Saturday, July 09, 2016

The Selfish Sweater

I started a Left Bank Cardigan back in August. Plenty of time, I thought to myself, to knit it up before the cold weather comes in. But, oh, how I underestimated my skills in the procrastination department! After making a good start, I set it aside and did absolutely nothing for months. By the time I picked it back up in April, I was convinced I might have it done for winter. Next winter. I finished it up in May -- and, much to my surprise, actually had a chance to wear it several times due to a chilly Spring! It's quite comfortable, and I adore the color. There's just enough of a pattern to be interesting, without overwhelming the sweater (and the ribbing makes it super stretchy!).





Loved the pattern, my only possible beef being that I don't really like the shaping at the neck in the front (it has kind of a "bend," where I'd prefer a smooth "slope"). But that's a small quibble, and I would not be surprised to find myself making another in the future!





My one big goof was the buttonholes -- I have no idea what happened, since I counted very carefully, but they are definitely... off. Not to mention very difficult to even find! Apparently I need to work on my buttonhole skills... I will likely wear this cardigan open or only buttoned at the top, so I may just leave it. but I have plenty of yarn left should I decide to re-do the neck band.





This was my first "selfish sweater," and I can't wait to wear it again in the Fall! The yarn was Knit Picks Palette in "Mauve." Lovely to work with, and I somehow ended up with an entire extra skein. Did I buy too much? At any rate, an extra skein of fingering yarn won't go to waste!





I really never thought that I'd be here one day -- knitting sweaters that I'm actually willing to wear in public. After so many failed attempts at knitting, I thought it just wasn't in my DNA! Perhaps that's why I take such pleasure in it now. Sewing... well, I've been sewing forever. While I enjoy sewing, I usually sew for the finished project, not because I enjoy cutting out fabric or hearing the whir of the machine. But knitting? Knitting is all in the process, isn't it? The gentle clack of the needles, the soothing repetition, the frogging back. *wink* I think it might be even more therapeutic than sewing.

In the time it's taken me to take photos and post them, I've finished another sweater -- on a smaller scale, this time. Photos forthcoming!

Raveled here.

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8 comments:

  1. Laura Elizabeth7/09/2016 10:41 AM

    Beautiful! I see I've converted you to KnitPicks :D (Palette is my favorite yarn that they sell; I have two drawers stuffed full of it!)

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    1. ~ Shannon7/09/2016 1:14 PM

      Thanks, Laura Elizabeth! And yes, I have you to thank for my introduction to Knit Picks! :-) I was just thinking that I need to give you some "credit" for that in one of my knitting posts! I'm a huge fan of their yarns, colorways, prices -- basically everything :-)

      Cheers,
      Shannon

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  2. Cheri7/10/2016 7:14 AM

    Considering my knitting skills do not exceed the most basic stitch, this is quite amazing! And for being homemade, this doesn't even look frumpy! ;) I'm sure that the process will speed up the more you do it, but then at the same time, sometimes the slow process is a good thing.

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    1. ~ Shannon7/10/2016 10:08 AM

      Cheri,

      This sweater doesn't actually require any complicated stitches, which was a huge plus in my opinion! And I'm so glad to hear that it has escaped the "frumpy homemade" category! ;-) I think that's part of what prevented me from knitting for so long -- I'm just not a fan of acrylic/synthetic yarns, or baggy clothing. But there are so many patterns now...

      Yes, I've definitely sped up since starting! I knit continental style, which helps.

      Thanks for stopping by, and for your kind words!

      Cheers,
      Shannon

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  3. Sarah7/10/2016 12:41 PM

    Shannon,

    Beautiful work! I love the color and the stitch pattern. It almost looks like a cable stitch, it really makes the cardigan. Your knitting always inspires me. : )

    -Sarah

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    1. ~ Shannon7/10/2016 12:46 PM

      Sarah,

      Thank you for your kind words! I agree that the stitch pattern has a cable look (but so much easier! I do love cables, but THAT many would be quite a project!). And I'm inspired by your knitting, so apparently the feeling is mutual ;-)

      Cheers,
      Shannon

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  4. Diane7/12/2016 6:19 AM

    Shannon, I am soo impressed! You learned to knit all on your own, right? You give me hope that I too will eventually be able to knit. I've tried so many times before but it just never became comfortable for me. Maybe its time I try again! Your sweater is absolutely beautiful!!

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    1. ~ Shannon7/12/2016 12:32 PM

      Diane,

      I did have some instruction early on, but had never done anything beyond knit and purl stitches prior to *really* learning. And I, like you, had tried so many times! What worked for me was finding the right yarn and the right pattern -- something I was really enthusiastic about, but wasn't too difficult. I frequently look up Youtube videos on certain stitches (even if I've done them in the past, I don't always remember!). I knit continental style, which I highly recommend -- I find it easier to get into a "rhythm," and it seems (to me) to be less work. Though I think it's perhaps a little more of a learning curve at the beginning?

      Thank you for your kind words -- and I wish you the best of success if you do take up knitting again! :-)

      Cheers,
      Shannon

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