The cooler weather has brought on a burst of sweater knitting energy which resulted in my finally finishing the Spoked Cardigan. This project has been languishing in the WIP basket for about a year now. It seemed appropriate to finish it during my favorite season because this colourway of Noro just shouts Autumn to me.
The sweater is knit sideways, beginning at the right front and working around the body to the left front. It was my first time knitting this type of sweater construction and I have to say that I much prefer my usual top-down method, which seems more intuitive and fluid. You don't know how many times I wanted to scream when I read "break yarn, place stitches on holder" while knitting this cardigan. And towards the end, having to graft two sleeves was a big factor in why this project was buried for a year. All that being said, the pattern is extremely well written and shows off the beautiful color changes of Noro to its best advantage. It also includes cute sleeve and hip tabs, perfect for using up some rustic wooden buttons from the button jar.
Another disadvantage to knitting a sweater sideways is that it is much harder to get a reading on how well it will fit and to make adjustments along the way. Also, getting the correct stitch AND row gauge is essential to the final product. My sweater ended up being a little snug with the fronts buttoned up, so it will probably be worn unbuttoned, which is how I normally wear my cardigans anyways. In the end, I am glad that I ventured out of my knitting comfort zone with this project and the final sweater will see a lot of wear in the months ahead. Just not on the days when I feel like being a wallflower because the colors are quite outrageous, don't you think?
(linking up with FO Friday over at Tami's)
Gorgeous!!! I am so glad you finished it and now have a new fall sweater to wear. I could wear those kind of stripes!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your WIP's graduation to FO! I'm sorry the process was painful, but at least you can take comfort in the fact that it turned out beautifully, and in the right time of year, no less. Bonus!
ReplyDeleteWell, even though it was a troublesome project, it sure came out beautiful. That might be the perfect project for noro!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely an Autumn sweater! The rustic wooden buttons are super cool!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! I love the yarn and really love the buttons you chose. Definitely perfect for autumn.
ReplyDeleteI admire your perseverance and getting it done. I'd have a hard time with such construction! Lovely cardigan!
ReplyDeleteWay to try something new! It looks fabulous on you. There really is nothing like Noro is there? This sweater certainly shows it at its best. I'm sorely tempted to make one (except for being terrified of the sideways construction of course!).
ReplyDeleteThis is a great, Autumn cardi. Good for you on trying a new technique. I LOL'd at the part about when you hit the break yarn part. I would scream too.
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