This was one of those projects that just flows off the needles. It was the perfect combination of well-written instructions with enough going on that you had to pay attention, but intuitive enough that once the pattern stitches were established on a given piece, there was no need to be looking at the pattern constantly. And, at this gauge, progress is quite apparent even when you have time to knit only a few rows.
All details are on my Ravelry project page, here. Also a bonus, dorky mirror shot of me wearing the sweater the second after I wove in the last end.
Like me, lots of knitters have made this sweater in Eco Wool. I do think it’s a great choice for this project, although because it is not a true bulky weight, it does not exactly match the character of the Peruvia Quick called for. Having some experience with Eco Wool, I knew going in that I don’t care for the look of it when knit loosely to try to achieve a large gauge. Using my Heather Hoodie vest as a giant gauge swatch, I went with the gauge I had achieved with size 9 needles on the hood of that garment, and I knit a size larger to adjust. Oddly, after I soaked the pieces they blocked spot on to that larger size – and I started to fret a bit that my sweater would be too sloppy. But the Eco Wool has such personality that after it dried and I unpinned it, the fibers had fluffed nicely but everything pulled back in just a bit – so I think I wound up with about a size 38 cardigan (the pattern jumps from 36 to 40). So I have plenty of ease, but it’s not bulky or sloppy. And people, the sleeves on this sweater are snug – lots of people have complained about that, but one positive is that it makes the look of the garment more streamlined overall.
Two other points. One, I just love the way the neck is constructed. You knit extensions about 4 inches up from where the shoulder seam would otherwise sit, and those wind up wrapping around and meeting at the back of the neck. So clever, and it looks like a shawl collar. Two, I think I have almost mastered my fear of/distaste for seaming. I mustered all the tips and tricks anyone had ever given me, including basting the more crucial seams first, and I think the engineering of it all finally clicked. Admittedly, raglan seams are a lot easier than set-in seams, but this project gave me a lot of confidence.
Enuff. Here’s a shot of the back, and with that, happy Monday, all!
Fabulous! I’m so glad the gauge worked out for you!
Yay! But where’s the dorky mirror shot? I could only find the cute one.
It looks great! And it also looks like it fits well. Congrats on conquering the seaming! Extra bonus points for getting the cable crossing right on the back, unlike the pattern photo.
I think for garments, Eco Wool is much better knit up as Aran weight instead of bulky.
Well done!
What a pretty sweater, Nora!
That looks like a sweater you will wear to death (that’s a good thing)!
Nora, that is beautiful! I’m almost convinced to try seaming again myself.
Gorgeous sweater! It looks like one you will be wearing often. I really like Eco wool. A sweater I kept at school was knit from this yarn. It kept me warm and was cozy.
Super pretty!
It looks gorgeous, Nora! It also looks like a go-to sweater that you will get a lot of use from. Great choices and very inspiring.