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November 09, 2005
Presenting the Hour Glass Sweater
Pattern: Hour Glass Sweater, from Last Minute Knitted Gifts
Yarn: Recycled Sirdar Salsa (Orange and Hot Pink)
Needles: 4mm
Here are a few more shots of the edging details.
The lower hem looks like it sticks out a little. At the time of these pictures, the sweater had not yet been given a bath. I think that a little blocking would make the hems lay flatter and even out a few wonky stitches.
The pink detail really adds to the sweater. I am trying to use up stash yarn and prior to knitting this sweater I had 10 balls of orange and about 1.3 balls of the pink. So instead of knitting the inner hems of this sweater in the orange, I knit the inner bits with the pink. I even did the turning row (the row of all purl stitches) in the pink before switching to the orange. Conversely at the neck line, I switch to the pink before starting the turning row. This is a great way to add a hit of colour to a sweater. I highly recommend it. Yesterday, when I wore this sweater, I received numerous comments on it, mostly due to the pink.
This pattern is pretty vague, but its simple enough to figure out. All the parts are knit in the round. When it comes time to join the sleeves to the body, you put a fixed number of stitches on a holder for both the body and the sleeve. Then you join the sleeve to the body by knitting it into the round that includes the body. Afterwards, you graft the underarm together. When doing this portion of the pattern I only took one picture (for you Amanda):
I did make some modifications to the pattern. Because of my long tall body, I had to lengthen both the body and the sleeves. When knitting the sleeves I decided not to knit bell sleeves. I want to wear this sweater to school and being at school means that I occasionally do lab work. Bell sleeve and lab work don't really jive.
My arms are much happier now that I've finished this project. All the repetitive motion of the knit stitch was making my forearms sore. I've notice a drastic improvement since I've been knitting other things. So, keeping in mind that I need a non-repetitive motion project I decided to knit some lace. More on that soon.
Posted by loriz at November 9, 2005 07:56 PM
Comments
it's beautiful! that yarn has a lot of depth to it. and i love the little detail of the pink color that you added. it's fun and really simple -- can't beat that!
Posted by: jody at November 10, 2005 02:22 AM
that is looking soooo good! i love it! the pink is a fab detail, but i love the orange as well with its slight variegation. beautiful work, lori!
Posted by: kris at November 10, 2005 03:20 AM
Love it! Such nice shaping and very flattering.
The colour is great too. Can't beat a good orange.
Posted by: Adele at November 10, 2005 03:27 AM
Gorgeous. The pink definitely makes it.
Posted by: jodi at November 10, 2005 05:48 AM
oh, it looks super nice! You did a great job! I loooove the pink on the inner hems and turning rows, that is such a nice touch. I am going to keep that in mind for a future sweater..
Posted by: Diana at November 10, 2005 06:33 AM
Your hourglass turned out great!! I love the orange/pink color combp in general, and the way you did it is so subtle and pretty. If fits really well, too. Just in time for chilly weather!!
Posted by: JIllian at November 10, 2005 06:54 AM
I love it! You're right, the pink really makes it pop. I'd still like to make this pattern someday, too. You did a great job of making the pattern fit you perfectly. Yay!
Posted by: Karma at November 10, 2005 07:36 AM
Love it! It's such a great basic and the color is great. I have an unfinished Hourglass sitting around somewhere...I guess it's time to bring it out and finish it.
Posted by: sharlyn at November 10, 2005 07:37 AM
The sweater looks fabulous on you! The pink detail is a great touch.
Posted by: Kris at November 10, 2005 08:46 AM
It looks great ! I love the colors.
Posted by: Stephie at November 10, 2005 08:53 AM
It's absolutely gorgeous! I'm finishing mine tonight - just finished the underarms and am about to tackle that surly neckband.
The colors look great on you - amazing job!
Posted by: Sarah at November 10, 2005 04:46 PM
it is lovely!
Posted by: shobhana at November 10, 2005 06:21 PM
Beautiful. And the hint of pink is a GREAT touch.
Posted by: Carrie at November 11, 2005 11:04 AM
doh! I wish I had thought of that. Your hourglass looks beautiful!
Posted by: yahaira at November 14, 2005 10:42 AM
Fabulous, and so inspiring! I'm definitely going to add the contrast trim - it really does make the sweater *pop*. It doesn't look like you had any problems lengthening the body and arms - any advice to share? I'll have to lengthen mine, too. And, thanks for snapping a photo of the grafting! The directions _are_ fairly sparse. Looking forward to seeing your lace. :-)
Posted by: Amanda at November 14, 2005 12:05 PM
Orange and pink are so good together, and this is a fabulous sweater. Looks very cozy.
Posted by: alison at November 14, 2005 03:12 PM
I am loving your sweater. Such a great idea, doing the hems in the contrasting color. You are genius, Doctor!
I have the pattern here at home. Who knows? I may just be knitting that up, too.
Posted by: Wendy at November 15, 2005 04:46 PM
It looks great! And you are right, that hint of pink adds a bit of uniqueness to a great piece.
Posted by: Allison at November 17, 2005 12:20 PM
LORI Z!
What a great job. Very flattering, love the color and fit. The pink is perfect. Inspiring!
Posted by: Jenny at November 21, 2005 12:41 AM
Beautiful! I do agree, the pink adds that bit of customization. Great contrast, too. I've seen this pattern everywhere on the knitblogs. Makes me want to knit one!
Posted by: MJ at November 23, 2005 10:17 AM