La SKB, C'est Fini
... and she is way too big. But I think I still like her.
Pattern: Simple Knitted Bodice, by Stefanie Japel (size small)Yarn: 4 skeins Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool, color # 24 (I had one yard leftover)
Needles: Sizes 7 Knit Picks circulars and size 4 Susan Bates circular needles
Thoughts: Yep, it's bigger than I wanted, even after washing, blocking, and judicious machine drying. I did get gauge in this yarn, and the finished bust measurement was actually a little smaller than that in the schematic for this size. I just chose the wrong size, plain and simple.On my yarn substitution, Silky Wool is a nice yarn for this pattern. The lace panels really look great. But I would recommend knitting it to a smaller gauge -- I knit this to gauge for the pattern, but at a looser than recommended gauge for the yarn. The result is that the sweater is very, very drapey. Nice, but if you are looking for something fitted, as I was, you should probably choose a heavier yarn or do the maths necessary to convert the pattern.
EDITED TO ADD: I also meant to say that, while the pattern suggests blocking is optional, I felt it was essential, at least with this yarn. When I first took this off the needles, it looked like a dog's dinner. But a bath and a block seriously improved the evenness of the stitches and the hang of the sweater.
The one thing I don't like about the pattern is the neckline finishing. I don't love the way the purl ridges lie, and if I knit this sweater again, I might replace them with an attached i-cord edging.
Three pictures is a little much. But I really liked this one with the cool shoes.
posted by Laura at 11:22 AM
31 Comments:
I really like the sweater, I may have to investigate that pattern.
A little big but still very pretty.
It's gorgeous!
Standing ovation! The lace panel really is beautiful.
I think it looks great! Lovely color.
It turned out lovely! And I do love the shoes -- not a gratuitous pic at all.
The lace panel came out great. Were you sweating it at the end when you saw how little yarn you had left?
It looks amazing - I love the lace panel.
Oooh, it's really pretty, Laura. I love that color on you. And, smashing with the skirt and shoes!
Beautiful and a great color. Looks great!
very cute despite the bigness! Good color on you.
Oooh! That's it! I definitely have to knit this sweater. It's so lovely with the lace panel (and you know how I am with the lace). Is this the outfit you're gonna wear to the show? Is it? Huh? Is it?
I see what you mean about big, and yet, it is so pretty nonetheless.
The color is beautiful and it looks lovely on you.
Dig the shoes, too!
It's still beautiful! I just picked up yarn to start this sweater. Thanks for the notes.
The too-big quality gives it an easy-going look, and is not unflattering at all! I still can't quite get over seeing your face--I think I'll always picture you as a face behind a shoulder! You look great!
Even if it's a little big, at least it is low cut, which makes it sexy without being trashy. I love it.
Mademoiselle Laura, elle est hot!!!
Seriously, it looks great -- and I kind of like the drape of the larger size with a camisole underneath. It's very luxurious-looking.
I hope you'll still wear it, it's quite lovely!
I think it looks great, and I feel as though that oversized look, particularly in that style garment, is really in right now.
If it's not too complicated to describe, could you tell me basically how the neck is constructed? I can't quite see from the photos what's happening, but it looks like a technique I might be interested in adapting for a sweater I'm making.
The sweater looks awesome!
It just turned out beautifully, Laura. It's a great color on you. And I'm loving those shoes!
I really like it. Even though it's a less fitted look than the original pattern, I think it works well.
I don't think it looks "too" big - but if you were going for a fitted look, I can see where it is bigger than you wanted. It's looks cozy without being schlumpy (is that a word?)!
The color looks great on you, and that yarn suits the pattern well! Great job!
You look gorgeous Laura! I'm with the other folks on the "too big" issue: I know you were aiming for something more fitted, but your layering makes the bodice look perfect in the pictures.
Thanks for the very helpful notes on the pattern. And 3 pics isn't too much! [Clicks on pictures for close up of lace panel and chic wedgies.]
You look hot!
Wow, I can't believe I missed this post yesterday. . . it's beautiful. Yes, I can see it's still a tad big, but it still looks sooooo good on you! :) Nice work.
3 pictures is definately *not too many. i really love it, the colour and the design. shame its too big. but it still looks fabulous! :0)x
I must say: it is little big for you... a little ... :( But, this color look very beautiful on you!
I'm with your other 31 commenters; the sweater is stunning, and you look great in it. This is a little late, but I also agree with you about the whole Lion's Brand catalog thing. I liked the look of the cover, but the yarn is the same as it ever was.
It's gorgeous! I would have liked to see even more photos. :-)
Hi, I'm just procrastinating, um, I mean checking out newer to me blogs and came across yours. This sweater is lovely, but I know what you mean about choosing the wrong size. The thing about written patterns is that you really have to check how much ease is written into the pattern. Sometimes a negative ease is what you really want to get that close-fitting sweater. I often have this problem because I am petite. My chest measurement is about 31 1/2 inches (yep-that is with a bra, flat as a pancake). So if I look at a sweater and it looks close fitting on the model and I want it to look that way on me, but the smallest size is written for a 32, but with ease the actual chest meas. is 37 inches, it is no way going to be close fitting. Unfortunatley, it isn't just a matter of making a smaller size for me, there usually isn't one, I have to fiddle with yarn, gauge, and pattern to get it right. If I want a really close fitting sweater, I will make a 30 inch chest. Or maybe a no ease, 32 inch chest. Anyway, maybe you already know all of this, but I hope it is helpful. The sweater is lovely though, I hope you get a lot of use out of it.
Post a Comment
<< Home