Friday, February 03, 2012

Modify, Change, Rework, Adapt, etc .......

....... that's what I did when knitting this jumper.


This is the 1st time that I have done so much changes & ripping & re-knitting on any project.

I have been resisting Lynette's (daughter #1) request for a jumper for a some time as I know that it will be impossible to find the perfect pattern. Plus she wanted a black jumper & I would not dream of using black. Anyway, I just ignored her until she went through my stash & found the yarn that she liked (although not black). At last, I agreed as I will be knitting from my stash.

We agreed on a simple pattern & I cast on in October last year. It was easy knitting as it's top down. I did some adjustments on the stitch count as the yarn was thinner - it's Morris & Sons, Empire 4 ply merino which I bought on a trip to Melbourne. I love the color but I will not buy or use this yarn again as the quality is very bad. There are many knots in each ball & parts of the yarn are badly spun.

Well, back to the knitting. As I knitted, Lynette was always around to check on the progress & add in her requests - more room in the sleeves & body.... longer sleeves & body ..... no ribbing, please. At one stage, I just put away the knitting for a few weeks so that I can take a break from all the re-working of the stitch count.

Then in January, I picked it up again (new year's resolution to finish wips) to work on the sleeves & to decide on the bands around the body & the sleeves.....

..... basic garter stitch (which will not pull in like ribbing) & I am so glad that it looks nice.

Then the issue of the neckline. I tried garter stitch but it did not look good, I tried a few rows of purl stitches & it curled & in the end, I tried i-cord bind off & it worked.

I am so glad that it's off the needle & Lynette is happy with the size (I think it's big for her but then she likes loose clothing & never wears anything with a collar, except her school uniform).

I got her to put it on so that I can take photos & then she said that she does not like the color !



I think I may be wearing this jumper for winter ......

6 comments:

Rose Red said...

Oh no! After all that work and she doesn't like the colour (that she picked?). It is lucky it will fit you! I think it looks great, I love the garter sleeve and body edging, much more modern and comfortable than ribbing I think.

I just made a bunch of hexipuffs with that yarn and mine was ok, although a bit splitty. What a shame you got a bad batch, especially to knit a seamless garment with. (I have heard of others with a similar problem to you, you should let them know!)

Rose Red said...

(by "them" I mean Morris & Sons!)

2paw said...

Oh, that's such a sad story, so much work and then the colour is still wrong. I love Pink, it's so nice (but not a cardigan!!). I love the garter bands. It is very disappointing when the wool you buy has knots and thin bits. Sometimes if you let the retailer know they will replace it or try to make it up to you.

Roseann said...

What a lovely sweater!!! It drapes so beautifully and the garter stitch cuffs set it off nicely. I'm very sorry to hear that Lynette is not fond of the color (I happen to be wearing a similar color today). I admire your stamina in reworking all those number, no minor feat. I also appreciate your insightful review of the yarn.

Michelle Lee said...

Yeah!!! After all the hard work and she said she don't like the colour???? Did she remember she's the one who choose that yarn in that colour a few months ago????

Aiyoyo!!!!

Bogie said...

Ugh! That is one reason why I don't knit for others very often. I think the sweater is fantastic and I like the garter edging *and* the color. I'd love to wear it this winter and next winter!