On the first day of autumn, I finally finished sewing together Katie, after lingering in it's knitting bag through the summer. It's just in time to enjoy for fall and winter. Once completed, I like this sweater more than I thought I would. It seemed a little, well, boring while knitting, but it fits perfectly. I did lengthen the sleeves about 3 inches, and I think I lengthened the body about an inch, just cuz I'm tall. The fabric takes on a felted look and the tweedy bits really stand out. Just a good all-around cardi for me.
Here's a shot of the back.
Then I also finished the Noro Striped Scarf. I just loved knitting this scarf and found with the color changes, it was very addictive to knit. At first, I wasn't so thrilled with Noro Silk Garden because it seemed a wee bit scratchy, but it's really beautiful, almost like homespun, and my friend Nora assures me it will soften if I use a clothes softener with it. And I do think I'm a bit sensitive when it comes to how my knits feel, anyway.
I've started my first pair of Monkey socks, which there's really not much to show at this point. I'm using Lorna's Laces in the Camoflouge colorway. I've also been swatching for the Tangled Yoke cardi, but the Rowan Rowanspun DK I planned on using only got gauge on US 3 needles. I can't see myself doing that, so I may have to order some Rowan Felted Tweed. There's a beautiful color called Rage, which is a soft red, and I've really been wanting a red sweater, but I'll see if I'm brave enough to do it, or just go with a safe neutral.
Great job on the sweater! The fit is perfect and it is very flattering. I agree about Silk Garden. I made a scarf with it and I think I'm going to give it away. I don't know why people love Noro so much, but then, I don't like homespun either.
Knitting on size 3s doesn't take that much longer than 8s, actually, and the resulting fabric is worth it. That said, it isn't something I look forward to. :)
Posted by: Luni | September 24, 2007 at 08:12 AM
You look fantastic in Katie! Nicely done & the zipper looks perfect! Did you hand sew it in or machine sew it? I never have the patience for hand sewing them in & usually machine sew it. Yours looks great! Nicely done!
And yes, the silk garden will soften up with wash & wear.
Posted by: Chauntel | September 24, 2007 at 12:17 PM
Both look fantastic! I love the cardigan. It looks pretty and very versatile and wearable! Great job!
Posted by: Lara | September 24, 2007 at 12:29 PM
You should model for all the knitwear designers/magazines - Katie looks stunning on you!
Posted by: Nora | September 25, 2007 at 01:31 PM
OMG, you did perfect job on sweater! And it fits you more than perfectly!
Posted by: sandra | September 25, 2007 at 02:07 PM
That is a great sweater. Simple lines and fits well.
Posted by: claudia | September 27, 2007 at 04:25 AM