This project is finally ready for a done stamp! I finished the sleeves and the weaving in all the loose ends last night. As you can see, I knit the long sleeve version. I used a worsted weight yarn and skipped the pocket on the front on the sweater.
I never really did get the right gauge according to the pattern specifications. My knitting was just too tight to get gauge. The pattern called for US #7 needles and I ended up using US #8s. I didn't really want to go up another needle size because I liked the fabric I was getting. I thought going up another size might make the fabric too loose.So I decided to cast on for a larger size. I figured that would be okay since this sweater is knit from the top down and I could try it on as I went and make adjustments as needed.
Almost all the finished versions of this sweater I've seen show a nice form fitted sweater. My version fits more like an old baggy sweatshirt. I realized when I separated the sleeves from the body and tried it on for the first time that it was going to be big.
I think the odd thing is that for the size I cast on for (52-55"), the pattern called for 11oo yards of yarn. I ended up using about 1300 yards (with no pocket) and ended up with a sweater two sizes smaller (44-47").
I do have a couple of very important lessons to take away from knitting my first sweater. The first one is that everyone is right - gauge does matter; take the time and get it right. The second is I really need to learn about ease and knitting a sweater to fit me.
The good news is that I can always cozy up with this sweater on a cold night. It will be much better than wearing it outside in July in 90+ degree weather to get a picture. I now know what Sherman feels like on these days!
Project Info
Pattern: Wicked from Zephyr Style
Yarn: Artyarns Supermerino; color # 114
12.5 skeins used
Needles: addi TURBO -US# 8 (5 mm)
Pattern Size: 52-55"
Finished Size: 47"
Pattern Modifications: I knit the long sleeve version and left off the pocket.
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25 comments:
It looks great! I can totally see what you are saying about the fit though....there is so much to take into consideration. You did great for a first sweater:) (I can say that because I haven't finished mine yet! LOL!)
I can't believe you went outside in a sweater!! That's devotion. Very odd how the sizing and yardage worked out . . .
Geesh! It was hot today too! It looks good, really comfy on you! I agree, it's so hard to get a sweater to fit us right. But for your first one, I think you did a great job! At least you can wear it, which is more than I can say about mine! :)
Beautiful colours and even though it's not the fit you were going for, it still has a really nice drapey look to it. Brava!
Congrats on finishing!!! I of course totally understand the yardage thing! I used 1300 yards for the same size sweater, but made the short sleeved...go figure! I think the sweater looks great :) I hear what you are saying about the tiny imperfections, but its your first sweater (Wicked was my first sweater too!)! Great job!
I think it's wicked fab looking!
it looks awesome! love the colors! i was going to say though - a sweater with all the heat?? only a true knitter would finish it and model it in 90deg temps!
It looks like a perfect sweater for winter. Well done on your first :)
Ooo! That's very impressive for a first sweater!
I hear you on the ease part. I always cast on for the teeny weenie sizes (even though I'm NOT) so they'll actually fit.
Poor Sherman--he looks hot too!
Kudos to you on your first sweater. I think it looks great. I've never attempted one for the very reason of getting the proper gauge. So difficult to get the right fit. I think yours looks awesome.
This is the first one I've seen in a variegated yarn, and it's beautiful! And you have no idea how impressed I am when people turn out wearable first sweaters. I mean... mine so isn't, except around the house when it's 50 degrees below.
Great job on your first!
Looks great, I love the neckline especially...
Yeah! You did it! It's better to be too big, than too small! Artyarns supermerino does not shrink. I wanted the calorimetrie my daughter made for me to shrink, and I misdreaded the poor thing, but it never shrank. You encourage me to finally start on a vest or cardigan for myself. Maybe I hold off on my next blanket and knit something for myself. ;o)
I learned about gauge on my first sweater too!! It looks like a wonderfully soft, comfy, cozy sweater and the color is wonderful!
Congrats on finishing it! Wicked was my first sweater too and I frogged it twice before finishing. I made the short sleeve version without a pocket and also used more yarn. I can't believe you wore it outside for a picture! That's devotion to knitting.
It's really cute and the colors are perfect for fall/winter. Congrats!
Great job on your first sweater!
Beautiful job! That sweater looks fantastic and comfy! It's in my HUGE "to do" list.... we'll see when I actually get around to it! LOL!
AWwwww thanks for putting the sweater on so you can take a picture for us. It's crazy hot so that shows how much love you have for us readers. :) I like baggy sweaters, so yours rocks! :)
Another project for the "completed" stack. It looks great. It doesn't look like a problem with the fit except that it is summer and you are outside. Love the color.. yea. yea. yea.
Finally, a finished sweater! It looks really good...but the thought of wearing it on a 90 degree day is not so good! :) Save it for those "snow" days!
Oh, look! It's you! And Sherman (he looks bigger in this picture! :) And a sweater - that's pretty darn good for your first sweater, I must say - you should be very pleased! Congrats! Ease is very confusing to me - I think I finally got it sorted on my last project, but only time will tell!
And what a good blogger you are to take it outside in this boiling weather to get a shot for us :) I keep thinking it can't get any hotter!
Yay on first sweaters. It looks soooo much better than my first sweater, which has too many problems to count. I know it turned out different than you were envisioning, but it looks so cozy...great for an everyday winter sweater.
The sweater looks really good! I'm amazed you went outside in 90 degree heat to take the picture! That's dedication to your photos. Wow.
I so get it about the first sweater. from what i hear, most people never wear their first sweater. :-( too much work not to wear.
i am about to finish sweater number one and I am thinking about how i might disguise the mistakes i knit through rather than going back to fix.
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