OhSewCrafty Blog

• Pattern: by Pam Allen from Classic Elite’s “Make it Modern”
• Yarn: Elle Elite (cotton/wool), 1190 yds, color #9 (Red)
• Size/Needles/Gauge: 35″ bust, 5.5 spi on US 5’s, 4’s for trim
• Time to knit: 3 weeks in March/April 2011

Well, I started this project because I wanted to work with a fiber a bit more forgiving than 100% cotton, and I wanted a snuggly summer sweater.  I believe this project fit the bill perfectly on both accounts.

This is my third project from “Make it Modern”.  I’ve certainly gotten my money’s worth from that booklet! The pattern is fine, no errata.  Of course, I wanted to make a few mods.  I took 1″ off the body and sleeve length, so the body was 15″ and sleeve 18″ to underarm, respectively.  Rolling hems get on my nerves so I started each piece with 4 rows of seed stitch.  I fretted about adding short row bust shaping because of big graphic lace pattern, but it turned out to be easy enough, since the pattern was solid stockinette on the sides about 1″ below the underarm.  Given that the front placket was a bit longer due to the short rows, I did 6 button loops instead of 5.  I altered the hood shaping a bit, to begin at 11.75 vs. 12 inches, I did the initital bind off of 2 stitches as directed, but completed the rest of shaping with short rows.  Finally, I grafted the hood together at center top.  I get cold a lot and tend to actually use the hood; I’d rather not have a seam against my head.

The yarn is half cotton/half wool dk weight plied of 4 strands, each of 2 threads, all spun together in a nice round spiral.  It’s quite soft with nice drape but still has body.  As for color, it’s heathered with white for a rather subtle pinkish-red.  The yarn was obtained via bag sale from Elann last June and I’m glad that I have another bag in my stash, I really enjoyed working with it.   The buttons are from G Street, ecru with an interesting striated texture; they may be sandstone.

I’m quite happy with this sweater- the color is not my usual, the design is really comfortable, the fabric is soft, cozy yet not too hot in warm weather.  Perhaps diamonds are a girl’s best friend!