I actually think it turned out kinda cute.
Pattern: My own
Yarn: Cascade 220, 2 hanks of color 8894, ahem, "Christmas Green"
Needles: US 6 straight needles and circulars
Notions: 10 buttons bought for cheap at an antique store (I only had nine of the little ones so the top button is slightly larger)
Start to finish: May 4 - June 5, 2008
Notes: As I said in my last post, this minisweater is loosely based on something I saw in Anthropologie last month...but brighter. The stitch pattern is Roman Stripe (my favorite, due to its nod to the Classics -- whether or not the "Roman" in Roman Stripe actually refers to the ancient empire does not matter) and the shaping is very simple -- in fact, there is no shaping at all until the armscyes start. My idea was to make a little sweater that was less fitted than my usual knits, something to wear over the A-line-ish and flowy tops that I can't stop buying. The arm holes and sleeve caps are of the set-in variety. The little designing I have done has always involved raglan shaping, so I wanted to get some practice doing something else. Using Vogue Knitting as my guide, I planned the decreases very carefully, but I still think they turned out slightly boxy. Or that could just be from the overall boxiness of the sweater, which I'm not sure I'm in love with. Anyway, it was a good learning experience and my takeaway message is that I should make the shoulders narrower next time.
I want to thank you all for leaving such nice, encouraging comments after my last little indulgence in self-deprecation and for convincing me that I am not completely crazy. As Cyn pointed out in the comments, Christmas Green is not in and of itself an entirely tacky thing. A Christmas Green sweater does not necessarily spell cheesy unless, for example, worn with large, shiny, red Christmas ornament-style earrings. So I definitely won't do that. :)
What a great little sweater - and so flattering. I did sigh a breath of relief when you said you would not wear large red x-mas ornaments for earrings though:) I think silver ones would be more classy.
ReplyDeletethat looks great! i love everything about it, especially those cute little buttons you used. Really, fantastic!
ReplyDeleteFresh, fun and fabulous. "Christmas Green" indeed!
ReplyDeleteCute? No. It's freaking *adorable*. I love it! I might even come to your house and steal it. Love love love. Whoever said you had great fashion sense, you have once again proven them right!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE it!! I love the stitch you chose, and I'm really impressed (and a tad jealous!) of your creative skills- you just go whipping up new designs and fabulous re-visions of other knits so often, that I can't wait for you to start posting some patterns of your own! I'd totally make that christmas green minisweater. :)
ReplyDelete- Julie
It came out super cute! I love it! The Roman Stripe pattern does look very crochet-like.
ReplyDeleteThat's a perfectly fine green! It'd be cute even at Christmastime! Don't you like to get a little seasonal?
ReplyDeleteThat's not "kinda cute" that's definately "way cute"! Have you noticed how many green designs are coming out right now - you are definately on the cutting edge. I predict that green will be the new black this winter! Love the pattern stitch you chose - well done in every respect.
ReplyDeletereally cute!
ReplyDeletewhen i see how quickly you whip things up, it just makes me realize i need to stop stressing over little details and just jump right in.
would you recommend the vogue knitting book? i keep wanting to buy it each time i see it, but am enforcing a knitting/pattern book diet on myself right now.
That is so delightfully 1950s class! I really like it. You might see boxiness in the sleeves, but I can't make that out from the pics.
ReplyDeleteTrying new techniques and expanding your knit-vocabulary is always a good thing :D
It's lovely! (as usual)
i am on a green kick too -- love it. the sweater looks terrific! beautiful stitch pattern, and it is perfect paired with that crisp white top. yay!
ReplyDeleteI think that turned out absolutely delightful ... it's quite beautiful on you. Good for you for having some faith and seeing it through to the end. What a great sweater you have now!
ReplyDeleteYou've got to be crazy...in a back handed way. There is nothing Christmas about that mini Cardi. Very sophisticated. Fab fo!
ReplyDeleteVery cute and stylish and adorable!
ReplyDeleteI really like this minisweater. I'm thinking about making it for a cousin for Christmas. I'm wondering about the yarn. I've never used Cascade 220. Is it a soft yarn? Scratchy?
ReplyDeleteThanks