The center line is where I cut:
I spent a month and 8 skeins of yarn on this sweater. I pulled back rows when I made mistakes, even when it meant going back and destroying an hour or more of work. I scrutinized the cables for errors. I redid the colorwork at the top THREE TIMES because I messed up (I don't read charts well). I actually used a row counter on the arms so they'd be exactly the same length, instead of winging it (which is what I do with socks). I drank the same amount of brandy when working on it, so that my tension and attention would remain the same. And now I have to cut it?!
I loathe the bathroom-shot, but it's the only mirror in the house. Overall, the sweater is a bit large -- one size down would have been ideal, but I don't mind it as it is. It is excessively warm (Cascade Peruvian Highlands Wool) and I took it off as soon as I was done photographing it. Like nearly all of the posters in the Ravelry Big Girl Knits group, I'm not fond of the neckline, but I am so happy to be done with the sweater that I'm leaving it as is. The button band was easier than I thought, and looks pretty good, I think, except on the K rows bottom and top where it rolls up a bit.
Side note: I had a heckuva time with the sewing machine. I spent literally ten minutes trying to figure out how to drop the foot. Literally. I almost called a friend to help. I couldn't find the instructions for threading bobbins, so I had to figure it out on my own, but I didn't tangle the thread and everything worked fine. It was overall very easy to do, and I'm very glad that I did a project that required learning new techniques. And now that I know how easy steeks are (for this project, anyway) I won't shun other steeky projects!
LOL. I was thinking, there's SEWING involved too? Glad it worked out for you, the presser foot ordeal. I don't think I could have cut it, I would have to call someone in for that part. My hands would be over my eyes as they did it too!
ReplyDeleteIt was nerve wracking. The sewing really did the trick, though. I did the 2nd smallest line of stitches, and went slowly. Almost got my fingers sewn too, but that's just natural clumsiness for me. And I was VERY careful cutting it.
ReplyDeleteR and I are both very impressed. It looks lovely.
ReplyDeleteYou do four rows of sewing too for steeks! Me too. Much safer that way.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely use steeking again after my first project, the pink EZ cardie. Thanks for your comment on that!
Love your cardigan, it's gorgeous.
If you find the neckline only a little too loose then you could try puting an elastic thread through the very top of the ribbing and possible a second one through the bottom row of it (a little looser than the top one) - just to make the neckline that little bit more snug. And maybe move the top button in a bit more?
I've used an elastic thread through the very top of the ribbing to very good effect.
Your cardigan is really, really gorgeous! I hope you get a lot of enjoyment out of wearing it.
Congrats! I love the sweater and the neckline. Of course, I love wearing turtle necks so that is perfect for my style.
ReplyDeleteYou did a great job! I love the way it looks (though I would change the neckline too - I've never been as fond of a boat-neck, but that's just me :P) You inspire me - I will try again some day, just can't yet... So I'll continue to be inspired by you until I can't stand it any more!
ReplyDeleteI think I might actually pick up stitches around the neckline and add a few rows. When I wear it, the weight of it pulls it down and it almost comes off my shoulders. Do you all think that would look odd?
ReplyDelete