December 28, 2006
So, the Lace Panel Sweater is finished.
Laid out flat like this, I love it. I'm pleased with the way it looks. The sleeve fit into the armscye was a little tight, as Nat predicted, but it wasn't too bad. A little bit of extra ease wouldn't have been a bad thing, though.
But actually wearing it? I don't love it so much.
I like it better in this picture than I do in person, though!
It makes me look bulky, but David and Em tell me I'm imagining that. The sleeves are too tight, and a bit too long. I'd have liked the body to bit a bit longer. I'd say it's too small, but it's not really, theres a little bit of ease in the body, but it feels too small. That may just be the sleeves.
Will I wear it? Maybe, it's growing on me. Maybe I need to do some upper arm working out!
Specs:
Pattern: Lace Panel Sweater, from Jo Sharp Knit 2
Yarn: Recommended yarn was Jo Sharp Desert Garden Aran Cotton, but I subbed Rowan All Seasons Cotton in Purr. I used just under 10 balls for the second size.
A success or a dud? I'm still undecided.
And something to prove that knitting and crochet isn't just for grannies anymore, it'll also help you visualise your geometry problems.. If someone asks what you're knitting, tell them it's Lorenz manifold.
We're off early in the morning, and will be back next Wednesday. Internet access will be limited, so I'd like to wish everybody a happy and safe New Year!
See you in 2007.
Comments
I think it looks great. I have found that every time I knit a sweater for myself, it seems more bulky on than it does in the pattern photo. So I think it's a mental issue, not a sweater issue.
On the other hand, if it's not just right and you won't ever wear it, gift it.
Posted by: jessie at December 28, 2006 09:51 PMI like it, Donna. But I know what you mean about how things feel. Sometimes there's just something...
I have an orangey-red raglan sweater that I LOVED knitting, but I never wear it because the armholes are strange, somehow. It just doesn't sit right on me. I can't think how to fix it, 'cause I don't exactly know what's wrong.
But, look on the bright side. Lavender is a great color for you! So you can knit something else in that color!
Posted by: LizW at December 29, 2006 01:40 AMIts lovely.
And a wonderful new year to you and yours!
Posted by: Jade at December 29, 2006 03:18 AMIs it possible that the lace sweater is too BIG? It definitely looks like you've got extra room in there. I think it looks great on you. Have fun in Bundaberg! I was just eating some ginger gummy bear from Bundaberg or at least the Bundaberg Ginger Beer people. Yummy!
Posted by: Evelyn at December 29, 2006 03:42 AMI agree, it might just be a little too big for you. It is lovely though and the color perfect on you.
Posted by: Kathleen at December 29, 2006 04:38 AMI'd say the neck line is too shallow. I think it would look better with a deeper neck. I think it looks great, but you have to be satisfied with it.
Posted by: Chris at December 29, 2006 10:47 AMThis sweater is beautiful and I think it looks great on you in this picture. I'd say try it on again in a couple of weeks and see if you change your mind about it.
Posted by: wool winder at December 29, 2006 01:32 PMIts baffling. I checked off the usual "points" (arm, colour, length, etc) but it was ok for all.. In fact, I think the colour is great and the size seems to fit well generally. But somehow, there is something strange.. I just can't put a finger on it... Have a great weekend at Bundaberg!
Posted by: Kessa at December 29, 2006 01:44 PMI'm with Chris - I think the neckline is a bit shallow (but I do like a deep V - very flattering for the bust!) but I love the longer sleeves and the slightly curved/ruffled edges and the colour is good. Maybe it will be a bit like jeans, and only really fit properly after a few wears! Hope you have a great new year!
Posted by: Rose Red at December 29, 2006 01:53 PMI think it looks fine, but I can sympathize with your feeling of "off-ness" about the sweater. I knit one that everyone compliments me when I wear it, but the whole day I am pulling on it because it is off around the neck and doesn't lay right. I could fix it but I was so glad to be done knitting it that I can't go through the pain.
Have a wonderful New Year!
Posted by: jae at December 30, 2006 12:02 AMIt's probably the underarm that's too tight that is making it feel uncomfortable and perhaps bulky. But you do not look bulky in the sweater at all. It's ok if you don't like the fit of it, that can happen, but it does look quite nice on you. Hopefully it will grow on you.
Posted by: Wanda at December 30, 2006 06:25 AMI really like it! But I understand your feelings about parts of it. Overall it does look lovely and I do hope it grows on you a little more.
Posted by: Zia at December 30, 2006 01:46 PMMaybe after a few wears around the house it will stretch a little, and you will feel more comfortable. I really like it on you, but also I like things to be longer as well. Hope your family has a great New Year too.
Posted by: Sue at December 30, 2006 06:19 PMI think it looks lovely on you, but I know what you mean about something not "feeling right", even if no one else knows what you're talking about.
Happy New Year to you!
Hi.Ohh this was a lovely sweater,and also a beautiful colour..Nice "visiting" your blog..
Greeting from Sidsel,Norway :o)
It looks lovely on you. The colour particularly really suits you and I don't think the design adds bulk to you. Not judging by this photo anyway!! Maybe the 'smallness' issues are due to the yarn. I don't think I'm going to have that problem at all with the JS cotton. I'm nearly done with the sleeves and so far so good. You know, I'm thinking this jumper will not be flattering on me either - I'm shorter and bustier than you - but I hope to be surprised about that. At least it's knitting up nicely now. Congrats on getting it done and I hope you wear it lots. It really does look great on you.
Posted by: Terri at December 31, 2006 03:53 PMIt's frustrating to finish something and you don't feel comfortable in it. I hope you come to love it, but if not, I know you're a fast enough knitter to make something else you'll love!
I'm so glad you all had a wonderful Christmas. Have a happy and healthy new year, and hope Twinkie gets back to her home soon. :)
Posted by: Debby at January 1, 2007 09:23 AMCongrats on finishing the jumper, I think it looks fine, and therefore is a success. Take heart, we can see you better than you can yourself. Wear it with pride.
Posted by: Susan Hird at January 1, 2007 09:52 AMHappy New Year! I think the jumper looks great!
Posted by: Kylie at January 3, 2007 08:28 AMYou look very good in it...and believe me, no matter what your complaints are about your figure now, in ten years you'll look back and marvel at how good you looked! I guarantee it!
Posted by: bonnie at January 4, 2007 07:42 AMHappy New Year!
The sweater looks lovely! David and Em are right. :)
Posted by: Samantha at January 4, 2007 09:21 AMwow!! it's beautiful!!! since i have that yarn as well...probably it will be a project for me to cast on this year?? though i'm quite afraid whether it'll be too hard for me or not!!
Posted by: Michelle at January 5, 2007 12:37 PMDonna, it looks stunning - gorgeous colour and design.
D and E are right - you don't look bulky.
BUT since you're not happy with the sleeve length and if you're feeling slightly paranoid about your arms maybe you can re-knit shorter, plain sleeves...
Personally, I think you should just wear it and enjoy!
Now, when are we going to have that coffee? Feb?
Happy Holidays and New Year, I think no matter how much anyone tells you they like something, if you don't feel right, you just don't feel right. I know I have knitted things I loved, tried them on and something wasn't right, and nothing could convince me otherwise!!!!!
Posted by: 2paw at December 28, 2006 07:57 PM