Tag Archives: handknit sweater

Tarian Sweater DONE!

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I don’t know whether to start with the “wooooot!” or the photo! This has been one of the most engaging projects I have ever done. Friends..meet the Tarian Sweater:

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I started it in December, then took a break. Not a super fast knit, but I learned some new stuff..like:

1. I can hang with a pattern that has single cables crossing at every stitch. (There was some doubt about that when I started).
2. I do not have second sleeve syndrome..I love sleeves!
3. I LOVE textured knits. I was not ever bored..at all.
4. My favorite new skill..short row capped sleeves!!! It’s a bit time consuming (think like turning a heel, but shoulder sized).

Yarn: Quince and Co: Lark, color: honey, skeins: 8
Pattern: Tarian Sweater This was published in Twist Collective, Winter 2013

Notes:
1. Quince and Co yarn is lovely..and it grows a lot after blocking. The sleeves alone are about 3 inches longer than what I knit. I knew that and planned for it, and the fit is perfect.
2. I did not do the waist shaping because the single cables have a stretchy rib effect. Clearly it doesn’t need it!
3. My dog was a tad jealous and wouldn’t let me photograph it! I can forgive him because I hadn’t washed it yet and he’s so dang cute!

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Spin and Knit on!

Mo’ Mojo please!

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20140128-145434.jpgSo here’s the scoop. I am not one of those bloggers who takes amazing pix of beautifully perfect FO’s. You know, the lovely blogs we all look at for inspiration..things that remind us why we love knitting so much. Nope, mine’s the real life, dropped stitch, “oops that seemed like a good idea at the time” sort of blog. This is one if those real life moments.

I have been so excited about this sweater! It’s all been planned in my head, I wove in the ends as I went along, I even told my husband in a quiet, confident whisper..this could be the coolest thing I have ever made.

I had to knit the start of the sleeves to see how it would fall on my body. Then I tried it on. Oh. My. Gosh. Not enough words or awkward pauses to say how yucky it was looking!! I put it down for two days..but not away. Away means “to the place of objects that will never get finished but I can’t throw it out.” No, “away” is not good.

I put it on the floor this morning. Determined. I frogged the top, down to the sleeves, did a three needle bind off for the shoulders and started an arm. There’s hope..I tried it on and the fit was soooo muchhhh better. I think it has been saved, but now I will need to add a collar. Once I finish the sleeves, I will post it and ask for collar ideas. But here’s where we stand now..and imagine that it’s blocked.

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So yeah..welcome to my world of trial and error! And thanks for the mojo!

Sweater done! A few firsts for me..

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Remember this?

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And I asked for advice on the sleeves, which was awesome! Based on combined feedback, I went for 3/4 length, and did one set of the lace, which made a nice touch but wasn’t too busy. So, here’s the finished piece:

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I love it. It fits beautifully, falls just below the waist, shaping where needed, and I do think it’s the perfect traditional sweat for late summer, early fall.

Here’s my firsts on this:
First full sweater of entirely handspun (weighs12 oz, which is also helpful info for the future)
First time spinning beads into yarn and using it in garment design.
First self designed pattern! (I know, it’s raglan, but still..gotta start somewhere!!)
First time asking for readers to help me sort though the last stages of design, so thank you!!!

Now we’re off for another camping weekend, and you know I’ll be wearing this in the chilly evenings! Here’s a pic from last week’s alpine backpacking trip:

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Happy Friday! Spin on!