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Kathleen Cubley — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:28:48 GMT


Gerda's Livingstone Cardigan

Livingstone Cardigan by Amy Miller, knitted by Gerda Porter
Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande, color# 3729, Chestnut, 11 skeins

Gerda's Measurements
Gerda usually wears a size 12-14 top. She's 5' 4" tall.
Bust: 38"
Waist: 36"
Hips: 30"

The yarn is scrumptious soft and cuddly and the pattern is fairly easy; I knitted the fronts, backs, and sleeves over a few days. The cables are so interesting, they kind of look like DNA strips!

I decided to knit the size 40½" based on the measurements of the schematic and my size 38" bust, and I used a size 9 needle. However, it turned out way too small and modifications had to be made.

Modifications

—I knitted the pieces a little longer; I finished a full repeat of the 23-row cable pattern before starting the shaping.

—I decided to do a 2 X 2 rib for the sleeves. I like a more fitted sleeve, and the reverse stockinette stretches too much for me.

—Once I sewed everything together, which was simple due to the designer's garter edges, I tried on the sweater and it was way too small to close.

—I added 2 inches more on the collar so that I could close the sweater, I decided to just pin it shut instead of using the toggles.

Tips



	Back view of the Livingstone Cardigan

—The best way to move quickly through this pattern is to lose your cable needle and work the cables without one. This will help you to knit much more fluidly without having to stop and start fiddling with a third needle. The chunky weight of this yarn made it easy to work with.

—The charts may look difficult at a glance but once you figure out what the symbols stand for they are very simple. For example, if the cross on the front is going to the left that is the way the stitches will slant, if the cross is colored they are purled.

—Try using highlighter tape and moving it along as you go. Fold an end of it to make it easy to grab and move!

I adore knitting cables but I don't like the way the front of the sweater looks on me (I wish it took 20 pounds off me!). Perhaps just cables on the back would have been enough. It is a beautiful sweater, though, and the cabling is unique.

Ms. Miller is a very talented designer and her pattern was well written and fun to work.


Kathy's Livingstone Cardigan

Livingstone Cardigan by Amy Miller, knitted by Kathy O'Neill
Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande, color# 1662, Stone Blue, 10 skeins

Kathy's Measurements
Kathy usually wears a size 12 top; she's 5' 4" tall.
Bust: 38¾"
Waist: 33"
Hips: 40"

A couple of things really attracted me to this pattern. Number one on my list was the appeal of the baby alpaca yarn. It reminded me of an incredible trip to Peru I took with my family a few years back. A part of every market we visited included the pervasive barking of the sweater vendors. They were touting "the finest baby alpaca" used in the items they had for sale. Even my then 7th-grade son would not have anything else but a baby alpaca sweater. And I loved the toggle buttons, loop closures, and detailed cable designs.

This particular yarn is incredibly soft, somewhat like mohair but without quite as much shedding. (I still wouldn't wear polypro pants while working with it.) I used the Stone Blue without the tweed. Found some lovely, blueish mother of pearl 2-inch rectangular buttons to substitute for wooden toggles.

I did play with gauge a bit, trying to get a slightly smaller size. I ended up on size 10 needles. I was aiming for a 5 percent reduction, but I think the blocking process lessened that a bit. It fits, though!

I made it 17 inches long because I like longer sweaters, and I really like the length—covers the middle nicely!

The interlocking puzzle-piece cable pattern added a bit of a challenge to the back, but it goes quickly once you finish the first section of cable crosses. At first my computer-programmer brain was very tempted to line them up; I had a love/hate relationship with them for sure. Be careful on that setup row, it's really crucial to get it right. I had to do it a couple of times.

I struggled with keeping the pattern correct in the back sleeve decrease section, sometimes doing k2tog instead of p2tog—I just lived with it, though, and you can't really tell in the finished sweater. As you get fewer and fewer pattern stitches to work with, it helps to count from the center of your work out to see where exactly which stitch in the chart row starts the pattern. So give much careful attention to this section.

The Finishing

I forgot to increase the length of the collar front ribbed piece to account for my longer sweater. Darn it, that TV knitting always messes me up! (They do say that TV watching is mind-numbing, and now I know it's true.) And what a bunch of casting on that was. Ignored the suggestion to use the cable cast-on—it's too slow when I do it. It makes sense with a large number of stitches, however.

Not sure I like my rather lumpy, bumpy pearl reverse stockinette side of the sleeves as the right side. The stockinette side is so much more attractive! Thank goodness for the blocking process!

I blocked the separate pieces first so they would relax and be easier to seam. I used the mattress stitch for the sleeve and shoulder sections. The result was more attractive than whip stitch, and that part will actually show.

I probably don't want to wear this sweater in a rainstorm. An odor slightly less pleasant than "wet dog" wafted around the living room while I was blocking. Even got the family critter excited and sniffing around with a crazed look trying to locate the wild beast in the house!

The Livingston is a nice, cozy garment. I'm looking forward to wearing in our suddenly cold weather!


Audrey's Livingston Cardigan. She's still looking for the perfect buttons.

The Livingstone Cardigan, knitted by Audrey Dhillon and Sucia Dhillon
Plymouth Baby Alpaca Grande, color #4304, Blue, 11 skeins

Audrey's Measurements
Audrey usually wears a size 12-14 top. She's 5' 2" tall.
Bust: 40½"
Waist: 38¾"
Hips: 45"

When I saw this pattern I thought it would be a bit of a challenge for me but since it was on bigger needles I might be able to work it up in the time frame, however I had not allowed for the birth of my first granddaughter, the holidays, or being under the weather during my winter break!

I made size 40.5" bust and got gauge on 10.5 US needles.

I began work on the back before the holidays but didn't start the cable pattern until I returned to a busy work schedule in January, and with the deadline looming I diligently went to work on the back. I have some experience with cabling but this was more intense and it felt very tedious but I persevered on my own working through the pattern. I didn't think the cables looked right but I had been meticulous, I thought, about following each row in the cable chart, and I just carried on.


	Back view

It was taking me more time than I had so I pleaded with my daughter-in-law, Sucia, for help; she loves cable knitting and she agreed to work on the fronts as I completed the other pieces.

The sleeves and front band/collar worked up quickly—a day for each piece. I arranged to meet with an experienced knitter friend and Sucia to put the sweater together last Saturday. What a surprise; as I put my pieces on the table next to Sucia's front pieces, my cables on the back were a mess! Sucia volunteered to re-do the back, which she did in just two days, and that is how this came to be a group project.

I figured out where I went wrong. I followed the chart as if I were knitting in the round and not back and forth. So, when I finished row 1 of the chart, I went back to the right-hand side of the chart and worked that row it, and so on, not going from right to left and then left to right, but just knitting each row of the chart reading right to left. Sheesh. Rookie mistake, right? I knew it wasn't looking great, but I followed the pattern blindly. Sometimes that's a good plan, but not this time!

Now that I understand what I did incorrectly I'd like to make this pattern again, maybe I'll make one for Sucia! I didn't make any modifications to the pattern and it was very easy to follow. The directions were clear; I believe my head was just overwhelmed by the rest of my life and that in turn made focusing on the chart a problem.

One change I might make is to add a few more inches to the collar by doing more short rows. I'd like it to be a little wider.

Overall I LOVE the sweater and know I will wear it often, the yarn is soft and oh-so cozy. I am still looking for the perfect buttons and will add those at a later time.

This project was a team effort—thank goodness for friends and family who gave up their personal knitting time to help me reach the finish!


Dinah's Leif Slipover

Leif Slipover, by Adrienne Larsen, knitted by Dinah Demers
Cascade Yarns Lana Grande, in color 6045, Latte, 9 skeins


	Leif Slipover, back view

Dinah's Measurements
Dinah usually wears a size 10 top. She's 5' 11¾" tall.
Bust: 35½"
Waist: 32"
Hips: 41½"

For my Leif Slipover, I selected Cascade Yarns Lana Grande, in color 6045—Latte, and decided to knit the size 39½. I choose to use a bamboo needle, and because I knit rather loosely, I went down one needle size from the recommended size 17 to a size 15.

There is a lot going on in this pattern, with the cable patterns separated by other pattern stitches, and I found it extremely important to pay attention to the row I was on in order to execute the required shaping.

I did run into a snag after completing the waist shaping. When the instructions say "K1, pick up purl bump from st below st on right needle and place on holder on WS," I did so, but I could not see anywhere later in the directions where these picked up stitches were specifically referenced! With some prompt and helpful assistance from Kathleen and Joni Coniglio (Senior Project Editor for Interweave Knits), I was soon back on track. Joni told me that "The stitches on holders are the ones you will be placing onto the needle at the beginning of the back instructions (page 86, 3^rd column)." So if you get stuck at this section, now you know what to do!

I followed the pattern as written, except I elected to finish off the slipover with a garter stitch edging for the neckline. I felt that I'd get much more wear out of the sweater with a collar rather than the hood. I really like the versatility of the collar—turning it up or down really changes the look of the garment.

Overall, I am really pleased with this pattern—the cables really pop, the yarn is bouncy and shows fantastic stitch definition, and the vest is wonderfully warm and cuddly. I'll be wearing it all this week, as our weather finally turns to winter.


	Melanie's Leif Slipover

Leif Slipover, by Adrienne Larsen, knitted by Melanie Gillette
Cascade Yarns Lana Grande, in color 6045, Latte, 9 skeins

Melanie's Measurements
Melanie is 5 foot 8½ inches tall and usually wears a size med (8) top
Bust: 36"
Waist: 28"
Hips: 37"

I love the look of the cabled vest and hood. After much debate, I chose to make it in gray as pictured; unimaginative, perhaps, but so versatile! I used the Cascade Yarns Lana Grande. I also debated on size. I chose the 39½ size because the 35-inch circumference would have been an inch small. In retrospect, I wish I had knit the 35-inch size and had negative ease.


Hood-down view

The vest knit up too big for me, but I still like it. My swatch was the correct gauge, but the vest is a little too loose for my taste. I love the cabling and design, although I did run into a few confusing points along the way. A few things I stumbled over in the directions:

—The instructions have us move markers in row 9 of the body, but don't mention we need to keep the extra knit stitches until row 16 (for size 39½.)

—On the back, we pick up purl bumps we set aside on stitch holders while working the front. But the stitches are now called left-side stitches and right-side stitches.

—On the back, after the first upper body chart and before the second, several stitches are added. However, the instructions do not tell us whether to make purl stitches or knit stitches. It becomes the pattern down the center back, so I did a knit purl knit pattern; but I think all purl stitches would look better.

I was worried it would take a long time, but the vest knits up fairly quickly, even for a slower knitter like me. It helped to have some cabling experience as well. The shape of the vest is so flattering, and the length is great for leggings or straight leg jeans with boots. I'm excited to start wearing this in our wintry weather.

Kathleen Cubley — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 16:14:04 GMT

Fall 2011 Interweave Knits Galleries

Gemini Cardigan by Katya Frankel
Interweave Knits Fall 2011
Finished Size 30¼ (34¼, 38¼, 42¼, 46¼, 50¼)" bust circumference, buttoned.
Yarn Brown Sheep Company Lanaloft Worsted (100% wool; 160 yd [146 m]/3½ oz [100 g]): 5 (5, 6, 7, 7, 8) skeins.
Needles Size 8 (5 mm): 36" circular (cir) and set of double-pointed (dpn). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.
Notions Markers (m); stitch holders; tapestry needle; six large snaps.
Gauge 16 sts and 24 rows = 4" in St st.


My Gemini Cardigan

Detail of the garter lapel

Gemini Sweater, knitted by Audrey Dhillon

I chose this pattern mainly because it was knit in one piece; I'm not super confident in my finishing techniques! I was also hoping to complete it in time to wear this fall.


	Detail of the garter stitch welts

The pattern called for size 8 needles, but my gauge swatch indicated that I needed to go up at least one needle size, to a 9. If I had it to do again, though, I would go up to a size 10. This yarn, Brown Sheep Lanaloft, is sturdy and the larger needles would give it a little more softness and drape. I love the color of the yarn I chose: #LL444W Coral Reef Handpaint (I used 6 skeins for the size 38¼-inch).

I did not make any modifications to the pattern and it was very easy to follow in the beginning. However once I began the yoke I found the directions a little confusing because there was so much that needed to be done at the same time.

It took some time to figure them out; I decided to write the pattern out row-by-row just to make sure I was doing what needed to be done on each row. It would have been so helpful to have a chart or directions written out for each row in this section! I felt the same about the directions for the collar.

I really like how this pattern turned out, though, and I know I'll get so much use out of the cardigan. I thought the asymmetrical collar and garter stitch welts along with the variegated yarn gave the pattern visual interest, although when I knit this again I'll add some rows to the collar—my collar came up a bit short on both sides.

What I loved most about this pattern was how it was written for minimal finishing, and despite my initial struggles with the directions, I definitely want to make this pattern again! I've got the hang of it now, and I absolutely love the yarn, it is so soft and it'll be very warm.

Gemini Sweater, knitted by Terry Watanabe


	My finished cardigan

I knit this pattern with Brown Sheep Lanaloft, in the Japanese Maple colorway. For my size, the 38½-inch bust, I needed seven skeins, but I got eight just in case. It was a good thing I did because I used some of that eighth skein.

I ended up on 10½ circular needles—the pattern called for size 8 needles, but in order for me to meet the 4-stitches-per-inch gauge, I had to move up to size 10½.

The pattern appeared to be pretty simple, knitting from the bottom up in stockinette and garter stitch, and the garter welt detail was fun and added interest to the knitting.

The right side panel is knit in garter stitch, and even though I placed a marker at the start of the garter stitch section, I still ended up knitting it in stockinette stitch! After I unknit two rows I changed the marker to a different color, which made it easier to remember to change to garter stitch.

I did get a bit confused when it came to the raglan decreases. I thought there were too many "at the same time" procedures and I ended up misinterpreting when the "body decrease" should begin. I actually incorporated the body decrease during the first four raglan decreases. The end result was the same with respect to the number of stitches that should be on my needles after all decreases are completed, but I think a chart or more explicit directions would have been really helpful.



Closeup of the welt detail

I did make a modification to the sleeve length; I'm a short person and I like my sleeves to hit the top of my hand and not the middle of my hand, so I stopped at 17 inches instead of instead of the 18 called for in the pattern.

The collar was another problem area. I read the directions over and over and I finally decided to just go for it. Well, as it turns out, I didn't knit the collar correctly, and I'll probably tear it out and re-knit it.

I love the color and the style of the Gemini Sweater, and I also like the idea of the fitted sweater—it really adds class to the structure.

I'm mulling over the closure for the Gemini. I'm actually toying with using a hook and eye strip instead putting snaps on the sweater (which will be easier to sew on than individual snaps).

Dahlia Cardigan by Heather Zoppetti
Interweave Knits Fall 2011
Finished Size Size 30 (35½, 40½, 45½, 50)" bust circumference, with fronts overlapped about 4".
Yarn Manos del Uruguay Serena (60% baby alpaca, 40% pima cotton; 170 yd [155 m]/1¾ oz [50 g]): 5 (6, 7, 8, 9) skeins.
Yarn distributed by Fairmount Fibers.
Needles Size 5 (3.75 mm): 32" circular (cir) and set of double-pointed (dpn). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge
Notions Markers (m); waste yarn; size E/4 (3.5 mm) crochet hook for provisional CO; tapestry needle.
Gauge 24 sts and 32 rows = 4" in St st; lace panel measures about 13" square, after blocking.


	The lace panel on the back of my Dahlia. I love it!

Dahlia Cardigan, knitted by Gerda Porter

When I saw the Dahlia Cardigan, the lace design on the back is what caught my attention first, then the drape of the garment, then the ingenious way that this garment is knitted.

Ms. Zoppetti is definitely a forward thinking designer who has come up with a pattern that is challenging and simple at the same time!

I knitted the size 40½, and since I'm such a loose knitter I had to go down from the suggested size 5s and knit on size 3s! I used the suggested yarn, Manos del Uruguay in color #6976, Serena. I used seven skeins.

The only modification that made was a more rapid increase for the sleeves to make them shorter. I have short arms, but even the three-quarter-length sleeves of this design were a little longer than I wanted them to be.

My knitting tips for the Dahlia:

When I started working the pieces after the lace back was finished, I labeled them until I got an idea of which direction the garment was going.
When working the lace it's helpful to use a magnet board along with your row counter to keep track of where you are.
Fronts closed Fronts open

The lace panel may not look that great while knitting it but after blocking it's gorgeous!
It's sometimes hard to keep your stitch count correct when doing seed stitch edges. What I do is place a marker between the stockinette body and the seed stitch edging so I know where to start the seed stitch pattern.
Remember to slip the first stitch of each row to create lovely edges to the garment.
When I first started the sleeves I placed a marker at the underarm so I could orient myself to how it was going to fit.

I used the magic loop method to knit the sleeves mainly because I was too lazy to find my DPN's, when I knit the next one I will use the DPN's because of the delicate nature of the yarn.

I really enjoyed knitting this pattern. I am impressed with the design and I'm actually planning to knit another one in a solid color. I rarely knit the same garment twice, so this is high praise from me!

Serena yarn is an absolute joy to work with and feels light as a feather when worn. Thanks for another great pattern from Interweave Knits!

Dahlia Cardigan, knitted by Sheila Porter (Gerda's daughter!)


Dahlia Cardigan, back view

The Dahlia Cardigan caught my eye because of its beautifully clean lines. The lace back is such a pleasant surprise and added some necessary interest to the pattern. I already have a couple purchased sweaters that drape open the way the Dahlia does, so I knew the style was one that I would love to wear.

I hadn't seen the back of the sweater when I chose to knit it, so the lace panel was a wonderful surprise. I loved the yarn too—Manos del Uruguay Serena in Mineral, #2334.

I had a difficult time choosing what size to knit since the choices jumped from 36½-inch to 40½-inch bust, but I decided that since the cardi is an open style I would rather it be a bit larger, which I think will be a good decision. I'll probably use seven skeins of yarn.

I knitted my gauge swatch on size 5 Crystal Palace DPNs had I got the perfect gauge so started in on the lace pattern using those. When it came time to switch to circulars I used my Addi Turbos which are very slick, so I compensated by moving down to a size 4 since I know that I knit fast and loose on them.

The sweater itself is really interesting to knit since it starts in the center of the back and is knitted entirely in one piece. There is minimal finishing work, which is another perk—when the knitting and blocking is done I can wear the sweater right away!

The only mod I'm making is adding a few inches to the sleeves and leaving out the lace pattern towards the wrist. I prefer a more simple style and I like longer sleeves.

Some tips for knitting the Dahlia:

When starting the sweater pay close attention before joining in the round. The pattern starts with 8 stitches divided between 4 DPNs so it can easily get tangled or turned around. I made it easier for myself by keeping the needles in a straight line while transferring them over and carefully bringing the 2 end needles together on a flat surface to keep everything aligned.
Dahlia Cardigan, front view

At the beginning of the pattern it says to slip stitches on the right side knitwise and on the wrong side purlwise, which holds true until you get to taking apart the provisional cast on and knitting the second back tops and bottoms. When you do this you will slip the first stitch according to what the second stitch is, so the wrong side will actually be slipped knitwise since the second stitch is a knit stitch.
When finishing the seed stitch edges it says to knit until it measures 1" which always bothers me since I would like to know exactly how many rows they did, so I did eight rows, which was actually a little short of 1" but made it equal to the seed stitch edging.

So far the Dahlia pattern is very straightforward and fun to knit. My only problem has been how time-consuming it is. It's a lot of knitting on sport-weight yarn and size 4 and 5 needles.

But if you realize that before starting on the sweater it won't be a problem. I underestimated how much knitting was involved so I'm still knitting away! I'll be done as soon as I can so you can see photos of this beautiful sweater. I know it'll be worth it at the end.

I would recommend knitting the Dahlia Cardigan—it's an easy-to-follow pattern and interesting to make because of the lace and unusual construction.

Kathleen Cubley — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 19:09:15 GMT



Audrey Dhillon modeling her Al Fresco Camisole


Closeup of Audrey's faux cable


Sucia is becoming an expert on this pattern. Her first effort is on the bottom of the stack and her second try is on top. She switched from size 9 needles to size 6 needles and is much happier with the result.


Oops! Gauge issues on Sucia's first try made her tank top about two times too large!


Sucia tied a knot to help secure her shoulder straps, which adds a nice design feature.

Al Fresco Camisole by Alice Tang, Interweave Knits Summer 2011), knitted by Audrey Dhillon

Yarn: Lion Brand LB Collection Cotton Bamboo (52% cotton, 48% rayon from bamboo; 245yd (224m/100g): #139 Hibiscus, 3 skeins

Needles: Pattern called for size 5 but I ended up on size 9s! (A bit too large, in hindsight)

Size knitted: 36½"

My measurements: 5' 2" tall, 39" bust, 37" waist

I was intrigued by the faux cables in this pattern and thought the moss stitch would be an opportunity to become more proficient at the Continental style of knitting.

I almost gave up during the gauge swatch phase as I had to keep changing my needle size in order to achieve gauge; usually I'm "right on" gauge.

When swatching for this pattern, I started on size 5s as recommended by the pattern, but I ended up going all the way up to a size 9 until I finally had gauge in the moss stitch pattern! In hindsight I would have used size 8 needles, the tank ended up being pretty loose on the size 9s.
The pattern was very easy to follow and I didn't make any modifications.

The directions were clear, and the photographs for the faux cables were very well laid out. I did rely on my weekly knit group for clarity when dropping the stitches during the bind off, so one more photograph after Photo 1 might have been helpful.

I had a thought when regarding the join of the straps. The instructions for the join say, "Using hook, pull fold of folded strands through loops on hook." I thought the straps looked a little flimsy, so I suggest pulling the strap through the first cable and then making a knot at the base of the strap.

What I loved about this pattern was how quickly it came together and how fancy the faux cables looked! I definitely want to make this again, but I think I'll use a non-bamboo yarn. While the LB Cotton Bamboo this looked very pretty, it felt quite flimsy, especially where the straps connected to the garment. (This probably had something to do with my gauge issue, though. If I'd used a smaller needle, the fabric would have been sturdier.)

My advice if you're knitting this in the LB Cotton Bamboo, is to block your swatch before changing needle size! The bamboo content of the yarn makes it really stretchy, so if you're getting a stitch or so more than you should when you're knitting the swatch, the gauge should be right on after you block it. This really will save you time in the long run.

_________________________________________________

Al Fresco Camisole by Alice Tang, Interweave Knits Summer 2011, knitted by Sucia Dhillon

Yarn: Lion Brand LB Collection Cotton Bamboo, 2 balls, in Persimmon

Needles: US size 9 (although the pattern called for size 5s)

Size knitted: 32½ “

My measurements: Height: 5’9”, Bust: 36”, Waist: 30”

The Al Fresco is a beautiful pattern. It’s simple and yet it has the appearance of complexity. Unfortunately, this was a tough one for me to knit.

The first problem I had was in gauging the right needle size for my project. The pattern says to knit on the needle that will get you the gauge of 22 stitches and 31 rows equaling 4 inches in moss stitch. After trying several times, I got this gauge on size 9s instead of the 5s that the pattern suggested. Then, as I knitted, my gauge grew and ended up being more like 18 stitches and 22 rows to 4 inches, which I didn’t notice and I just kept on knitting.

By the time I was finished I ended up with a 19-inch wide front and back panel instead of the 16¼ inch that the pattern called for. Why? It's all about gauge. I have a history of not being able to knit to gauge with bamboo yarn, and this was no different. While knitting the Al Fresco, I must have loosened up my knitting as I went, relaxing into the moss stitch.

I think I should have blocked my swatch before changing needle sizes. It would also have been a good idea to stretch the swatch a little bit when I was measuring for gauge. It might have been a little off when I first measured it, but I think it would have sorted itself out out during the final blocking. Also, I should have checked my gauge during the project, because it might have changed just a bit!

My second issue was the length. Being tall, I wanted to lengthen the piece, so instead of knitting the suggested 13¾ inches, I knitted to 15 inches. Somehow these didn’t show up in my finished piece. I was swimming in the final product, which was about two times too big!

I thought it might fit if it were half the size, and guess what? It kinda did! I seamed one of the pieces up the back thinking I could wear it as a halter. It was way stretched out and hit me at mid-belly, which I thought was unflattering. But, wow! Does this yarn stretch or what?

I love the pattern, though, and I’m determined to work out the kinks so I can have a cute little tank for the rest of the summer.

So far I’ve frogged my original, gaugeless try and I’m now knitting the Al Fresco again on size 6 needles. I’m almost done with the back and I have a piece measuring 13½ inches wide. The schematic when the pattern calling for 14¼ (I went down a size). I’m not worried that my measurement isn’t quite matching because I don’t mind negative ease. And because of the stretchiness of the bamboo yarn, I’m not worried.

I think I’m solving some of the issues I had with this pattern and I hope it turns out! I’ll post my finished project on Ravelry when I’m done. If you want to see it, I’m sdhillon on Ravelry.


Dinah Demers modeling her Coral Cardigan


Dinah's random lace pattern is just beautiful!

Coral Cardigan by Nancy Eiseman, Interweave Knits Summer 2011, knitted by Dinah Demers

Yarn: Classic Elite Classic Silk, #6979 Red Grape, 10 skeins

Needles: US size 6, although the pattern recommended size 7s

Size knitted: 41"

My measurements: 5' 11¾" tall, 35½" bust, 32" waist

I really enjoyed working with the recommended Classic Elite Classic Silk yarn. It was enjoyable to knit with, somehow combining both luscious softness and practical sturdiness at the same time. The yarn is very well suited for the coral inspired stitch pattern, and the resulting knit fabric has a wonderful drape. I choose a dark purple, one of my favorite colors, and am delighted with the result.

The random lace technique employed for the fabric of the cardigan was difficult for me at first, because when it comes to knitting, I tend to be very "pattern" oriented. As I read the stitch guide, my brow furrowed. "Work any combination of knit sts and yarnover-decrease pairs separated by 0-3 knit stitches, randomly across the row". Perhaps because of my background in the sciences, my first thought was to use a random number generator, and then I could randomly assign numbers corresponding to stitches, then to stitch combinations. . . Well, you get the picture. But I decided to be brave and forge ahead without the security of a set stitch pattern to follow.

After knitting a gauge swatch and determining that I needed to go down a needle size from that recommended in the pattern directions (down to a size 6), I cast on and started knitting. After working about an inch of the pattern stitch, I found that the stress of knitting random lace combos was causing me to knit with intense tension. My hands were cramped, and my "lace" puckered like little knots of wire. Frog time.

Attempt 2. Armed with my 110 line long list of randomly generated stitch combination sequences, and a glass of wine, I started again. Much Better!! Much to my delight, after an inch or two, though, I found myself referring to my chart less and less. Soon, I actually felt settled into a relaxed, organic process of knitting. As the published pattern advised, I did have to count stitches often, to ensure that my stitch count remained correct, but the stitches just seemed to flow, and the resulting pattern did in fact begin to resemble the graceful forms of a branching coral.

I've been knitting for about six years, but I must admit that I am not very adventurous when it comes to making major modifications to published patterns. However, I did choose to increase the overall length of the body from the cast on edge to the armholes by 2 inches (I'm just under 6 feet tall), and I increased the length of the sleeves similarly by 2.5 inches.

This is one pattern where reading it through from start to finish is extremely important, because the directions for a number of the shapings (neck band decreases, waist shaping, neck shaping, etc.) occur "at the same time," depending upon the overall length of the piece in progress. I did keep a row by row list, to keep track off the number of rows between each of the separate sets of shaping, decreases, cast offs.

Though I have enjoyed working this cardigan in the random lace stitch, and love the final result, I do think that it took me longer to complete the project than it would have if the stitch had been more repetitive. But, knitting is not a time trial, right? It's about that feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment experienced the first time I slip my arms into a well-fitting garment, just off the needles and pieced together.
________________________________________


Gerda Porter modeling her Coral Cardigan


Gerda's lovely random lace pattern

Coral Cardigan by Nancy Eiseman, Summer 2011 Interweave Knits, knitted by Gerda Porter

Yarn: Classic Silk by Classic Elite, Pink Carnation # 6942, 9 skeins

Size knitted: 37"

Needles: US 6, 32" circular (the pattern called for a size 7, but I used a 6 because I'm a loose knitter.)

My measurements: 38" bust, 35" waist, 40" hips; arm length 16"

I looked forward to knitting this cardigan because the lace pattern is random, which gave me lots of freedom with few rules to follow. I consider the project challenging because there are a variety of instructions to be followed "AT THE SAME TIME." This meant that I had to be careful to keep track of when and where decreases were happening.

I liked that there was very little seaming at the end, but because the body is knitted in one piece incorporating the front bands, the rows are really long, and since I refuse to end in the midst of a row, I had to do some planning when I had just a little while to knit (such as not starting a new row even though I wanted to!)

The sleeves are also worked in the round until the caps are shaped then they are knitted back and forth in rows.

Modifications
—I left out the buttonhole and I-cord ties. Instead I worked an applied I-cord around the entire band; I did not care for the stretchy, unfinished look of the garter band so this added a finished look and stability to the front.

—Because of my larger bust size, overlapping the front bands did not look as nice as just using a pin to keep it closed.

Tips
—In order to keep on track with all of the AT THE SAME TIME instructions I right out the rows numbers on down and make notations on the rows that need to have decreases or increases, checking these off as they are worked.

—When doing decreases, try placing a marker when a decrease or increase is made. You'll have a visual of where the last decrease took place in case you lose track of where you are.

—In this type of pattern it's important to read ahead to prepare yourself for all the different operations to come!

—The sleeves are worked in the round until the caps, which are shaped by knitting back and forth in rows. If I were to knit this again I would pick up the sleeve stitches directly from the armhole, work short rows until the cap was formed, and then sail through, reversing the order of the shaping as indicated by the pattern.

—I would also add several more rows of the garter stitch to the bottom in order to avoid the "flip up" that happens with only two ridges of garter stitch.

—Because of my larger bust line I could have added another inch or two in length.

I really enjoyed knitting this pattern. When I initially started working with this yarn I found it to be a little hard on my hands but I got used to it, and once blocked the resulting fabric is soft and light without losing its structure.

The pink color is a fun departure from my usual gray, black, and white wardrobe!

Kathleen Cubley — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 19:15:08 GMT

We now have two options for viewing the fall gallery. You can scroll down to find the sweaters grouped by model, or go here to find the sweaters grouped by pattern. To start, we're going to do this one by person so you can see what all of the sweaters look like on each gallery gal.

Here are the sweaters as shown in the magazine.

And here's the gallery!

Sucia usually wears a size 8 top. She's 5' 9" tall. Bust: 36" Waist: 30" Hips: 38"




As usual, Sucia looks great in everything! The Leyfi is especially great on her with it's long sleeves that are exactly the right length for her. The Chiral Cardigan also fits Sucia well, though I think it could be slightly longer on her. The Cloisonne Jacket could be a size larger for Sucia. It's really not her style, though, so she thought she'd take a pass on it, even though she really liked the stitch pattern and the color combo. The swing coat on Sucia was nice and swingy, accentuating her height.

Audrey usually wears a size 12-14 top; she's 5' 2" tall. Bust: 40½" Waist: 38¾" Hips: 45"




I love the swing coat on Audrey; she should make it right away! The Leyfi is a little too small though, and the sleeves are obviously too long. I don't think the neck is as flattering as it should be, either; maybe this just isn't the sweater for Audrey! (The color is great, though.) The Chiral cardi is wonderful on her, but I'm not sure about the color. Maybe in a green like the Leyfi. I think the Cloisonne just has too much going on at the bottom for Audrey. I'd like to see her in something that draws the eye up to her face. But in that same brown and blue combo, which is a wonderful color for Audrey's complexion.

Mellissa usually wears a size 10 top. She's 5' 6" tall. Bust: 41" Waist: 35" Hips: 38"



		That swing coat looks great on Melissa! It accentuates her busty yet slim frame perfectly! The Leyfi Pullover is great on her, too and I know she loved it when she saw it in the magazine. It's her color, and I think the size 36 is good on her. She could make the sleeves a bit shorter, but not much. I like Melissa in the simple stockinette Chiral, but I think the ruffle and ruching is too much for her bustiness. The color washes her out a bit, too—maybe this one is a pass for Melissa!

Jaime usually wears a size 4 top. She's 5''6" tall. Bust: 35" Waist: 28" Hips: 37"




Jaime is teeny tiny, and the 40-inch swing coat is just too big on her. The bold plaid overwhelms her little frame, too. The Chiral, however, is fantastic, and I love the whimsy that the ruffle adds to Jamie's outdoorsy style. The Cloisonne is pretty on Jaime, but I think it's too fussy for her style. The brown is beautiful on her, though. The Leyfi is a great sweater on Jaime, aside from the arms being too long. I think she could leave out a lace repeat on the sleeves to make them the right length. Love that green on her!

Dinah usually wears a size 10 top; she's 5' 11¾" tall. Bust: 35½" Waist: 32" Hips: 41½"




My favorites on Dinah are the Breacan Swing and the Cloissone Jacket. The Cloisonne is beautiful on her, and I think it fits her sense of style perfectly: classy. I love the colors on Dinah! The swing coat is fab, working well with her height, and the plaid is good—doesn't the swing coat look nice with black pants? I like the Chiral on Dinah, too, but I think it needs to be longer. She's got it pulled down to be the right length, but it loses some of the rouching; a little more length would restore just the right amount. The Leyfi has the same problem, it's too short for Dinah. The sleeves are the correct length, and the neck is good, but the body could use a good two or three more inches

Kathy usually wears a size 12 top. She's 5' 4" tall. Bust: 38¾" Waist: 33" Hips: 40"



Kathy loved these two pieces and they loved her! My favorite on Kathy is the Leyfi. It fits her well and the neck is flattering. Those sleeves are too long, but that's an easy fix, right? The Cloisonne is beautiful on Kathy—those colors really look great. The sleeves could be a tad shorter, though, and I think a 42-inch bust would fit just right. The 38-inch sample cardi doesn't quite hang right in the front.

Patty usually wears a size 8 or 10 top. She's 5' 4½" tall. Bust: 36½" Waist: 33" Hips: 43½"


		Patty rocked the cardigan look, didn't she?I especially love her in the Chiral cardi. The color, the fit, the length, everything works for Patty. The Cloisonne is great on her too; she liked the collar up, as did a couple of the other gallery gals. I really like it both ways—the more versatility the better, right? The sleeve length is perfect on Patty; I think she would need just one size up (to the 42") to get the front to close and hang properly. I do like the Breacan Swing on Patty, but I think it would be better in a more monochrome look like Eunny suggested in her sweater workshop on this piece. Maybe blues for Patty. And maybe a little shorter, too.

We now have two options for viewing the fall gallery. You can go here to find the sweaters grouped by model, or scroll down to find the sweaters grouped by pattern.

Here are the sweaters and how they looked on each of our gallery gals.


		The Breacan Swing Coat by Gwen Bortner Sample sweater measures 40" Yarn: Zitron Nimbus (held doubled) Needles: Size 13 US Gauge: 12 sts and 18 rows = 4" in Stockinette stitch

Sucia usually wears a size 8 top. She's 5' 9" tall. Bust: 36" Waist: 30" Hips: 38" The swing coat on Sucia was nice and swingy, accentuating her height.		Audrey usually wears a size 12-14 top; she's 5' 2" tall. Bust: 40½" Waist: 38¾" Hips: 45" I love the swing coat on Audrey; she should make it right away!

Mellissa usually wears a size 10 top. She's 5' 6" tall. Bust: 41" Waist: 35" Hips: 38" That swing coat looks great on Melissa! It accentuates her busty yet slim frame perfectly!		Jaime usually wears a size 4 top. She's 5''6" tall. Bust: 35" Waist: 28" Hips: 37" Jaime is teeny tiny, and the 40-inch swing coat is just too big on her. The bold plaid overwhelms her little frame, too.

Dinah usually wears a size 10 top; she's 5' 11¾" tall. Bust: 35½" Waist: 32" Hips: 41½" The swing coat is fab, working well with her height, and the plaid is good—doesn't the swing coat look nice with black pants?		Patty usually wears a size 8 or 10 top. She's 5' 4½" tall. Bust: 36½" Waist: 33" Hips: 43½" I do like the Breacan Swing on Patty, but I think it would be better in a more monochrome look like Eunny suggested in her sweater workshop on this piece. Maybe blues for Patty. And maybe a little shorter, too.

		The Chiral Cardigan by Coralie Meslin Sample sweater measures 36" Yarn: Rowan Lima Needles: Size 10 US Gauge: 16 sts and 22 rows = 4" in Stockinette stitch

Sucia usually wears a size 8 top. She's 5' 9" tall. Bust: 36" Waist: 30" Hips: 38" The Chiral Cardigan also fits Sucia well, though I think it could be slightly longer on her.		Audrey usually wears a size 12-14 top; she's 5' 2" tall. Bust: 40½" Waist: 38¾" Hips: 45" The Chiral cardi is wonderful on her, but I'm not sure about the color. Maybe in a green like the Leyfi.

Mellissa usually wears a size 10 top. She's 5' 6" tall. Bust: 41" Waist: 35" Hips: 38" I like Melissa in the simple stockinette Chiral, but I think the ruffle and ruching is too much for her bustiness. The color washes her out a bit, too—maybe this one is a pass for Melissa!		Jaime usually wears a size 4 top. She's 5''6" tall. Bust: 35" Waist: 28" Hips: 37" The Chiral, however, is fantastic, and I love the whimsy that the ruffle adds to Jamie's outdoorsy style

Dinah usually wears a size 10 top; she's 5' 11¾" tall. Bust: 35½" Waist: 32" Hips: 41½" I like the Chiral on Dinah, too, but I think it needs to be longer. She's got it pulled down to be the right length, but it loses some of the rouching; a little more length would restore just the right amount.		Patty usually wears a size 8 or 10 top. She's 5' 4½" tall. Bust: 36½" Waist: 33" Hips: 43½" Patty rocked the cardigan look, didn't she?I especially love her in the Chiral cardi. The color, the fit, the length, everything works for Patty.

		The Cloisonne Jacket by Deborah Helmke Sample sweater measures 38" Yarn: Berocco Ultra Alpaca Needles: Sizes 6 and 7 US Gauge: 18 sts and 18 rows = 4" in stranded st on larger needles; 18 sts and 22 rows = 4" in Stockinette st on smaller needles

Sucia usually wears a size 8 top. She's 5' 9" tall. Bust: 36" Waist: 30" Hips: 38" The Cloisonne Jacket could be a size larger for Sucia. It's really not her style, though, so she thought she'd take a pass on it, even though she really liked the stitch pattern and the color combo.		Audrey usually wears a size 12-14 top; she's 5' 2" tall. Bust: 40½" Waist: 38¾" Hips: 45" I think the Cloisonne just has too much going on at the bottom for Audrey. I'd like to see her in something that draws the eye up to her face. But in that same brown and blue combo, which is a wonderful color for Audrey's complexion.

Jaime usually wears a size 4 top. She's 5''6" tall. Bust: 35" Waist: 28" Hips: 37" The Cloisonne is pretty on Jaime, but I think it's too fussy for her style. The brown is beautiful on her, though.		Dinah usually wears a size 10 top; she's 5' 11¾" tall. Bust: 35½" Waist: 32" Hips: 41½" My favorites on Dinah are the Breacan Swing and the Cloissone Jacket. The Cloisonne is beautiful on her, and I think it fits her sense of style perfectly: classy. I love the colors on Dinah!

Kathy usually wears a size 12 top. She's 5' 4" tall. Bust: 38¾" Waist: 33" Hips: 40" The Cloisonne is beautiful on Kathy—those colors really look great. The sleeves could be a tad shorter, though, and I think a 42-inch bust would fit just right. The 38-inch sample cardi doesn't quite hang right in the front.		Patty usually wears a size 8 or 10 top. She's 5' 4½" tall. Bust: 36½" Waist: 33" Hips: 43½" The Cloisonne is great on her too; she liked the collar up, as did a couple of the other gallery gals. I really like it both ways—the more versatility the better, right? The sleeve length is perfect on Patty; I think she would need just one size up (to the 42") to get the front to close and hang properly.

		The Leyfi Pullover by Rosemary (Romi) Hill Sample sweater measures 36" Yarn: S. Charles Collezione Tinka; Filatura di Crosa Superior (held together) Needles: Size 10 US Gauge: 14 sts and 22 rows = 4" in Stockinette stitch

Sucia usually wears a size 8 top. She's 5' 9" tall. Bust: 36" Waist: 30" Hips: 38" As usual, Sucia looks great in everything! The Leyfi is especially great on her with it's long sleeves that are exactly the right length for her.		Audrey usually wears a size 12-14 top; she's 5' 2" tall. Bust: 40½" Waist: 38¾" Hips: 45" The Leyfi is a little too small though, and the sleeves are obviously too long. I don't think the neck is as flattering as it should be, either; maybe this just isn't the sweater for Audrey! (The color is great, though.)

Mellissa usually wears a size 10 top. She's 5' 6" tall. Bust: 41" Waist: 35" Hips: 38" The Leyfi Pullover is great on her, too and I know she loved it when she saw it in the magazine. It's her color, and I think the size 36 is good on her. She could make the sleeves a bit shorter, but not much.		Jaime usually wears a size 4 top. She's 5''6" tall. Bust: 35" Waist: 28" Hips: 37" The Leyfi is a great sweater on Jaime, aside from the arms being too long. I think she could leave out a lace repeat on the sleeves to make them the right length. Love that green on her!

Dinah usually wears a size 10 top; she's 5' 11¾" tall. Bust: 35½" Waist: 32" Hips: 41½" The Leyfi has the same problem, it's too short for Dinah. The sleeves are the correct length, and the neck is good, but the body could use a good two or three more inches.		Kathy usually wears a size 12 top. She's 5' 4" tall. Bust: 38¾" Waist: 33" Hips: 40" Kathy loved these two pieces and they loved her! My favorite on Kathy is the Leyfi. It fits her well and the neck is flattering. Those sleeves are too long, but that's an easy fix, right?

The Breacan Swing Coat
by Gwen Bortner
Sample sweater measures 40"

Yarn: Zitron Nimbus (held doubled)
Needles: Size 13 US
Gauge: 12 sts and 18 rows = 4" in Stockinette stitch

The Chiral Cardigan
by Coralie Meslin
Sample sweater measures 36"

Yarn: Rowan Lima
Needles: Size 10 US
Gauge: 16 sts and 22 rows = 4" in Stockinette stitch

The Cloisonne Jacket
by Deborah Helmke
Sample sweater measures 38"

Yarn: Berocco Ultra Alpaca
Needles: Sizes 6 and 7 US
Gauge: 18 sts and 18 rows = 4" in stranded st on larger needles; 18 sts and 22 rows = 4" in Stockinette st on smaller needles

The Leyfi Pullover
by Rosemary (Romi) Hill
Sample sweater measures 36"

Yarn: S. Charles Collezione Tinka;
Filatura di Crosa Superior (held together)
Needles: Size 10 US
Gauge: 14 sts and 22 rows = 4" in Stockinette stitch

Kathleen Cubley — Wed, 19 May 2010 02:24:05 GMT

Interweave Knits Summer 2011 Galleries and Project Diaries



Audrey Dhillon modeling her Al Fresco Camisole


Closeup of Audrey's faux cable


Sucia is becoming an expert on this pattern. Her first effort is on the bottom of the stack and her second try is on top. She switched from size 9 needles to size 6 needles and is much happier with the result.


Oops! Gauge issues on Sucia's first try made her tank top about two times too large!


Sucia tied a knot to help secure her shoulder straps, which adds a nice design feature.