Tag Archives: sweater

Husband Sweater Update!

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I’ve been cranking away at the sweater I’m making for my husband, and I’m making good progress!

The shoulders are done and I love the seed stitch and reverse stockinette, though they look a little narrow, but they should stretch out with wear/blocking.  I have to trust the pattern- Ann Budd hasn’t let me down before.  And, I’m almost to the bottom of the hem!  Just an inch or two more, and it’s on to the sleeves.

I’m really pleased with how the yoke and neckline have turned out.  I really wanted to make a Henley sweater for my husband.  I think Henley are very flattering, and fall nicely in-between a fancy-pants cardigan and comfy-casual pullover.  Also, we all know how much I like buttons.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERASo, I started the sweater following Ann Budd’s instructions for a cardigan leaving off 2 stitches from the mid-line on each side to accommodate the extra width of the button band.  I joined up the underarms and worked back and forth for a few inches.  Then, I began to work the sweater in the round, casting on 4 stitches at the center to get the full stitch count.

I kind of improvised the button band (do you know how lovely and relaxing this sweater has been?  I haven’t had to take one note the whole time!  And I only have to knit it in a single size!  Delightful!).  I picked up and knit stitches on either side for the button bands, working a 2×2 rib, and making “k2tog, yo, yo, k2tog” button holes on the left side (I had to check with my husband’s shirts- I can never remember which side buttons go on!).  After binding off each side, I picked up and knit the neckband, which went from the edge of one button band to the other.  I worked the neck in a 2×2 rib, too (except the ends, where I knit 3.  That’s a trick I picked up from an old knitting book to compensate for the curling that inevitably happens at the edge of your knitting) and worked a final button hole in line with the others I worked on the left side.

Then, I  sewed the bottom ends of the button bands into place, overlapping them and trying to make them as flush with the body of the sweater as possible.

I’m very pleased with how it’s turning out!  Now I just have to make the rest of the body, the sleeves, and pick out the buttons.  Almost done… right?

Oh!  And don’t forget to sign up for the 52 More Weeks of Dishcloths giveaway!

A New Sweater On My Needles

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It’s time for a new sweater!  This one’s for my husband, and I’m not going to make it into a pattern or anything (which feels oddly luxurious- I guess I’ve been writing a too many patterns).

I actually ordered the yarn back in the fall, when the plan was to knit this sweater as a Christmas present.  Of course, things happened, and I ran out of time.  Isn’t that the way it goes?

Anyway, I ordered a bunch of skeins of KnitPicks Brava Worsted in Cobblestone Heather in their last big sale.

25697[1] Now, this is a 100% acrylic yarn, which is not something that I would normally use to make a sweater.  But my husband picked it out.  He tends to run warm, and Seattle basically never gets below 40 degrees, so he refuses to wear anything with wool.   (OK, maybe I’m being dramatic. But the point still stands, he won’t wear wool.)

Brava seems like a decent alternative to wool.  It’s nice and soft and squishy, and actually has a bit of wool-like spring.  Unfortunately, it has a bit of that “acrylic sheen” to it, so I think it looks a little cheap- but that’s probably something that only a knitter would notice.

I’m thinking of doing either a crew-neck or a heneley sweater, top down (because I love me a good top-down sweater.  Seriously, if you’re even thinking of improvising your own sweater, try Ann Budd’s book Top-Down Sweaters.  It’s the best!).

I want to keep the sweater fairly plain (because that’s what my husband likes), stockinette, but featuring some subtle texture across the shoulders and chest.  Something like this:OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThe top portion is a simple moss stitch, which I think would look good across the top part of a men’s sweater.  The bottom is just stockinette (so I can measure gauge).  In between, I tried a couple things to figure out the transition.  On the right, I just went straight from moss stitch to stockinette, and on the left, I added a couple rows of reverse stockinette.  I think I like the reverse stockinette stripe, I think it would add structure and a bit more visual interest to the sweater.

But I have a little time to figure it out before I get down to the transition point.

What do you think?

Inspiration: Dogs!

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Did you watch the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show yesterday?  Because I sure did!

I realize it’s super silly, but I just love seeing all the breeds.  Isn’t it amazing how different they all are?  And the pups just look so happy out there running around with their heads held high putting on a show.  Delightful!

I think my favorite aspect of the show (other than when a dogs jump on their handlers, which makes me feel less guilty about our dog jumping on us when we get home from work) is how each breed seems like they have a totally different personality.

A personality that I can interpret through the medium of knitting patterns.  Because I’m me.

Best in Show this year was a German Shorthaired Pointer named CJ.   Pointers are hunting dogs, and can’t you just see him running around a little pond lined with cat tails, and retrieving a duck for his owner?   2016_bis_winner[1] And, in this scene, I imagine his owner would be wearing a cream-colored sweater with leather buttons and a shawl collar.  Something with a lot of cables.  It would be preppy, yet functional.  Warm, yet stylish.

Something like this:

Snoqualmie by Michele Wang Snoqualmie_04_medium2[1] The Best in Show Runner-up was as Borzoi named Sassy Girl.  I feel like Sassy Girl would not like getting her paws dirty.  I could see her accompanying her owner on a trip to Saks Fifth Avenue to get a new rhinestone collar and a silk pouf for her to lie on in front of the fire.2016_bis_runnerup_winner[1]I think this pretty girl would appreciate a beautiful square shawl of Orenburg lace, as they both hail from Russia.

Gaïa by Marie Adeline Boyer14023700106_f5601136ef_z[1]My favorite breed, though has to be the Tibetan Terriers (not that I’m biased or anything, but my dog, Ollie, is a Tibetan).  They’re such happy little dogs, and when they’re shown, they have such dumb little haircuts.  (How can they see!?)

Little Diamond Hunter won his breed (and of course he did- look at that shiny coat!), but was sadly beat out by a bulldog for Best in Group.

NP29619004[1]Ollie was devastated.WP_20160216_005But he consoled himself by burrowing further into the couch and tangling himself in a blanket.  Because that’s what Tibetan Terriers do- they’re champion couch hanger-outers.

In fact, if Ollie (and probably Diamond Hunter) could pick a knitting pattern, I bet they’d pick this gorgeous blanket- it’s the perfect combo  of comfortable and fancy,  just like Tibetans.

Ribbon Weed by Kate BostwickThrow_Hero_2_medium2[1]

What was your favorite dog?  What pattern would you pick for them?

Inspiration: Me Time

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We’re Knitters.  And, as Knitters, we knit for the people we care about- family, friends, neighbors, especially around the holidays.  I’ve been knitting my fingers to the bone doing my best to finish everyone’s gifts before Christmas.  And now that Christmas is done- well, I’m a little at a loss.

Now it’s time for what I’m dubbing the First Annual Knit For Yourself Month.  Let’s celebrate January by knitting for ourselves!

I’ve gone through my stash and gone through my Ravelry Queue, and picked out three projects that I could totally work up without even stopping by my LYS (although, I do love a good trip to my LYS).  And the best part?  These projects would be just for me!

I could break out my lace-weight and my tiny needles and make a beautiful, intricate lace shawl.  I love knitting lace, but I’m not a very “lace-y” kind of girl.  I’ll wear a lace shawl once or twice after I block it, but then it sits in a closet, or, if it’s lucky, it’ll get hung up on the wall.  So maybe not… it is pretty though…

Haruni by Emily RossHaruni-0001-ps_medium[1]Or, I could make a sweater- I do love a good sweater.  I saw a group of girls wearing this sweater (they each had one in a different color) at a knitting conference last year.  it was super flattering and adorable over dresses.  Look at that cable down the front- beautiful!  And, since it’s cropped, I bet I have enough yarn on hand.

Chuck by Andi Satterlund

chuck06_medium2[1]Or, I could make a dent in my sock yarn stash.  After all, I made socks for everyone else in the family, I might as well make myself a pair, too.  And, these cute little lace guys have a toe-up heel flap- a technique I’ve been meaning to try.

Diagonal Lace Socks by Wendy D. Johnson2006685477_2221a6e6f6_z[1]

What would you like to work on for Knit For Yourself Month?

Inspiration: Sick Day

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I love my day job, I really do!  Teaching kids is amazing.  My students are hilarious, scary smart, and always surprising.

Unfortunately, they are also always teeming with disease.

Which means that I am also always sick.  It’s the worst!  I’ve had this cold (complete with a lung-dislodging cough) for almost three weeks!  (Don’t worry Mom, I’ve been to the doctor and she said I just need to take it easy and drink lots of fluids.  I promise I’m taking care of myself!)

When I’m feeling crummy, all I want to do is sit on the couch, snuggle with my dog, and wear comfy, warm, over-sized knits.

Luckily, there are lots of gorgeous patterns for sick-day appropriate wear.

I’m pretty sure I need to make these ridiculous slipper socks.  They’re huge!  And look so comfy and slouchy!

Slipper Socks by Erika Knight

slipper_20socks_20255x340_medium[1]

And I think I might need this hat.  Actually, I might need this hat even on non-sick days.

Simple Slouch Hat by Robyn Devineaura_grey_4_medium[1]

And I’m pretty sure this shrug/sweater thing is the closest I could get to literally wearing a blanket around the house.  So, that’ll have to happen.

Granny cocoon shrug by Maria Valles

1426356789112_medium2[1]

Anyway, I’m off to go make another cup of Sleepytime tea and take some more Mucinex.  Wish me luck!

What do you want to wear when you’re feeling under the weather?

Inspiration: The Killing

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I’ve been spending my November holed up away from the damp Seattle weather watching a TV show about the damp Seattle weather.  Because, why not!

It’s one of my new favorite TV shows:  The Killing.  (It’s not new, I’m just late to the party.)   Based on a Swedish show of the same name (but in Swedish… or at least I assume it’s the same name.  I don’t speak Swedish), The Killing is basically the show for people who think Law & Order: SVU is too light and funny.

Luckily for me, I am one of those people.

But, of course, the best part of the Killing isn’t the twisty-turny plot, the great acting, or the insanely brutal crimes.  The best part is Detective Sarah Linden’s amazing sweaters.  How amazing are they?  So amazing.mirielle2I have never seen a woman on TV rock the oversized sweater/puffy coat combo as well as Sara Linden.  mirielle1It’s kind of incredible.mirielle5This one even looks hand-knit!mirielle3I think Sarah Linden might be my spirit animal.  (As far as dressing goes.  She doesn’t smile nearly enough to be my true spirit animal.)

Want to channel your inner chain-smoking, crime-fighting, misanthrope?  Try knitting up one of these over-sized beauties.

The Killing Snowflake Sweater in Fritidsgarn by SKD Yarnsimage_medium[3]Flugeldar by Kiyomi Burginflugeldar8_medium2[1]#224 Weekend Pullover by Diane Soucy224_medium2[1]

Inspiration: Taming the Jungle

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My yard likes to grow.

A lot.

Especially when it’s damp and chilly.

You know what’s super not fun when it’s damp and chilly?

Weeding, pruning, trimming, and mowing.

I’ve got goosebumps and stiff, chilly fingers just from thinking about it.  Brrrr.  Especially when your jeans start to soak through, your glasses fog up and your sneakers get wet.  No fun at all.

So, I’ve got to be sure to dress properly when I go out into my yard to do battle with the blackberry vines (and battalions of mushrooms, and scores of overgrown oregano bushes).  And, because I’m me, that means lots of knitwear.

Of course, I’ve got to start with a nice mid-weight sweater to keep me warm without weighing me down.

ravello by Isabell KraemerDSC_0064_medium[1]And top it off with a lovely slouchy hat to keep my ears from catching frostbite.

Sockhead Hat by Kelly McClure

IMG_0681_medium2[1]And I’ll finish it off with some pretty-yet-practical fingerless gloves.  These would be perfect for under my thick leather gardening gloves- then I’ll keep warm, and  keep my fingers from being ripped apart by blackberry thorns!

Maize by tincanknits

SC-maize-02_medium[1]Now that I’m all suited up- Once more into the breach!  Wish me luck!

Do you have a favorite outfit for working in the yard?

What’s On Your Needles?

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It’s been a blue moon since I’ve checked in with you on what you guys are making, and I think it’s time for me to change that!

My friend Jenny just finished this darling little baby sweater!  (We picked out the buttons together when we visited Bainbridge Island last month.)  It’s a fantastic Halloween-y mix of purple green and black, with tiny silvery-gray mother-of-pearl buttons.image_medium2[1]Adorable, right?  I’m so glad Jenny sent me a picture of the finished project, because her visit to Seattle ended before she got to finish the sweater.

She used the Sunnyside pattern by Tanis Lavallee, which comes in two adorable versions-featuring cables and garter stitch or zig-zag lace and darling picot edging.

5617340260_185f264cd1_z[1]Too cute!

So, what are you working on?  I’d love to see!  And, if you want to send along photos, they might end up on the blog (with your permission, of course!)

 

An Open Letter

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To the Creators of Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries:

Greetings from a huge fan! I love your show. I love the characters. I love that Season 3 is now available through Netflix. The strong female characters, the fashion, and the delightful storytelling. There’s not much I enjoy more after a long day than snuggling up on the couch with a cup of tea (or a stiff Tom Collins), a sock-in-progress, and a new episode of Miss Fisher.

Imagine how excited I was when, in Episode 4, Season 3 there was a knitting story-line! A young street kid has a sweater that had once belonged to his father. When he comes to live with Miss Fisher and Co for a few days (because of reasons), Dot discovers the sweater and offers to re-knit it in his size.DotWhat a fantastic gesture! And totally something that a knitter would do (we are a sentimental lot). Dot rips out the sweater, winds it up and casts on, all in (I think) an evening.

Then- and here is the first problem with this episode- the boy demands (demands!) that Dot finishes the sweater by the next day!Dot3Oh my god! I can’t even.

The gall of someone to demand knitting! Nothing makes me less inclined to keep knitting more than someone demanding knitting, and I’m pretty sure I’m not alone. If someone comes up to me and says “Make me a hat,” you can bet your best pair of Addi Turbos that I will not be making that person a hat.

But, does Dot respond like a normal knitter- nay, a normal person? No! She just smiles and gives the kid a look that says, “Oh, you scamp.” I know that Dot is an obliging and sweet young lady, but honestly, show a little backbone!Dot4And here’s most ridiculous part:

She actually finishes the sweater the next day!Dot5What?!

Dot’s sweetness and helpfulness aside, that’s just physically impossible. To knit an entire sweater for a 13-year-old boy, seamed, finished and blocked in what is clearly aran weight yarn (a thin worsted, at most) in 24 hours, even without breaks for sleeping, eating, or catching murderers is physically impossible. Seriously? Who fact-checks your knitting?

So, here’s my advice: next time you have a knitting-related storyline, please fact check it with an actual knitter.

Sincerely,

An Avid Fan

PS.  What’s up with Hugh this season? He’s being a butt. Make him stop.

PPS. Where does Phryne get her earrings? I need them.

PPPS. I still love your show.

Zzzzzzip

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Sorry, Folks! I totally promised you that I’d tell you about adding the zippers to my husband’s sweater… and then I didn’t. My husband has been wearing his sweater almost every day for the past month or so, so it’s starting to look a little lived-in, but it’s still holding up pretty well.

Anyway, here’s the zipper. (I think it turned out pretty well.)OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

I don’t really have a secret to zipper installation, or any magic techniques. I just pin them very carefully and make sure that both sides match up well.OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Then, I use a needle and thread to carefully sew the zipper to the knitting, trying my best to make the stitches on the outside of the sweater hidden. That means the inside stitches end up being a little messy, but the inside isn’t the important part.OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Easy, right? Sort of, anyway.

Have you ever used a zipper for your sweater?