Raglan Zipper Cardigan

Started: 12.12.05 / Finished: 1.09.06
Pattern: Last Minute Knitted Gifts by Joelle Hoverson
Yarn: Handpainted Yarns Handspun Bulky Wool in colorway
Date Palme (discontinued)
Needles: Takumi Clover Bamboo circulars size 10 for body and yoke; Brittany Birch double pointed needles size 10 for sleeves
Notes: Less than a month for this baby! Granted, I challenged myself to have it ready by Kris’s birthday – but that came and went on 12.26.

I officially finished the knitting on January 8th – my best girl Heather was over at my house for a fun knit-in… so she got a sneak peek! (and I got to see the start of her lovely cowl sweater she just started too!) The weaving in ends and blocking set up for the zipper installation the next day. I did manage to get a pic pre – zipper though… (look at that smile!)

DPNs make the perfect closures!

I recommend Handpainted Yarn, but be aware that it is really thick and thin in some places. I think this adds to the overall attraction of this particular sweater (the rustic look), but it may not be a good match for something that needs an even texture or a spot-on gauge. As for the dyelots: you can see the stripes (slightly) in the knit above. I bought the same dyelot! The kettle-dyed yarn is just this way… so I accept it and move on. I am trying to convince myself that for this particular knit, it adds character.

I made the smallest men’s size (39" chest) for Kris, and this called for 8 hanks of yarn; purchasing one extra ball really was a good decision, I used about 100 yds of the 9th hank to yoke and the collar.

More notes and pics (including zipper installation) behind the cut – check it!

Saturday night: I was a midnight yoker. I was on a roll. I moved the body to the larger 36" circular needles, and added the sleeves to the knit. The underarm stitches were left on stitch holders until the end when I did a Kitchener stitch bind off to secure them.

Lovin’ the raglan decreases. The rib pattern really shows them off too.

I wet blocked the cardigan overnight, and had it all ready to go for zipper installation on Monday. The blocking did not make a big difference – ribbing will always look smaller, but the important thing is that it fits Kris so perfectly!

My mom, who was gifted with some amazing sewing skills, came over to my place for a zipper tutorial. I initially thought I would go with a hand sewn zipper install, but I began to see that the cardigan would need something more stable and durable; so a machine seam was definitely the way to go.

I got a little eager, and instead of going with a custom zipper from one of the online sources, I went with a zipper from the craft store. The length was perfect, and I am very happy with the way it turned out – remember the one in the original pattern zipper was fire engine red! – so the khaki color was a pretty good fit. Maybe next zipper install, I will give the online store a try – I would like a custom zipper sometime that matches the color of the garment exactly.

Zipper alignment – perfect fit for a 30" zipper, although the pattern called for a 27". (I did add 3" to the torso)

We used regular sewing pins to secure the tape to the knit before running it through the machine.

Mom put the zipper foot in my sewing machine – this made the sewing go so quickly!

Mom’s expertise in all things sewing really saved me on this project. I would have made a real mess of it without her help. Thanks to mom, my interest in sewing has been rekindled, and I hope to be able to install my next knit zipper easily with the skills I learned this time!

Attached and ready to go. The machine seam was strong, and will withold more wear (hopefully not tear!) from Kris.

I am happy with this project, and best of all, I think Kris is too. He was willing for me to call him for fittings and measurements throughout the whole process. I extended the body from 15" to 18" and I extended the arm length to 21" – the small size called for only 18". I am so glad I did this – it fits him perfectly, and he is very comfortable in it.

All in all, a great project – and the other thing about it?

It fits me too!

The body of the cardigan was near complete when we left for our roadtrip down south… so it was all sleeves all the time for me! The pattern calls for a 12" circular needle for the sleeves – but I opted for double pointed needles. I am finally enjoying double pointed needles – I never would have said that a year ago!

Sleeve one on the trip down – I think we were somewhere in Tennessee …

Quiet Alabama evenings and peaceful surroundings were very condusive to knitting – I had to extend the sleeve length a few inches for Kris’s long arms, so it took a little longer than planned, but still very manageable. On the trip home, sleeve two was well on its way.

I swear, this yarn looks different every time I photograph it! It is working up quite well. I ordered all of the yarn at once (from handpaintedyarn.com – came to me from Uruguay) and while it said it was all the same dyelot, I am not quite sure … perhaps this is what happens with kettle-dyed yarns? It is not extremely noticeable – and it kind of fits in with the whole "rustic" feel of the sweater (well, that is at least what I am telling myself…) but just a little consideration for anyone thinking about this yarn… more details on that when I have the finished cardigan to show you (hopefully soon!)

Another thing: I will have to *block the living daylights* out of this knit – the deep 4 x 4 ribbing plus the wool make it appear more like a doll sweater than a man’s…

Last Wednesday evening, I met up with Donna, Eilene, and Heather (and Pixie!) for a yarn shop perusal, and a belated gift exchange. We had a great time looking around All About Yarn, our LYS that continues to amaze me with their new things, and then we headed over to one of our fave Italian restaurants for dinner. Dinner was followed up with some nice warm coffee – it was cold outside! Unfortunately, we were not able to really knit together this time – but we sure talked about it!

Heather, Donna (in her new knit cardigan!) and Eilene at the coffee shop

I came home with some goodies, thanks to some Christmas gift money (burning a hole in my pocket!) and from my friends.

A lovely Zelda knitting bag (constructed with vintage fabric!) from Donna and Eilene (thank you!) and a little silk notions pouch from Eilene -my stitch marker collection is already in there! Not pictured is the yummy Satsuma lotion and bath gel from Heather, and the oh-so-fun Harry Potter word puzzle book! (LOVE IT!)

The Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton Noro Revisited, and the Skacel Zitron Trekking XXL sock yarn (colorway 68) were purchases from Christmas money. Trekking XXL is a great sock yarn – and I can’t wait to knit these up. And ever since Klaralund, I have been very interested in Hamilton’s designs – and this book has some nice things – some that I would never be able to wear, but still an amazing design – and then some very beautiful (and wearable) items:

Kolsva cowl neck and the Tista child dress

Thank you so much for your sweet wishes on our anniversary!

I finished the body, and am now working on the sleeves; after finishing those, I have to join together for the yoke, and then install the zipper – that’s a cinch, right?

Just for a little variety, and to close up some loose ends (no better time to work on lingering 2005 knits than on the Eve of 2006, huh?) I brought my socks along. Second Sock Syndrome hit me pretty hard… but I am trying my darndest to eradicate that now…

I finished the first Diagonal pattern sock during Socktoberfest, and not did not start the second one until December. I am using Cascade Fixation, which is quite fun to work with – the cotton / elastic blend makes a nice fabric that stretches. Next time I work with this yarn, I am planning to go down a needle size (I am currently using US 3s, but I think the US 2s would suit my knitting and my foot size a little better).

I love this sock. This is the Dublin Bay pattern from Mossy Cottage Knits. The yarn is one of the best I have worked with (Tess Designer Yarns; Heather bought this for me at Stitches East 2005) and the slight color variations make such a lovely fabric. I worked this one up on US 1s, so it is a very small thick fabric – just perfect for a sock. The small gauge and tight knitting did a number on my double pointed needles, though! I finished this sock the day after Christmas, and will be starting sock 2 very soon. Can’t wait to have a finished pair and show these lovelies off.

My aunt and I have scouted out several thrift shops in Alabama – I picked up several sweaters to unravel (among them a wool/angora in carnation pink, an aquamarine chunky wool turtleneck, and wool/cotton variegated funnel neck – pictures to come when I get back home!) We have also been knitting quite a bit too. It is so much fun being able to share this knitting hobby (obsession?) with my family.

My mom finished her first scarf – she knit it up in a nice stockinette with garter edges to lay flat. She already gave it away to a friend for Christmas! I wish my first scarf had turned out this nicely!

Right after giving my sister, Sarah, some new needles and yarn for Christmas, she cast on for a scarf – and the word on the street is that she is already finished with it! Haven’t seen it with my own eyes yet, though

Kris and I will be back in Maryland on the 3rd, so expect some fun Alabama pictures, thrift store finds, and maybe, just maybe, a finished pair of socks.

Aran Tweed Beret
Yarn: Jo Sharp Aran Tweed in Jewel colorway
Pattern: Jo Sharp Contemporary Knitting II (a gift from Jac!)
Notes: Hard to photograph the true color – this is the closest! The hat could also be a little longer to cover the ears fully. This would have required an extra ball of yarn – I had about 3 inches of yarn left after seaming – really cut it close!

Quick, easy, and fun. It was not knit in the round, so it required a quick seam, but otherwise, very painless. I liked working with this yarn. Then again, I have not yet met a tweed I did not like! I realized later the the particular way I am wearing this hat in the picture looks more like a beanie than a beret. Trust me, it can look like a beret too. I can’t wait to make some of the other lovely things out of this book. Another thank you to Jacqueline for sending it to me all the way from Australia!

This was my first Jo Sharp knit, and I have to say, after looking through her new Eclectic book in All About Yarn (and on the website), I don’t think it will be the last. I am quite fond of that square-neck tank…

Kris and I had a long weekend with the snow day on Friday. This gave me some extra time to work on my paper – it is going well, and I am close to finishing. Most of my weekend was spent working on that, and preparing the Vickie Howell interview. Thank you so much for the feedback on that post.

On Sunday night, we went to see our nieces in a Christmas pagent. They were both so cute and animated. We love every minute with them!

K and M with matching snowman dresses!

After the play, we went to visit with my parents for a while – my sister is back from college for Winter Break already. She got out before me!

Imagine my surprise and delight when they both pulled out their knitting! Remember, the knitting lesson at Thanksgiving? Well, both Mom and Sarah are pros now! Mom is already making another scarf to give as a gift, and Sarah is knitting up a variegated garter scarf! I am so proud! *tear*

This means that only my dad and Mimi are left! The family that knits together…

Now that the beret is done, and my head and ears can be warm, my attention has moved squarely to Kris’s zippered cardigan. Thanks for the zipper suggestions! Am I crazy for actually looking forward to that part? (just to try it?) The yarn is working up pretty nicely – it is thick and thin in some parts, which makes the gauge a little wonky, but Kris commented that he really liked it – and that is what matters. The yarn is a great color – a warm golden caramel.

Eight and half inches behind me. I am loving every minute of this.

Stay tuned for answers to Karma’s music meme tag and some overdue Socktoberfest updates in the next entry – until then!

Perhaps I am a bit naïve, but I have it in my mind that I can get this cardigan started, knit, and ready for my baby by his birthday on December 26th. Can it happen? I am gonna try my darndest. Especially since this will be my first zipper installation – any tips on where I should buy the zipper? do you know a good tutorial for installation?

Just to prove my resolve in getting this knit done, I swifted and wound some of the handpainted yarn last night. I think it looks like caramel…

My friend *Jenna* just finished a lovely hat and mitten set from SnB Nation with this same yarn (in PINK) and it looks fabulous – go check it out!

I have many other knits that I could work on… The camisole is lingering on the needles, as well as two pairs of socks that need mates. (Bad Socktoberfest mistress…) and then there is this sash for Mimi that I started awhile back, and still have not really spent any time on it.

See? Novelty yarn is good for something! Funny how the simplest and easiest thing (straight garter stitch on size 11s) got pushed back in the queue… but, hey, she lives in Hawaii and can wear this anytime. It will get to you one day, sis!

Poor Hourglass has received very little showtime round these parts – I knit a few rounds the other day, and am getting closer to the bust increases, but then she went back into the bag, as I finished up on Klaralund.

I was knitting this together with my girl friend, Becca, but we both got side tracked with grad school stuff – maybe the Hourglass return will take place in 2006. I do love it, I just love other things more now. You know the feeling…

New Mexico girl, Scout, had a fun challenge on her blog this week: show your knitting space! I decided to take her up – and you can too!

When school is particularly busy and the reading is long, I try to pull off the reading and knitting trick while sitting on my bed. Depending on the level of concentration needed for the book (or for the knitting) this may or may not work:

It just so happens that I was working on the stockinette on my beret and reading a book (for next week’s big paper). Socks were 4 pairs for $10 at Old Navy. I have a weakness for socks – handknit or otherwise.

My other knitting spot was usurped by a black puppy (Bella) and an orange kitty (Rusty). They aren’t really supposed to be up there… but it was so cute, I could not be mean mommy.

Show Scout where you create your lovely knits!

Knitted toys are so hot right now. I had to get in on the craze. I bought Jess Hutchinson’s self-published toy book yesterday. (BTW: how cool is that? way to go Jess on publishing your own book!) I see these little toys as the perfect way to stash bust, and to create fun and whimsical little friends for yourself and as gifts. I have my eyes on the robot doll

Speaking of whimsical knit toys and FUN, tomorrow is my Vickie Howell interview! I hope you are as excited about it as I am! Wanna know what Vickie is knitting now? what her knitting/crafting philosophies are? Stay tuned for tomorrow’s entry to find out…

PS-Tomorrow (10 December) is the last day to donate to the Earthquake Relief and qualify for some of the donated gifts. This blog was set up by Jessica who worked so hard to get the message out. Please contribute if you are able. I donated through Oxfam International, however, there are several other groups taking donations. See the blog for more information.

… okay, so I need a little practice on the pom pom! (Why can’t mine be as puffy and squishy as Jenn’s? I did use a pom pom maker – maybe I did not do enough wraps?) I joined the Handknit Holiday knitalong, hosted by Jessica. You can choose to knit anything out of the amazing new Melanie Falick book, Handknit Holidays. I chose to warm up with some pom poms, and maybe get around to the i-cord later. If nothing else, it is a fun stash buster project!

This book is a real joy to just look through, and to get the "knitspiration" flowing (not to be confused with perspiration). I have some big projects on my list right now, so for this knitalong, I like to think small.

Maybe I will try my hand at wire knitting (did you see Amy’s lovely wire knitting FO?) or try my hand at some of these flap mittens. Love the versatility!

However, the project that really keeps catching my eye in this book is not a small one… more medium sized.

This bag is amazing to me… beautiful stiches and construction… I think I need it, and since it does not say "holiday" specifically, it can wait until I finish up a few things before I cast on for it…

Klaralund is getting closer by the minute, I will probably be able to finish and seam her up within the next week. This really excites me because I can’t wait to wear this sweater. I think it is destiny that I knit it — it matches so many clothes in my existing wardrobe!

Another lingering knit?

My Dublin Bay sock (links to PDF). I finally turned the heel on these, and am working on the in step gusset now. Here is a close up of my "eye of patridge" heel. This photo also shows the yarn in its true light. I love this stuff: Tess Designer Yarn is a dream.

I am so tempted to jump in and start my Jaywalker socks for Cara’s knitalong, but I really need to finish these first. I hope I can stay focused! There are Jaywalkers EVERYWHERE to tempt me!

**Speaking of socks, check out the Socktoberfest finished pairs that Christine and Cece worked up! Splendid socks, ladies!

The other thing that is tempting me …

Once Klaralund is done, this handsome sweater is gonna be on my needles. Handpaintedyarn Bulky Wool and Lolly have a very special date.

I posted some topics in the forums, go check it out! Go register!

]]> http://lollygirl.com/blog/2005/12/01/the-list-is-long/feed 43 http://lollygirl.com/blog/2005/10/17/where-to-start http://lollygirl.com/blog/2005/10/17/where-to-start#comments Mon, 17 Oct 2005 12:15:25 +0000 lolly http://63.247.142.132/blog/?p=348 Two days was too long of a break! You Socktoberists are insatiable!

For administrative purposes, I decided to make October 19th the last day for people to sign up for Socktoberfest 2005. All this means is that I will stop adding names to my sidebar–see how many we have already? If there are late-comers that are still interested in Socktoberfest, please feel free to knit socks with us, and comment on the blogs of Socktoberists… there is always next year!

So I have some great news–Our little knitalong has attracted some attention!

I got an email from Allison, owner of Simply Sock Yarn Company, an online company that sells all of the sock yarns we love.

Lolly,

What a great and fun idea! I (obviously owning an e-store that just sells sock knitting items) adore knitting socks. All the encouragement and friendship shown on the blogs of those taking part in Socktoberfest is really wonderful to see.

…I would be happy to donate a skein of Fleece Artist Merino yarn to whomever you all choose as the winner.

Can’t wait to see more of the socks that come out of this!

Allison

Simply Socks Yarn Company http://www.simplysockyarn.com/StoreFront.bok

This news is so exciting! So, I was thinking of a random number generator–just so everyone could have an equal chance, and so it did not turn into a popularity contest (that is not Socktoberfest spirit!)

I will consider everyone who joins the group before October 19th in the running for this contest. And just to make the odds a little better for everyone, I will come up with another sock-related prize to send out. The Prize Day will be October 31st.

Unfortunately, my weekend was filled more with homework than knitting. The really bad thing about it? My mind is already in vacation mode for Hawaii, but I still have to go to class tonight and tomorrow…

This is the best picture I have ever taken of this yarn. It really shows the lovely light and dark sections. I love Tess yarns! The Dublin Bay pattern is going very well. I love the little lace inserts. There is also a matching one on the other side.

… and my first Diagonal Fixation sock is done! It was a quick knit on the size 3 needles. I think that next time I work with Cascade Fixation, however, I will go down to 2s. These are a great fit, but the stitches are not as tight as I like them. I think that they will be perfect for warmer temperatures. One more sock to go. I did no do the pattern on the foot, opting for straight stockinette instead.

I was unable to swatch for the Kris’s raglan cardigan this weekend. It may have to wait till the end of the month… but I did find a perfect pattern for my further stashbusting efforts:

Stefanie’s new pattern is my favorite yet. I love cardigans, and these cables are just a great touch. You can order this pattern on her website. You can also order a kit from Jeanie’s store, DiscountYarnSale.com (Jeanie is a fellow Socktoberist!)

I bought 12 skeins of Lion Brand Kool Wool last spring. I was attracted by the sale sticker and the pretty Eggplant color. They were languishing in my stash because I had no project in mind… until now! The gauge is very similar to the Cabled Cardi, and I think it will look smashing in this color. Yes, I have a lot of things on my “to knit” list, but this is also a stash buster!

While I was at class–a mere 5 hours away from the computer–I got 26 emails about joining Socktoberfest. That means we have 211 participants in this knitalong! I guess Fleece Artist Merino is a pretty good incentive!

So here are those great Socktoberfest updates you were waiting for!

Looking for some great finished socks? These ladies can show you some! Go look right this instant!

And in some other Socktoberfest news…

Okay, time for me to go… I think I am going to fall asleep sitting up!

PS–I am woefully behind in my emails–so if you have written to me, I will get back to you, I promise!

Yeah, I frogged Razor Shell again. I love this yarn (Tess Designer Yarns), and I am quite fond of this lace pattern, but I have a feeling that this type of yarn is just not suited for this project.

I think that one of these yarns is better for this project. Mim used the KnitPicks yarn for her pattern, and the Lion Brand Baby Soft is the same weight and I like the Candy Pink color. So, looks like I will start this pattern again… hopefully third time will be a *charm*.

I guess it is times like these when it is very obvious that I am still a new sock knitter! I am not letting it get me down, however!

That lovely Tess yarn will not be sitting for long however. I already found another pattern that I think will be perfect for it! I hope that I am right this time. Ryan’s Dublin Bay free sock pattern is lovely. (links to the PDF) Simple rib cuff with stockinette and a k2tog/YO lace insert. Easy and pretty.

And while it seems to be all socks all the time over here at Lollygirl, there is a little sweater action happening too.

The yarn for Kris’s raglan zipper cardigan arrived in the mail. It is from Handpaintedyarn.com–their Handspun Bulky Wool seems to be a great (read: less expensive) substitute for the Manos that the pattern calls for. I managed to get a close color too–this is Date Palme colorway. The pattern is from Last Minute Knitted Gifts, which is one of my favorite books. I already have several knits on the needles right now, but what is one more? Especially when it is for DH… I hope to swatch sometime this weekend.

Another item on my needles is the simple and lovely Klaralund pullover. I am using Noro Silk Garden, like the pattern calls for. I completed the back, and started on one sleeve. The back was quick to knit, and I also added some waist shaping. I thought it would look a little better that way. In a way, I hope the shaping will counteract a little with the horizontal striping across the midsection.

Socktoberfest UPDATES

You girls are amazing (all 185 of you!!) There are socks all over the blogs and Socktoberfest fever is everywhere! There is still time to join–so if you have not, let me know, and I will be happy to sign you up.

There are finished socks and nearly finished pairs on so many Socktoberist blogs. It is hard to feature everyone here, so I am focusing on completed pairs for my daily updates. I also like to throw in a few sock yarn stash blog entries and questions that knitters have mentioned on their blogs.

Make sure to check in on these ladies and see their handiwork. Get inspired by their knitting, and offer advice or tips on any questions–this really adds to the sense of community that I hoped for with Socktoberfest 2005.

• Terby finished a pair of socks that are as blue as the ocean!
• Vicki just finished a pair of self-striping anklets that are just too cute! she just joined today–go welcome her!
• Libby also joined today, and shows her first pair of socks from several years ago, and her start on a new pair.
• Jackie finished a pair of Friday Harbor socks and picked up another sock that had been waiting too long. (Jackie is also the knitalong co-leader for Sock It to Me!–a KAL for sock knitters throughout the whole year)
• Wendy finished her pair or Opal Parrot socks–look at that great zigzag!
• Amanda finished a pair or warm tweedy socks just in time for their first snow!
• Jane finished a lovely lace pair, and already picked the yarn for her next set.
• Angela finished a pair of lovely toe-up socks–hard to believe these are her first pair!
• Carola finished another pair–she is a machine! Make sure to click on the picture for a closer look, the detail on these socks is amazing!
• Amy Boogie is a busy girl. She is taking care of her beautiful newborn daughter, promoting Socktoberfest on Knitters’ Review, and knitting gift socks for her dad. Amazing!
• Lyme shows off her great socks from years past, and her WIP sock pile–she has her Socktoberfest work cut out for her!
• Kathy asks “sock mavens” what kind of finished toe techniques they prefer on their socks. Go share your experiences with her!

So, all of these updates should be plenty to keep you all busy. I am gonna take Saturday off from blogging (this is hard work!) and will be back on Sunday eveing with some progress and more Socktoberfest news.

Have a happy weekend, all!