Knitting – Sweet Jane

It’s been a while since I’ve shared any making…and this was finished (and worn) on New Year’s day, so it’s definitely time to show it off!

This is Sweet Jane, an a-line jumper with an asymmetrical hem. I managed to make mine longer than the original….I even considered making it into a dress as it wouldn’t have taken much more yarn to get there!

Above – Cloud reflections while Lakeside knitting in Killarney last November.  I was waiting around there for a day, and it was the nicest day, just drinking coffee, strolling around and doing some knitting ….  how middle-aged can I get!

Made from the top down in one piece. My gauge was pretty close to the pattern, so I didn’t make any changes except to stop increasing after the waist, so mine is a little less flared than the pattern.

Trying on for fit as I went along

 

I was working on this at a very busy/stressful time (apart from that one day above!) and it was a great distraction when I needed a minute of calm.
I’m delighted with this jumper – I can honestly say I would buy this if I saw it in a shop.   I’ve worn it at least once every week since I finished it in January. The yarn (Ella Rea cozy soft) has 25% wool making it warm but still lightweight and breathable.  I could do with making another in either teal or grey/black. The only thing stopping me is that even though it was an easy knit, it got boring!  All the stockinette was nice for zoned out knitting, but it did start to wear on a bit near the end.  If I was to make another, I think I’d work on a hat or scarf with an interesting pattern and swap between them, depending on my mood.

The only other thing to mention is that I’ve noticed it getting more out of shape around the neck and shoulders as I’ve worn it – because it’s made in one piece it doesn’t have the support of shoulder seams.  I did a little surgery on it the other day with a crochet hook – picking up stitches along the inside and crocheting a chain to hold the shoulder line and support the back neck. It’s made a noticeable difference, and I’ll be doing the same if I ever make another version.

Crochet chain at shoulder on left –  before going across the back of the neck and over to the other shoulder

 

Right now I’m working on two different cardigans, but I’m thinking of undoing at least one of them – it’s the Myrna Cardigan from Andi Satterlund.  I’ve made it before in green (see below) and it’s gotten a lot of wear – over dresses and shirts.

Green Myrna cardigan – before buttons were attached

The problem with the latest one is that I just couldn’t concentrate, so the armholes ended up too long. I carried on, thinking I’d figure a way to make it work, but really I need to undo it and decide whether to re-start or pick a new pattern.  So that’s my plan for this week 🙂

 

Finally Finished – Chunky Cardi

Since I last posted, I did manage to find my needles and finish my Chunky Cardigan …..

 

So far it has only been worn a couple of times.  It’s cosy, but it feels like the neckline needs a bit more height, or a collar maybe.  I made the sleeves extra long as always, to cover my freakishly long arms! I’ve noticed my long-sleeved tees wear out at the cuffs from my constant tugging at them, so I always make sure to add extra length to any tops.

 

Extra-long sleeves are my favourite ! 

 

As far as my knitting goes, I’ve only just started to get a good idea of what I should be making for myself.  I prefer looser styles, and although I have avoided knitting with light weight yarns, I think I would get more wear out of lighter knits that could be layered up. So that’s what I’m going to focus on if I ever get time to knit again!

 

 

My Miette Cardi

Hi there & welcome – I’m Chris and this is where I plan to share the things I make to wear.

I thought I’d start with one of my favourite things from 2013 – my knitted Miette Cardi. It’s a free pattern from Andi Satterlund available through Ravelry.

I’ve pretty much worn this every week since I made it. I made a few changes to the original pattern, I made the sleeves longer and I also knitted the body slightly longer too.  This cardigan is one of the first things I made using the help I found on Ravelry and some wonderful blogs I follow. In fact, I fell in love with it after seeing the version that Karen from Did you make that made – it’s a gorgeous red version

There were a couple of firsts in this project. I had never made a top-down garment (or one that was seamless!) , it makes perfect sense now though. It was so handy to be able to try it on as I was knitting it.  I had never used short rows either, I love how they give shaping to the bust area.It’s one of those patterns that seems to work for so many people.

I do plan to make another one in 2014 , although next I’ll be making a pair of socks!! This is another first for me, it’s one of those things I never got round to making.  I’m joining the KAL ( Knit-a-long!) hosted by Kristin over at her blog K-Line . Kristin has generously provided the pattern that she uses and will be taking everyone through it step by step starting on Dec29th. So if you want to join in just pop over to her blog and follow along 🙂