February 12, 2006
It's done!
Once again, it's a picture of my trying not laugh, and telling the DH to just get on with it and take the picture already. Am I happy with it? I guess so.
I had a few issues with it. The pattern is from Family Circle Easy Knitting, Spring/Summer 2005. It's knit in Cotton Ease, which I won in a competition from Lynette a while back. Thanks, Lynette! However, the pattern called for 9 balls, so I hunted some some more until I had enough.
It only took 5 balls.
I quite liked the Cotton Ease to knit with, though. The pattern told me to get a 20" zip, so I did. I need more like a 26". When I looked at the schematic, the front measures 22 3/4" without the 4" collar. (Which I knit to 5") There was no way that zip was going to fit. So right now, it has no zip. I probably wouldn't use it anyway, so I'm not too worried.
Overall, I like it, but it's over 30C today, and it was hot to try it on! The collar hasn't been blocked, and it needs it, to avoid the shrinky collar syndrome Evelyn mentioned in the comments a few days ago. The sleeves are a little long, but not so long that I'm willing to rip it!
I'm sure it will get plenty of wear when the temperature starts to fall.
Whats next?
This.
I've been waffling about knitting it, I really like it, but I have too much yarn to justify buying more for another project. I wanted the pink variegated Zhivago. Patons have discontinued it, but Carol spotted it in her local Spotlight on clearance and managed to snag a bag for me. There's my justification! So, it's on it's way to me. Zhivago is a Tencel/acrylic blend. (See, I'm not totally averse to acrylics!) I've only used it for small projects (gloves and a hat for DH), but I liked it. It did have a tendency to fuzz up, though.
Still behind on my sewing, and that's what I should be working on until the Zhivago arrives, but we'll see.
Comments
A red zippy jacket -- you positively can't go wrong with that. In fact, you're giving me some ideas!
You look great in it....get a zipper! ;-)
Posted by: Norma at February 13, 2006 12:16 AMVery pretty red cardi! I love the picture too! Well done DH!
Posted by: Kathleen at February 13, 2006 12:42 AMIt looks comfy and perfect to wear any time. I love the beautiful ruffled green sweater, too! Enjoy that one!!
Posted by: margene at February 13, 2006 12:51 AMWow, looks great!!! And your next project...I cant wait to see it!
Posted by: Shannon at February 13, 2006 01:00 AMNice red sweater! Please send it this direction--it's snowing! (Just kidding!) Enjoy it when the weather gets cooler there!
Posted by: Cathy at February 13, 2006 01:08 AMGreat job on the jacket and I know you will wear it a lot when your winter hits. Also the new project is lovely.
Posted by: Wendy G at February 13, 2006 02:22 AMWonderful! It looks great on you.
Posted by: Chris at February 13, 2006 04:29 AMCardi looks great, the red suits you and you don't look too hot at all!!! I made the other lacy edged cardigan in green variegated Zhivago and even though I checked my tension, and in the end knitted on smaller needles, AND measured myself about 20 times, it turned out too big. I am going to pull off the lacy cuffs and then unravel the sleeves a bit so I will actually wear it, because I do love it so!!! I am not an acrylic person either, but I could be a soysilk or Tencel person I think!!!
Posted by: Cindy at February 13, 2006 09:58 AMThe red sweater looks pretty. I think it will be used quite abit when the weather turns cooler. =) Looking forward to your next project.. The Zhivago your friend helped you get looks really pretty!
Posted by: kessa at February 13, 2006 02:05 PMThe red cardi looks fabulous on you! Basic cardis are so flattering and they always come in handy. Love the new pattern you are thinking about doing, too.
Posted by: lobstah at February 13, 2006 11:31 PMVery nice. Red looks good on you.
Posted by: wool winder at February 13, 2006 11:44 PMLove the red sweater! You can always just roll up the sleeves. The green sweater is cute too! What pattern is it?
Posted by: ck at February 14, 2006 07:12 AMLookin' good. That patons knit will look great on you.
Posted by: Janette at February 14, 2006 05:01 PMWell done, Donna! It looks really nice on you -- fits well. :) I love love love your next project. Ooooh. Very pretty.
Posted by: Samantha at February 15, 2006 12:46 AMLooks very comfy and something you could wear often. Now you even have enough yarn to make a little cami to go under it! I've got 6 balls of cotton ease in black and blue that I want to make a little cardi out of. Just haven't figured out how to use the 2 colors together without stripes.
Posted by: Evelyn at February 15, 2006 03:56 AM
Nice job! I'd be so proud to have any decent-sized FO to show off. (Soon, I hope.) Especially since it's definitely sweater weather here in the northern hemisphere.
Posted by: jessie at February 12, 2006 09:20 PM