Stepping out of my comfort zone a little with this latest sweater project. It is a design by Norah Gaughan called Kaari. Simple stockinette raglan design. Fabulous workman's pockets. Outdoorsy and comfy. Plus, some of my favorite designers have knitted this (check out Kate Davies', Lilalu's and Heidi Kirrmaier's versions). So, what's the problem? Well....the whole thing is worked in pieces and then seamed. A project that requires extensive finishing is quite a departure from my usual top-down lazy approach to sweater knitting. So why not modify it to be knit seamlessly? I will probably regret saying this, but I think that the seams will add much needed structure and shape to the sweater. I am also knitting this one out of Lion Brand fishermen's wool, which would not be my usual first choice of yarn for a sweater. But after seeing this version, I dug deep in the stash and pulled out two skeins of the exact same colorway. Hooray for those 40% off coupons at Michaels! I like the tweedy brown and cream colors and the yarn is surprisingly pleasant to knit with. Very rustic and hopefully durable. Has anyone used fishermen's wool for anything?
In case you were wondering, that's my new buddy Norm the Penguin modeling my WIP this week. He was a gift from my MIL, bless her fun loving soul. Norm and I will hopefully be spending a lot of time together this afternoon, soaking in the gorgeous sunshine and knitting a bit.
(linking up with WIP Wednesday)
I know what you mean about seaming, but it is good to try new things :) I've used fisherman's wool twice, and I really like it. One cardigan and one pullover. Warm and not very scratchy. Have fun, and I love your penguin.
ReplyDeleteHi, Norm!!! Nice to meet you!!!! You sure are cute!
ReplyDeleteI think you're right about the seams giving more stability and structure to the garment.....I think you'll need it with the heavier yarn. I really love that pattern!!! Hoping for wintery weather??? me, too!
Ooh, maybe Norm needs a sweater?
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to watching your progress on this one. Looks like it will be the perfect "comfy yet stylish" sweater and at a bargain to boot!
I love Norm, he's so cute!
ReplyDeleteI hear ya on the seamed sweater...I just finished knitting all of the pieces for one and can't seem to find my mojo to seam it. They usually have a bit nice shape/ability to hold shape, so it'll at least be worth the effort in the end! Looking forward to seeing your progress!
You can do this ... I just know it. What a gorgeous sweater ~ I hadn't seen it before and now I can't wait to see your version. Happy knitting.
ReplyDeleteSeaming is great -- it does give the sweater structure. I've made both raglan and seamed, and seaming can be a bit tedious for some, but I find it very soothing. I love to see it come together. And I love Fisherman's Wool, I made a cabled scarf with the whole skein, and it's my favorite scarf out of the sixty-five I have!
ReplyDeleteI've got a few skeins of fishermen's wool myself. Haven't knit anything yet but I koolaid dyed one skein. It took the dye beautifully. I agree with your logic, some patterns need the structure seams provide! Yours is working up beautifully. What a cute carving....wish I could say my MIL was as fun loving!
ReplyDeleteI like Fishermen's Wool a lot. I've used it for many a scarf and also for some felting projects. It looks like it will be an amazing project!
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