teal ribbed sweater
This is sweater #10 of my ‘learn to knit by making a dozen self-designed sweaters’ project. (Here are links to #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7 #8 and #9, if you’d like to see my progress.)
After the success of my most complex design yet, I thought I’d try something a bit simpler, and test out the quality of my notes from an earlier design that I’ve got a lot of use from: my green ribbed cardigan (#5).
I decided to make a pullover version, with just a couple of modifications: I added a couple of inches more length (the green one was slightly shorter than I’d have liked as I was working with the constraint of only having 4 balls of yarn!), adding a little more ease so the extra length wouldn’t be too tight over my hips, and modifying the positions of the rib stripes so the side seams would continue the stitch pattern flawlessly.
Other than that, and making a pullover with a single front instead of two half-fronts for the cardigan, I followed my previous notes exactly. I used the same yarn in a different shade and assumed my gauge would be the same (it was!) instead of swatching again.
To make the neckband, I again followed the style of my cardigan’s neckband. I overlapped the neckband at the point of the V instead of trying to make a mitred corner in pattern. Although it’s a little bulkier this way, it looks neat, and I stitched down the excess fabric on the inside so it doesn’t get in the way.
It’s good to know I can follow my own notes if I want to remake any of these sweaters, and it was refreshing to work from a pattern (of sorts) and not have to make design decisions and size calculations at every step.
But now I only need 2 more sweaters to complete this project (wow – I’m so close now!) so no more laziness; for the next sweater it’s time to tackle the one big design element I’ve never even tried to date: cables…
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Susan Carder said
I couldn’t even seem to knit. My Mom and Grandma tried to teach me, I don’t know if it’s because I’m left-handed and they were both right handed, but I couldn’t seem to maneuver the sticks. But, give me a crochet hook and I am a whiz. Love all kinds of crochet, thread, yarn, amigurumi, clothing etc., etc., Your tutorials have also increased my skills, love the left-handed versions. All this being said I love the look and feel of knitted “fabric.” How does it compare for you? If you ever decide to do knitting tutorials I might give it a try again. Thanks for sharing your gifts with all!
June said
Susan, I’m left-handed too, and I made the decision to learn to knit right-handed. You hold a needle in each hand, so it’s much more of a two-handed craft than crochet anyway!
I enjoy both knitting and crochet, but I much prefer knitted fabric for sweaters, even though it’s much slower to produce – knit fabric is thinner and stretchier and the stitches are smaller and more even, which all make for a more flattering fit (in my opinion).
I have crocheted a lovely cardigan too though, so please don’t think I’m turning up my nose at crocheted garments – I think that ending up with something you’re happy to wear is all about choosing the right yarn and stitch for the look and feel you want for that garment 🙂
Michelle said
You are just amazing, June! I can’t knit so I just live vicariously through your sweater posts. They are gorgeous and all look like they are from a store – other than better made of course. I have enjoyed joining you in this journey and can’t believe you are almost done!
June said
Thank you, Michelle! I can hardly believe it myself – it’s been such a long-term, spread out project that it doesn’t really feel like I’ve knitted 10 sweaters. I am enjoying wearing them all though 🙂