This old dog learned some new tricks
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As the weather gets colder I get a hankering to do some needlework. I found this pattern for a cardigan/sweater jacket that is perfect to use up some acrylic yarn I have in my stash:
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/everyday-ragg-cardigan
I usually do afghans, scarves, hats, and fingerless gloves, but have never made any sweaters. I was absolutely fascinated by how this is worked. It's a top-down approach. You start from the neck and work down to make the yolk. You continue working the body of the sweater, the band at the bottom and the band that goes around and becomes the neck. Then you do the sleeves. The design is brilliantly simple and totally flexible. All the sizes start with the same stitch count and you just try it on and can adjust length, the body, and/or the sleeves to fit you. Almost no sewing required - you are just working nearly the whole damn thing in one go.
I'm just finishing the pockets and need to block it. I did buttonholes but am not sure whether I need the buttons or not. Mine isn't quite as long as the pattern designer made. It just covers my butt...
I'm almost ready for the cold!
When the world wearies and society ceases to satisfy, there is always the garden - Minnie Aum么nier
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Nice,love the stone colours, home knitted are the best.
When I went off to do my degree I asked my Mum to knit me a couple of jumpers. One was of a snow tiger, the other a chunky cable-cardie with wooden buttons I took ages to decide on.
Forty five years on...
She added a few rows to ensure it covered my lower back, it's super warm.
-
As the weather gets colder I get a hankering to do some needlework. I found this pattern for a cardigan/sweater jacket that is perfect to use up some acrylic yarn I have in my stash:
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/everyday-ragg-cardigan
I usually do afghans, scarves, hats, and fingerless gloves, but have never made any sweaters. I was absolutely fascinated by how this is worked. It's a top-down approach. You start from the neck and work down to make the yolk. You continue working the body of the sweater, the band at the bottom and the band that goes around and becomes the neck. Then you do the sleeves. The design is brilliantly simple and totally flexible. All the sizes start with the same stitch count and you just try it on and can adjust length, the body, and/or the sleeves to fit you. Almost no sewing required - you are just working nearly the whole damn thing in one go.
I'm just finishing the pockets and need to block it. I did buttonholes but am not sure whether I need the buttons or not. Mine isn't quite as long as the pattern designer made. It just covers my butt...
I'm almost ready for the cold!
@wtg That's beautiful, WTG. Congratulations on your first sweater. I love raglan sleeves.
I'm trying to think if I've ever knit one top down, but I don't think so. I usually knit bottom up patterns. But the top down approach certainly seems to have advantages.
The industrial revolution cheapened everything.
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Nice,love the stone colours, home knitted are the best.
When I went off to do my degree I asked my Mum to knit me a couple of jumpers. One was of a snow tiger, the other a chunky cable-cardie with wooden buttons I took ages to decide on.
Forty five years on...
She added a few rows to ensure it covered my lower back, it's super warm.
-
Nice,love the stone colours, home knitted are the best.
When I went off to do my degree I asked my Mum to knit me a couple of jumpers. One was of a snow tiger, the other a chunky cable-cardie with wooden buttons I took ages to decide on.
Forty five years on...
She added a few rows to ensure it covered my lower back, it's super warm.
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@wtg That's beautiful, WTG. Congratulations on your first sweater. I love raglan sleeves.
I'm trying to think if I've ever knit one top down, but I don't think so. I usually knit bottom up patterns. But the top down approach certainly seems to have advantages.
@Bernard Thanks!
I also like raglan sleeves. Or dropped, like @AndyD 's cardigan.
The sweater I made is crocheted but I see that there are knitting patterns that use the same top-down technique.
I wanted a cardigan because they are easy on/easy off if you are too cold/hot. And something that's for everyday use. While I prefer natural fibers like wool, I have to say that being able to machine wash this acrylic one is nice. I have a bunch of wool sweaters that my Mom made that I also wear, though most are pullovers. She was a prolific knitter!
I haven't knit anything in decades but have been scouting around for a pattern for an Aran cardigan.
