Yesterday, in part 1 of this two-part series, I discussed all of the various on-going projects (and unfinished objects) I found in my recent total stash and pattern toss. Having a look at all my stashed yarn inspired me to do a little swatching this week and that is what I’ll share with you today.
Here are my ideas for three sweaters I intend to make in the next few months, squeezed in around various gifts, small objects, test knits, etc.
Although I love knitting sweaters, I find I often do not enjoy wearing the ones I knit. One reason for this is that I tend to wear very simple, classic clothes that make for tedious, boring knits. I’m making an effort this year to look harder for sweaters I would enjoy making AND wearing. After some deliberation, these three pattern/yarn combos have risen to the top.
1. Twinflower by Amy Herzog ( who blogs at stashknitrepeat.com) in Elann Cantata
This pullover is from the latest issue of Twist Collective. I can’t quite afford the gorgeous Sweet Georgia yarn the sample was made from, but I already have this golden brown sport weight wool in my stash (see above swatch). I was looking for something soft enough to be worn next to the skin and this fits the bill. After soaking and blocking, the gauge is spot on, too. I’ll probably cast on for this first of the three in the queue.
2. Coraline by Ysolda Teague in Elann Woodland Cashmere
I have had my eye on the Coraline sweater for awhile now. I am still not completely convinced that the three-top-button style will be suitable for my pear shape, but I think I will add a little waist shaping and see how it goes. I scooped up this navy blue yarn from Elann.com at the same time I bought the brown Cantata above. I suddenly seem to have so many great sweater patterns that call for 6sts per inch and these yarns are not that easy to find (at least not in my budget price range). This blue yarn is very soft and cozy, fuzzier than the Cantata (no doubt due to the 15% cashmere content). My swatch stitch gauge was perfect, even after blocking; the row gauge is a bit off, but I can work with it.
3. Lace Panel Cardigan by Cecily Glowik MacDonald (blogs at Winged Knits) in Berroco Vintage
This cute worsted weight cardigan pattern was free in the Classic Elite email newsletter. If you aren’t on this weekly newsletter listserve, you really should be. They send out some very cute free patterns. Cecily is one of my favorite designers and I’ve been trying to settle on a good yarn for this pattern for awhile.
I stumbled on this plum-colored Berroco yarn this summer on major sale at Webs while I was buying the yarn for the lace throw I made my sister. This yarn is an acrylic/wool blend. I doubt I would make a whole sweater for myself out of 100% acrylic yarn, but Vintage really does seem to bring the best attributes of the wool and acrylic to the table at once. The yarn is smooth and soft, not scratchy. It seems likely to keep its shape without pilling and it is very elastic and lofty. It feels like very soft wool. Definitely not plastic-y like the acrylics we all hate. I got 4.5 sts per inch on size 8s and the swatch didn’t change a bit after blocking. I probably will knit this cardigan almost completely as written except for the neck ribbing, which I would prefer to be narrower.
These three sweaters should be plenty to keep my hands busy this fall and winter. What’s on your queue?
I love the lace panel cardigan
I love all three of those sweaters! You might consider adding more buttons to Coraline, and/or wearing it buttoned in the middle and open on the top.
(I think Twinflower is going to look stunning in that yarn, the touch of heathering is just perfect!)