Monday, February 11, 2008

FO: placed cable

This was a project inspired by the yarn. It was a very uncharacteristic impulse buy, which I blame Kirsty for entirely - she sent me to the Liberty's pre-Christmas 20%-off event and, the previous weekend, had me model a gorgeous kid-classic cardigan she'd just finished knitting for an ex-flatmate of ours. Initially, I was planning on knitting Belle Epoque, but as soon as I started knitting up the silky yarn I decided it had to be a cowl-neck, and settled on the simple aran from last autumn's Interweave.

gratuitous cowl shot

Needles: 3.75mm 80cm addi circular.
Pattern: Placed Cable Aran, Cathy Payson, in Interweave Knits, Fall 2007.
Mods: Extensive, see below.
Yarn: Rowan Kid Classic in 'peat', just under nine balls
Ravelled: here.

I modified in two respects. Firstly, actual design: I lengthened the sleeves, cowl and the body by several inches each, and worked the bottom of the body in the same rib as the sleeves. I also added side-shaping and an extra pattern repeat for the central cable, because I thought a longer line in the middle would be more flattering. Secondly, I worked it in the round, and from the top-down (largely to escape seaming such a dark mohair-mix). I started with the back piece, which I worked flat until I got to the bit where the arms divide. I held these stitches, and cast on two small pieces for the front shoulders. I worked these at once (as you would two sleeves at once) before joining at the neck and then working as one piece until it matched the back. Then I joined to work in the round and it was all knitting from then on. For the arms, I picked up with the circular needle and worked in the round using magic loop. I used a k2tog bind off throughout.

cables


Generally I'm pleased with the result. It is a bit sack-like, even with the side-shaping and using a yarn with good drape. A few people who've made it have suggested set-in sleeves might be a good idea (especially as the aran design is so simple, and doesn't really extend to the sleeves anyway), and I'm inclined to agree. Still, I wanted a reasonably baggy jumper, and it's smart enough to where at work. The yarn is a tad itchy - it is 70% wool, but the mohair and nylon take the edge off so I don't find it uncomfortable. Its so lovely and fluffy (without being too fluffy) and silky (without being too silky). For once, this impulse-buy was a goodun.

Sorry about the rubbish in-a-mirror photos. I did take my camera and boyfriend out to the park on Saturday. But the spring-like weather seemed to have brought hayfever along with decent sunlight, and I just didn't feel like having my picture taken. Also, though I'm generally a believer than no responsible blogger should knit with either dark or fuzzy yarn, I do realise this isn't the most photogenic of projects. I'll finish with an 'I'm a little teapot' shot, so you can see the ribbing at the bottom.

I'm a little teapot

30 comments:

Anonymous said...

I really love it! It's gorgeous.

Prachi said...

Hi, found your blog through one of the "make my day" memes. This pullover is very flattering on you! I think the simple cable goes well with the dark yarn, and I like it better longer than in the original. Beautiful!

Oiyi said...

It looks fantastic! I love it.

Ruth said...

Lovely work. All your improvements seem wise changes to the original pattern.

Anonymous said...

I think your modifications are definitely improvements. Sweater is fantastic, I especially love the tunic-length. So flattering!

Christie said...

I love your mods. Definitely the prettiest version of this sweater I've seen. Great choices.

Team Knit said...

It looks fantastic! I was just looking at this pattern in one of the IK mags the other day, wondering what it looked like in real life. And from yours, I can see it's amazing! Great job.

Ashley said...

Ah, that's fantastic, Alice. I loved this sweater in the original but I think your improvements make it even better. Lovely.

YowlYY said...

I agree with all the comments so far - the combination of yarn and pattern makes your FO a very elegant piece. I particularly like the longer version, and no, it doesn't look like a sack to me at all! :) In fact, it makes me want to knit a sweater for myself again...it's been a looong time...

spajonas said...

i especially love the length. long sweaters are so nice! great job!

Veronique said...

Lovely! It's such a simple, clean design, and it looks great in black. Love your trademark "teapot" pose :)

Allegra said...

very nice!

LizKnits said...

Add me to the chorus... it's a lovely sweater. Great job!

schrodinger said...

It looks fabulous on you!!

Anonymous said...

It looks super cozy! I love the look with the combo of the cowl neck and the cables.

The A.D.D. Knitter said...

Rubbish in-a-mirror? Hardly! Your sweater is very fetching, such a great fo.

startare said...

well this will have to join my ravelry queue,along with some other designs of yours

Lolly said...

This sweater has been on my mind since I first saw it in the magazine - your modifications are very nice. Whenever I get around to making it, I might adopt a few of them - I specifically like the longer middle cable. That does make sense. Looks great on you :)

Erin said...

It is beautiful!!! I wouldn't have considered that sweater before seeing yours. Nice job.

Shadkitty said...

OMG! I was like, "how did I miss this gorgeous sweater in IK?!" Oh...I didn't, I saw it, but didn't like it. It's amazing what a few alterations can do.

Anonymous said...

I really like what you've done with your sweater. I found it a bit blah in the magazine, but yours looks fabulous.

JuanitaTortilla said...

I just love everything about this sweater -- the colour, the drape, the ribbing, the cowl neck, the cables, everything. I probably don't have the patience to work something out like that! (And opt for plain stockinette sts throughout.)

P.S. I found your lovely blog while Googling for slouchy hats. A pattern, to be specific. (Le Slouch turned out most popular.) Don't be too alarmed if your blog turns up on my blogroll.

Faith said...

This is, hands down, my favorite version I've seen of this sweater! Well done- it's kind of perfect.

Unknown said...

Beautiful! I think it would be too hard to take a bad pic of that sweater. It looks lovely on you.

nuttnbunny said...

Looks so comfy yet polished :-)

Anonymous said...

Looks a lot more elegant than the original pattern. Great job!

Philigry said...

love it! beautiful!

Scarlet Tanager said...

Oh this is gorgeous! What an inspiration! I found you from a cute washcloth pattern on ravelry. I wanted to learn to knit, but seeing this beautiful sweater and those lovely red socks makes me "need" to learn. Thanks for the inspiration and the push.

Unknown said...

just stunning! love it!

Diamond said...

Goodness, there is a great deal of effective data in this post!