I fell in love with a Gap sweater. It was a swing cardigan. Although I've seen many patterns recently, this is the first swing cardigan I'd seen all finished up, and I had to try it on. It fit perfectly. I loved the shape. I then tried to figure out what to do. I didn't want to necessarily buy this cardigan, but I wanted to get every detailed measurement I could. I retreated to the dressing room and took a picture.
I didn't have a tape measurer on me, so in the end I bought the sweater. I'm hoping to return it soon. It's cotton/acrylic, so the wool sweater I make to copy it will end up being much nicer. I know, love 'em and leave 'em.
Since the shape is the main thing I'm trying to copy exactly, I found a cable pattern that I like. It's called Garlic Knot from the Vogue Stitchionary Vol II. I cast on Sunday night, and this is what I had as of yesterday afternoon.
After casting on, I did some short row shaping so that the back comes up higher than the front. It's been working out well so far.
I also cast on for Bloom on Sunday night. This is what I had as of yesterday afternoon. We all have to start somewhere, right?
Finally, I cast on a new sock on October 1st. I know I won't be exclusively knitting socks this month, but it's fun to celebrate Socktoberfest in my own way. (Metaphorically speaking, I'll be the one sitting at home with a beer instead of flying to Germany and donning a dirndl.)
This is a Chalet Sock, from Nancy Bush's Folk Socks, in Tess Supersock & Baby.
I'm going out of town for a wedding this weekend, and I'm planning to concentrate on these three while I'm traveling. We'll see how much I can get done!
ooh - love that Chalet sock! How are all those traveling stitches to do?? Great idea about the sweater - measure away then return it!
Posted by: stacey | October 03, 2007 at 12:28 PM
You amaze me...don't surprise me, but amaze me! Really, I think you need to teach a class. We'll all just get together for a weekend and knit a sweater that we bought at The Gap. Hee.
Posted by: Tanya | October 03, 2007 at 12:39 PM
So. Cool. Do I recognize that red yarn? If it's what I think it is, that is going to be one seriously awesome sweater! Nice start on the Chalet sock too. I probably don't have to say I love the color. ;)
Posted by: Jessica | October 03, 2007 at 01:27 PM
Oh, I have so done that sort of thing before. You just know that your version will be so much more beautiful, and the red is perfect. Enjoy your weekend!
Posted by: kim | October 03, 2007 at 01:47 PM
I have been eyeing the Chalet socks for quite some time, but never seemed to have the right yarn for them. Your yarn choice is lovely and I look forward to seeing the results.
Have fun at the wedding!
Posted by: Kristen | October 03, 2007 at 02:02 PM
Very crafty with the Gap sweater. I've been seeing a lot of nice sweaters in stores this fall that have a hank-knit look to them. My LYS will work up a pattern for any sweater you want to copy. They have software for that. Have fun at the wedding!
Posted by: Kim | October 03, 2007 at 03:38 PM
Stealth cardigan-picture-taking! That would be a cool sweater to knit. Have a great time!
Posted by: tiennie | October 03, 2007 at 05:20 PM
The red yarn is a great choice.
Posted by: Oiyi | October 03, 2007 at 06:01 PM
I love your way of getting that sweater and repeating it on your own - that is amazing! And the Gap always has the cutest little sweaters. You are so innovative. I am knitting away on my two swap socks - the one I have finished will be hard to send off:) I may have to knit up a different one - and then I'll love that one too...
Your sock is beautiful - I hope you have lots of time to work on it at the wedding events.
Posted by: stacey | October 03, 2007 at 07:05 PM
Those all look great. I really like that garlic knot cable pattern...I think I might have to try something with that...
Posted by: Sara | October 04, 2007 at 10:12 AM
Your sweater is going to kick the Gap sweater's butt, and you're awesome for thinking of doing it yourself.
Love the socks, too! I've been eyeing that pattern for years.
Posted by: Amy | October 04, 2007 at 10:44 AM
Wonderful Chalet sock! I have to go look at that book again. I have so many sock patterns I want to knit!
Your swing cardi will be so much better! Cables and red wool are such a happy combination. Looking forward to seeing how you do it.
Have a great trip!
Posted by: Brenda | October 04, 2007 at 07:38 PM
I love that took a picture in the fitting room and then ended up buying the sweater anyway. Ooh, Chalet sock, pretty. Have a good trip with much knitting and much fun!
Posted by: nova | October 05, 2007 at 08:13 AM
Have fun at the wedding!
Posted by: Christine | October 05, 2007 at 03:26 PM
You are sooo funny! But hey, why not make it yourself? Looks great so far, hope they are as fun as they look!
Posted by: Carol | October 06, 2007 at 07:23 PM
You are too cute! That is totally something I would do! Why buy when you can make it yourself!! I like your Chalet socks, too!
Posted by: Diana | October 09, 2007 at 02:18 PM