This little blog has been neglected, as of late. It was necessary, but I still miss all of my blog friends. Thanks for all of the support this week. It was very touching to me, and (more importantly) to David. Our little corner of the internet is a wonderful place.
I finished two sweaters over a month ago that I've neglected to post about until now. The first is one I've mentioned several times as it was in progress.
Pattern: my own, which I called Improvisational Tweed
Yarn: Jo Sharp Aran Silkroad Tweed (red) and Kathmandu Aran Tweed (purple)
Needles: US 8
I knew early this year that I wanted to do something with this yarn. After spending a lot of time on Ravelry browsing sweaters, I had an idea of what I wanted. I didn't really do much planning beforehand; I just cast on and went for it. It's knit bottom-up, but I provisionally cast on for the sleeves before joining the yoke, and then knit the sleeves down after it was finished.
The sleeves are seamlessly set-in using Elizabeth Zimmerman's method in the Knitter's Almanac. I still don't think I understand this method at the very end-- things tend to get a bit wonky. But this version is better than the last time I tried it!
I used moss stitch to give me some texture once I got to the yoke. I like the effect, and it's repeated on the lower part of the sleeves as well.
It's a comfortable sweater, and I've enjoyed wearing it this winter.
I apologize that I haven't blogged about this second sweater before, but you see, the last time I worked on it was before I started blogging. You have one of those sweaters, right? This one I got all the way to the neck, and abandoned it. I felt bad that it was knit on size 11 needles, and that I spent so much money on the yarn. I was certain it wasn't going to be flattering.
I finally decided this year that I didn't care if it was flattering or not, the sweater should be finished.
Pattern: I got this pattern from elann.com in 2006, and it does not appear to be on their website any more.
Yarn: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Superchunky
Needles: US 11
It's chunky and oversized, and it's incredibly warm and comfortable. It's not something I'd wear on a hot date, but when the world is all yucky outside and all I want to do is take a nap? This is the sweater.
I think they both look great! I love that top sweater though!
Posted by: bea | March 17, 2008 at 06:48 AM
I like them both. There really is nothing like a big, chunky sweater when you want to hide from the world!
Posted by: Tanya | March 17, 2008 at 07:59 AM
They are both great sweaters!
Posted by: Alicia | March 17, 2008 at 08:24 AM
Nice, cozy sweaters. What could be better? I love the dropped shoulder and the cuffs on the second one.
Posted by: kim | March 17, 2008 at 08:36 AM
You should focus on doing things that make you feel good right now, and if a chunky cashmerino sweater is going to envelop you in softness and warmth, well, that sounds like a good plan to me.
Hang in there.
Posted by: Liz K. | March 17, 2008 at 09:10 AM
The bottom one wins for me. Or maybe its the idea of something to snuggle into that wins me over?
I love both sweaters, really. The seed stitch and the way you have used the colour change to block it? Outstanding.
Posted by: Needles | March 17, 2008 at 09:26 AM
Oooh I love love *love* the tweedy one! Very cool use of color and texture. The second looks quite comfy too. Isn't it nice to have something that's taken that long off the needles??
Posted by: Jessica | March 17, 2008 at 09:31 AM
If I wanted to look nice and impress...the tweed sweater works great. If I want to just stay at home and curl up in front of the TV or with a book...oversized cashmerino it is. Variety is good!
Posted by: Sacha | March 17, 2008 at 10:12 AM
They are both lovely sweaters. Bet you're glad they're finally off the needles. They look great on you.
Posted by: Denise | March 17, 2008 at 10:17 AM
I love the way you've used colour and texture in the tweedy one! And there's definitely a time and a place for big and cuddly (which, in this case, is not at all unflattering on you, just... warm and snuggly looking)
Posted by: Ruth | March 17, 2008 at 11:18 AM
funny how both sweaters are in the same colors! the second one looks perfect for cold winter days - like you say, not the most flattering, but certainly functional!!! I love the texture on the yoke of the first sweater. Very nice!
Posted by: stacey | March 17, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Very nice sweaters, both of them! Doesn't it just feel great to have the comfy sweater off the needles?
Posted by: Amy | March 17, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Love them both, in totally different ways. Tweedy yarns are really calling to me lately...
Posted by: Stella | March 17, 2008 at 01:01 PM
Both sweaters are wonderful! I especially love the moss stitch on your improvised sweater. There's nothing like a big comfy sweater to wear when the days are cold & blustery (like today)
Posted by: Kim | March 17, 2008 at 01:09 PM
They are both fabulous! Well done. I'm always so impressed by your designs. Even the ones you just "go for" turn out great.
Posted by: Jean | March 17, 2008 at 01:25 PM
oooh, I really love the tweedy one! I'm going to have to give the EZ set-in sleeves a try one of these days.
The second one definitely looks like a great "yucky day" cozy sweater.
Posted by: whitney | March 17, 2008 at 07:29 PM
Wow, congrats on the finished sweater!
Posted by: Emma | March 17, 2008 at 07:36 PM
Great sweaters! I hope you two are doing well.
Posted by: tiennie | March 17, 2008 at 08:40 PM
I love me a thick, snuggly, oversized sweater! :-) To hell with flimsy ultra-fitted stuff with one measly button that pulls across the chest and is more decorative than functional. I'd rather be warm and comfortable, dammit! ;-)
Posted by: Beth S. | March 18, 2008 at 12:57 PM
You look georgeous. I love 'em both!
Posted by: Nora | March 18, 2008 at 05:56 PM