Part of this problem stems from a reluctance to put a large amount of time into swatching and actually calculating my gauge (both in stitches and rows).
Obviously this method of knitting has served me fairly well, as I have successfully finished more projects than failed. However, I think that we all reach a point in our art where we aren't satisfied with our present skill level and want to learn even more.
I decided that the best way of reaching the next level would be to knit a simple sweater using my specific measurements, and basically doing everything technical that I shied away from in the past.
This is the start of a seamless, bottom-up sweater with colorwork details (please note that the second photo is a better image of the colors).
The green yarn is a personal, long-time favorite, Berroco Ultra Alpaca, so this sweater will be soft, warm, and long wearing.
I've learned so much about the process of knitwear construction and so far it appears to be going well!
What a nice shade of green, and the rust complements it well.
ReplyDeleteAs usual, love the colors! This is going to turn out great. I can't wait to see it!
ReplyDeleteooooh, exciting! You are a much braver knitter than I. :) Someday I will conquer sweaters.
ReplyDeleteThat's even prettier than I expected, good luck!
ReplyDeleteYou are such a boss, I haven't even attempted my first sweater and you're making one from measurements alone. So jealous of your mad skills!
ReplyDeleteYou are so talented I can hardly believe it :D. I think this sweater is going to turn out gorgeous and I can't wait to see it!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! I'm sure you will be successful.
ReplyDeleteGood for you....I'm also a firm believer in challenging ones self. It's looking great so far!!!
ReplyDeleteIts going to be awesome!! Great work on working it all out yourself, look forward to seeing how you go!
ReplyDeleteHi! Lovely to catch up with you - love the colours of your sweater - how exciting to be going for it.... looking forward to seeing it grow and take shape :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck, I like the yarn you have chosen, looks a bit hairy though
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about swatching, but I think the idea of doing all of the technical stuff sounds like a good one. Then you always know which bits are more or less necessary to get the outcome you want.
ReplyDeleteI am so incredibly lazy when it comes to swatching, and then I get frustrated when the size doesn't turn out the way I want. You'll learn so much through the process of knitting of this sweater, and I can't wait to see how it turns out! (Also your tension with the colorwork looks superb - I almost always get puckering)
ReplyDeleteIt seems like doing all the technical stuff should appeal to the scientist in you. Think of it like an experiment where you need to establish some baselines!!
ReplyDeleteYou always create lovely garments, I'm sure this one will be wonderful as well.
Oh this is going to be so brilliant! You can't go wrong with Berroco Eltra Alpaca.
ReplyDeleteI am much the same way. I've knit a sweater and didn't swatch first and it turned out way too big, but I still wear it on cold days when I need some comfort. I can't wait to see yours done!
ReplyDeleteWowzers! A colorwork gansey? You are such an awesome knitter. I love that heathery green. And bottom up too. I haven't tried that construction.
ReplyDeleteSo admire you for for the way you challenge yourself. I've been trying to add small mods to a simple pullover and for me it's been about being real about body measurements. I plan to spend some time with Amy Herzog's "Fit To Flatter". So much useful information there.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful colour!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to see how this go :)
it's good that you're challenging yourself, that's the right way toward improvement and confidence with future projects, as i'm sure you already know. :]
ReplyDeletei've been conquering little challenges for myself when it comes to knitting. not quite there yet with sweaters being a beginner and all, but hey, baby steps i guess. xD conquering the little hills of cabling and slip stitch borders!
Sounds like your approach is a great exercise.
ReplyDeleteI need to put some practice on this part of knitting
hugs
There is always more to learn in knitting, just like every other art or special skills. A lot about how a sweater fits is in the finishing. Everyone can make a piece of fabric, to turn fabric into something fits a human body is all in the details.
ReplyDeleteThose colors will look so pretty on you, Punkin!
ReplyDeleteI have the yarn. I have all sorts of instructions. But I too have shied away from actually creating my own sweater design. I am very impressed by your project so far. Keep the photos coming.
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