Cashmere? Merino? Same thing, right?
I've finished another sweater...
"Unisex Knock-around (not) Cashmere Pullover" from Weekend Knitting
Yarn - 4 skeins of 6-ply bulky merino in Cognac from handpaintedyarn.com
This is the first sweater pattern I ever wanted to knit. However, I could not afford the over $200 in yarn that the pattern calls for, and I couldn't for the life of me figure out the pattern. Now that I have a few sweaters under my belt, I felt I could tackle this one. The construction is very unique - you knit two rectangles that make up the center front and back pieces. Then from the front piece you pick up stitches and knit up and around the front and back, also creating the sleeves. Finally, the back piece is attached and then you pick up more stitches and knit the bottom pieces. Phew! Cosmicpluto has great in-progress photos of her pullover. I should have taken some as well, as I was trying on the piece constantly and it looked like some crazed poncho before I seamed it.
The yarn? Well, it's a weird color. It's a combo of browns and pinks but it looks orange-y. The 6-ply yarn isn't as soft as their worsted weight merino, but it is a consistent thickness throughout. And this sweater is supposed to be reversible, but I wasn't about to spend lots of time weaving in the ends through the purl bumps and kitchnering the seams together - the mind spins at the mere thought of it.
I learned three major things on this project:
1. Knitting a sweater on 10 1/2 needles is quick!
2. I learned the difference between slipping purlwise and knitwise.
See? I was slipping purlwise all the time and my cuffs came out different. Aha!
3. I became quite adept at picking up stiches, usually something I hate doing. But I still made mistakes!
One stitch picked up from the wrong row!
All in all, a successful knit. I really want to knit this sweater again, not in the cashmere called for in the original pattern, but in a tweedy yarn. If anyone wants to knit this sweater, I highly recommend it. It's lots of fun!
8 comments:
I don't know why, but I've never seen this sweater before. What an interesting pattern. You did an excellent job! Nice colors.
Wow, you are a sweater-knitting machine! This sweater looks wonderful. I remember it from Weekend Knitting, but haven't really considered the pattern before seeing yours. I think I'll try it out!
Love the sweater! And don't tell people you picked up a stitch from the wrong row - remember, it's ALWAYS an intentional spin on the orginal pattern!
As for Cognac - I've got some in the 6 ply merino also and have been wondering why it's so odd looking. Conclusion: it's the odd bits of mustardy yellow that's making it look rusty/orange. However, if you look at cognac, that yellowish tinge is pretty accurate.
Pretty sweater! I don't like picking up stitches either, but it's better than kitchnering everything together.
how do you do it? how do you do it? all these sweaters just seem to be churned out in no time. and might fabulous ones i might add. the colors of the yarn looks beautiful in the close-ups. great job!
mighty.. my brain said mighty but the fingers couldn't process quick enough
Love your sweater. Also like the colors. Are you finding this yarn soft enough to wear next to the skin? Nora
Hi, I found your blog from the USM pullover KAL. I LOVE your sweater! I may have to buy the book just for this pattern. You rock! :)
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