I finished up my Coraline cardigan. This is technically finished sweater #6 for the NaSweKniMoDo09 challenge, although I've already finished #7. As it was a coolish, rainy weekend here in northern NM, I wound up wearing it as a nice lightweight layer.
PROJECT SPECS:
Pattern: Coraline by Ysolda (Ravelry link). I knit the 36" finished chest circumference size. This is a nicely written, fairly detailed pattern in a LOT of different sizes. I had some weirdness on the last 2 decrease rows of the yoke to keep things in pattern, but I winged it and it wound up working out just fine. The finishing details are minimal - basically sewing the underarm portion of the sleeves to the body of the sweater and working the button loops. Everything else, including the front band/neckline I-cord details are worked with the rest of the sweater.
Yarn: An alpaca/merino/silk DK weight, which I hand-dyed myself. The total yardage I had was close to 1125 yards, and I probably used 1100 of it (see mods below).
Needles: Size 4 US circulars and DPNs.
Modifications: I decided not to do the banded/fold-up hem on this in the interest of conserving yardage (thinking it was gonna be pretty close). I instead did 4 rows of garter stitch before starting the stockinette for the body. I added button closures down the entire front of the sweater, rather than at just the yoke. My row gauge was a bit off, so I wound up working more rows of sleeve length, and I'm glad I did. The merino component in the yarn I subbed didn't really grow very much, as the original 100% alpaca did. I worked less rows of body length to compensate for my short-waisted torso. And finally, as a note, the I-cord neckline will appear freakishly tight and small. Just have faith and knit it as written. Mine blocked out perfectly and I would have been unhappy with it had I tried to make it wider.
I wanted to make a special note as well about the buttons. Cyndy, whose blog I read and enjoy very much, was kind enough about a year ago to make me some lovely wooden buttons for a Tudora. She now has an Etsy store where she carries beautiful hand-made wooden buttons. I knew I wanted something in a subtle, rosey wood, so I went to her store first. She had a set of just exactly the color I wanted out of Tulipwood, but there weren't quite enough to span the entire sweater front. She was kind enough not only to make me a set of 9, but she also custom-made the shape of them to mirror the smocking pattern in the yoke on the sweater. (I can't promise she always has time for custom orders, as she is a very busy lady, but if you are looking for something "just right", you can always shoot her an email or conversation on Etsy and see if she can accommodate your request). Thanks, Cyndy, for your help with this project. I think they are perfect.
Your sweater is lovely. I do like the subtleties in the dye job very much. And Cyndy's buttons are perfect - I love her work.
Posted by: DebbieB | May 26, 2009 at 05:07 AM
Very sweet, and nicely knit. Love that yoke!
Posted by: Chris | May 26, 2009 at 05:14 AM
The buttons are perfect! The sweater is very wearable and charming, too!!
Posted by: margene | May 26, 2009 at 05:37 AM
Excellent! I love that color and before I realized it made me look quite ghastly, I used to wear it ALL THE TIME! Now I save it for my garden and decorating choices. :)
Posted by: Norma | May 26, 2009 at 06:02 AM
Wonderful - it looks perfect!
Posted by: Cheryl S. | May 26, 2009 at 06:05 AM
Looks like another winner!
Posted by: Judy | May 26, 2009 at 06:13 AM
Definitely another winner....and the buttons are indeed perfect! (Slow down, though, will ya? I feel like a sloth compared to you and a few others who shall remain nameless. I still haven't finished a size 2 baby sweater while you've knit two adult sweaters!)
Posted by: Marcia | May 26, 2009 at 07:41 AM
Your Coraline looks great!
(And you are very welcome, Anne), it was my pleasure to be a part of your project! Fun!
Posted by: cyndy | May 26, 2009 at 07:46 AM
I'm going to buy my next set of buttons from her. They are really very nice and match the sweater perfectly!
Posted by: Christina Scovel | May 26, 2009 at 08:03 AM
It looks great on you!!
Posted by: Kim | May 26, 2009 at 08:20 AM