should probably start now so that it will be finished at the beginning of the cold season instead of the end. I got to wear my sweater three times before the weather turned warm. Haha!
Bonus: I also sewed a holder for my knitting needles.
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