Thank you so much for all your kind comments about my latest knit. I must admit that I love it too because it is so simple and versatile that I can wear it all the time. In fact I'm wearing it right now. It is super warm and the color is great for winter. It also doesn't hurt that this jacket looks good with my mama uniform - jeans and white tee.
This sweater began it's life as the featherweight cardigan. But by the time I got around to knitting it, cooler weather was coming so I decided to use a bulkier and warmer wool. This is Peruvian Quick in color # 9137.
I cast on 48 stitches divided them 1 front (pm) 6 sleeve (pm) 34 back (pm) 6 sleeve (pm) 1 front and knit the top-down recipe in the pattern. I increased at the markers until I had about 38 stitches between the sleeve markers, then separated the sleeves onto scrap yarn, and continued knitting to desired length.
I used a US 9 knitting needle which is smaller than the US 11 recommended for this yarn in order to get a tighter knit resulting in a sturdier jacket that doesn't stretch out too much.
The bottom edge and cuffs are done in a twisted knit stitch (just knit through the back loop). I attempted a knit stitch collar but some things are better ripped and forgotten. The tried and true 1x1 rib looks so much better.
I love top-down knitting because it allows me to try the sweater on and get the length of the sweater and the sleeves exactly where I want them.
Pattern: Featherweight Cardigan
Yarn: Peruvian Quick, color 9137 (Plum)
Needles: US size 9
Size: small, had to adjust guage for bulkier wool (see above)
Mods: added length, twisted knit for cuffs and bottom edge, long sleeves, 1x1 rib for collar
Abigail was sitting by me and reading while I was weaving in the ends. As the snipped ends piled up she said, "Can I have these? I can make something cool out of these."
She gathered the necessary supplies - which always include tons of glue and scissors - and worked her magic quickly. No more than ten minutes later she was writing dialogue for this family of "sweater monsters." The one on the right has a "weird face" because it's the family pet, she explained. In case you were wondering, Ezra built them a curtained stage out of a box and Abby's production was brought to life with the help of her brothers. Things got very loud when the monsters got their lines wrong (most likely on purpose) and at one point the director stormed off stage and went to her room but we had a blast and making toys out of wool scraps was a wonderful way to spend our Black Friday.
I'm off to get some stuff ready for more Hannukah fun tonight - which will be celebrated early to make time for back to back Taekwondo classes. We played so hard and had so much fun last night that it will be hard to beat.
See you back here soon with the mushroom soup recipe!
May your day be full of joy.
Beautiful sweater! Thanks for your 'pattern' notes :). Love the scrap monsters. My kids have used my knitting scraps as worms for a worm/snake family since they were tiny....Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Posted by: Andrea | December 02, 2010 at 11:44 AM
I love your version of this sweater! I've already made one, have a second on the needles (it's a summer knit, so it is resting), and plan to make a 3rd along the lines of this one as soon as my yarn arrives.
Happy Hannukah!!
Posted by: beki | December 02, 2010 at 12:03 PM
I'm fairly new to your blog, but you made my day :) first w/ your sweater notes (love it!) and knowing the mushroom soup recipe is coming (yea!). Thank you! BTW, our daughters must be similar....glue and scissors (sometimes glitter) can make whole worlds...gotta love it!
Happy Hannukah to you and yours.
Posted by: Amy J | December 02, 2010 at 12:32 PM
Yay!!!! I was hoping you would share that recipe! I can't quite knit to your caliber, but I can cook! :)
Posted by: dodi | December 02, 2010 at 12:51 PM
Verrrry nice and the color looks wonderful on you. I have yet to attempt a sweater, but my soon to be d-i-l insists that I will love it. Um hmm, and when I make the many mistakes I'm known for she'll be right there to fix them for me. Really, though, the sweater is beautiful
Posted by: Its_Lily | December 02, 2010 at 01:00 PM
It's just beautiful! I have some chunky navy yarn just waiting to be turned into something like this!
Posted by: Meg Evans | December 02, 2010 at 01:40 PM
Tried and true indeed! Your sweater is beautiful and fits you perfectly ~ enjoy :)
Love the sweater monsters!
Posted by: MrPuffy | December 02, 2010 at 07:18 PM
That's a beautiful sweater -- the color is striking. And about that mushroom soup. I found a recipe from the NY Times that I think is similar (based on your ingredients). I cooked it up today for a quick dinner tomorrow. I'm anxious to see if it's the same as yours. It certainly smelled wonderful.
Posted by: Jodi | December 02, 2010 at 09:36 PM
Gorgeous! And I love the sweater on your daughter in the other recent post--love the rich colors, great for fall.
Posted by: Nancy | December 02, 2010 at 09:58 PM
I'm always impressed at how well your garments fit you!! You do the best job modifying the pattern to fit YOU! Beautiful yarn choice. Enjoy your celebrations. I know you'll make them memorable!!
Posted by: kristyn | December 02, 2010 at 10:31 PM
Love the sweater, thanks for the pattern! I hope to make my first knitted sweater soon :)
Posted by: Kristina | December 03, 2010 at 12:37 AM
I love your sweater and you are very smart to be able to adjust to make it work with the thicker yarn. In everything I do I'm a recipe follower. Happy Holidays to you too - it looks like lots of fun at your house.
Posted by: Beth | December 03, 2010 at 08:26 AM
This sweater turned out just great! Thanks for sharing all the notes ... I can't wait to make one of my own.
Happy Hanukkah!
Posted by: Courtney | December 03, 2010 at 01:07 PM
Makes me wish I knew how to knit. 'Cause it's amazing.
Tell your girly that the sweater monsters are da bomb. Very original.
Can't wait for soup.
Posted by: dani | December 03, 2010 at 06:18 PM
Great mods and beautiful color!
Posted by: Mary | December 05, 2010 at 11:44 PM
Wow Larissa, such a beautiful sweater. Thank you for all your notes.
Posted by: Heather | December 08, 2010 at 02:37 PM
Your sweater is gorgeous. Oh my, that color is flattering. I think I would love to knit one for myself. I would definitely add the extra length.
Posted by: cathleen | December 10, 2010 at 11:09 PM
Your sweater looks so comfortable, and that is the best part, isn't it? Thanks for sharing your recipe :) I love the menorah picture. I thought of you as I was driving through town, the square has a big menorah!
Posted by: Karen | December 11, 2010 at 09:13 PM
Perfect sweater. I love the color!
Posted by: jane | December 14, 2010 at 06:33 AM
Your new sweater looks so warm and comfortable. It is on my list and one day I will conquer the task of knitting or crocheting a sweater.
We have finally completed our kitchen and I have posted pics on my blog.
Ruth
Posted by: Ruth | December 17, 2010 at 02:29 PM
So simple and so beautyful! Looks great at you!
Bora
Posted by: bora | December 25, 2010 at 04:32 PM
This sweater is just perfect in every way! I have been searching for just the right pattern and I have now found it. I actually HAVE this pattern, but didn't think about modifying it for heavier yarn! THANKS for the notes!!!!
Posted by: Jan | January 11, 2011 at 08:19 AM
FIRST- can I tell you. Your blog is wha tmy blog wants to be when it grows up. LOVE it.
Second, I had been looking everywhere last winter for something like this in the store. EVERY STINKIN WHERE. Apparently, I forgot I knew how to knit....
But this is spot on, exactly what I was looking for, ha, even the color, no joke, so I am going to be totally unoriginal and probably also use that purple-ish-pink as my 5 year old would call it. :)
Posted by: Kelly | May 11, 2011 at 01:37 PM