One day last week, I finished knitting all of the pieces for my "Everyday Sweater". I blocked them in my usual way: I hand-washed them and laid them out to dry on towels. You can see that blocking has greatly reduced, but not totally eliminated, the natural tendency of stockinette stitch to curl. I could flatten the pieces a bit more by steam pressing them, but I do not think it necessary. Seaming will be next, followed by I-cord bind-off to finish the edges, and finally the insertion of a zipper. Depending on my time and the winter light, I hope to share some photos.
The pattern is "Cuirassier's Cardigan" by Emma Welford from the recent Winter 2014 Knitscene magazine. I am using an old standby kind of a yarn: Cascade 200 in navy. This project is an attempt to knit a sweater that I can and really will wear everyday. Over the years, I have made a great number of sweaters that I have rarely worn. I would like to have a few that actually fit within my everyday workday wardrobe. My goal for my next couple of sweaters will be wearability. Time will tell if I am successful.
Meanwhile, how about a sneak peek of a design that my daughter has requested?
Unfortunately, the first "prototype" for this design has the wrong fit, and requires a complete "do over". Not all bad, because I am always knitting anyway, and fortunately it is not a very large piece. The yarns that my daughter selected from my stash include some navy Cascade 220 (I did say it was an old standby) in a different dye lot from my newer navy sweater yarn.
I have one more stack of pieces to show you.
It has been a couple of months since I finished knitting all the pieces for my "Unnamed Henley". The pattern is "Sapwood" by Amy Herzog available at Twist Collective. The yarn: Louet Gems Sport Weight.
I had been saving the finishing work on this project for the purpose of teaching finishing classes (at Gosh Yarn It!) but they were canceled (student sign-ups were below the shop's class minimum). Perhaps they might be rescheduled; but either way, I do plan to create some tutorial posts during the finishing of this one. The color is lighter and brighter than the navy, and this one involves some buttons and buttonholes.
Please leave a comment if you have any thoughts on these pieces, or on finishing, or on classes that you would like to take. I would love to hear from you! Thanks!
My, your sweaters all look so nice! I haven't tried Cascade 200, but I'd love to knit a long tunic sweater one day. Do you think Cascade would be a perfect fit?
ReplyDeleteButtonholes are tricky for me. I've tried several different methods, but generally get the gap at the side. Any ideas?
Also, do you use ribbon to help secure the buttons, or support the bands?
Thanks, Carolyn.
Thanks, Dixie! Cascade 220 is a great basic worsted wool that I love for its consistency and huge range of colors. Because it is so dependable, I would say yes it would make a great long-wearing and warm tunic. That being said, I would also consider a lighter weight yarn if you want a tunic that is more drapey or flowing.
DeleteI do not use ribbon for button bands. The best buttonhole method I have found is the one-row buttonhole. I like the revised method one-row buttonhole from the book, THE KNITTERS BOOK OF FINISHING TECHNIQUES by Nancie M Wiseman. I believe that this method could be found in other places including online. I hope to write a tutorial on buttonholes, but it may take a while :-)
I too am a Cascade 220 regular. It is so predictable in terms of ease of use and reliable wear. Your sweaters looks wonderful. I know only too well having many sweaters that I have knit that don't get worn often. I'm looking forward to seeing your color work complete!
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting, Tracy! Predictable and consistent, with a great range of colors... my favorite for worsted weight colorwork.
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