Finished: Chicago
That's my sister, Rae
The Specs:
-Pattern: Chicago, by Louisa Harding, from Rowan 37.
-Size: Medium.
-Yarn: Rowan Calmer, 6.5 skeins Sour, and less than one skein each Blush, Coral, and Lucky.
-Needles: size 8 birch, (size 7 when called for).
-Start to Finish: August 11, 2007 – December 26, 2007.
-For: My darling sister Rae, Christmas 2007
Notes:
Rae has been asking for this sweater since Rowan 37 came out (which was in 2005, if I remember correctly), so I'm pretty darn pleased that I finally delivered. There were some initial reservations about all those little flowers, but in the end they weren't so terrible. Because knitting is like chocolate. Even when it's bad, it's still pretty good.
I knitted her a cardigan.
Mods: I think Ms. Harding got a little carried away with the extras on this pattern. At heart, it's a basic ¾ sleeve cardigan but then there are a) an eyelet lace pattern, b) 52 little knitted flowers, c) 2,500 knitted-in beads d) 18 buttons/buttonholes, and e) a ruffle at the bottom. That's a lot of stuff on one sweater.
The key to making this one a winner was to strip it down a little. I nixed the ruffle from the get-go…it doesn’t appear in any of the pattern photos (and why doesn't it?) so by the time I discovered its existence it was already out of the question. The beads knitted into the lace pattern were vetoed by Rae, thank goodness. So the whole project was a little less crazy-making than it could have been.
The only thing I added was 4 extra buttonholes (and buttons). Toward the end there I got a tiny bit lazy and didn't feel like doing buttonhole math. So I just knitted on buttonholes until I ran out of room. So 22 buttons it was. They're all hidden by the flowers, so it doesn't really matter anyway. Not that they aren't fantastic buttonholes.
It looks nice unbuttoned with a fancy shirt too.
Errata: The instructions for the little flowers say that you’ll have 6 stitches at the end…you won’t. You’ll have 11. If you want to have 6 stitches, omit the K1s. I just knit the 11 stitch version and they looked fine.
The Yarn: I love Calmer. So delightfully sproingy. I did have to go up a needle size since sproing makes me knit tightly.
Finishing:
I'm particularly happy with my set in sleeves. I used the crochet method (my current favorite) with a half-thickness of yarn to keep the bulk down (you just slap the pieces right sides together and crochet along the edge through both layers). So tidy!
To attach the flowers, I first arranged them on the sweater and then basted them into place. Then I just starting sewing those little buggers on and didn't stop until I was finished. Each one has three little glass beads into the center but you can't see them in the pictures (note to self: take closeups next time).
I picked out transparent buttons that are the exact same color as the sweater so that they don't distract from the knitted flowers. Normally I like buttons to stand out a bit, but in this case I thought they would just clutter things up.
Final Verdict: Woo! With a side of Hoo!
Comments
so totally cute, i love that bright green/yellow color! and i think it looks great without the beads. i'm curious to see what this ruffle is all about, though...
Posted by: mai | January 25, 2008 12:02 AM
That's a fantastic sweater! Bully for you for ditching the over-embellishments. High-five!
Posted by: James | January 25, 2008 12:15 AM
Wow, it looks beautiful!
Posted by: orata | January 25, 2008 12:26 AM
That's adorable! Your sis looks so happy in it too.
Posted by: Emilee | January 25, 2008 12:33 AM
Really amazing. I'm glad you omitted the ruffle and beads, that's all signs of crazy-making knitting there.
Posted by: Wanda | January 25, 2008 12:36 AM
GORGEOUS!!!
Posted by: lyn | January 25, 2008 1:19 AM
Gorgeous, it fits your sister beautifully (good sister too, mine won't pose for the blog). Good call to omit the ruffles.
Posted by: Navi | January 25, 2008 2:08 AM
It is a lovely cardi. Thank you for the tip for crochet setting in sleeves. i will have to look into that as sewing is not my greatest thing!
Posted by: Lin | January 25, 2008 2:42 AM
It's perfect.
Posted by: Mandy | January 25, 2008 2:43 AM
Gorgeous! I love the way you changed it too, I wouldnt have added beads or the ruffle either. I am sure your sister is delighted with it too as she looks quite pleased in the photos.
Posted by: Sue | January 25, 2008 3:06 AM
OMG... totally cute with all you did with it! I'd like one for Christmas.. ahem. ;)
Posted by: yaiAnn | January 25, 2008 3:10 AM
Its really lovely, though just thinking about all that fidgity detail knitting makes me twitch. You must really love your sis.
Posted by: PumpkinMama | January 25, 2008 6:36 AM
It looks cute! I can't imagine it with a ruffle. I'm afraid that might look funny.
Posted by: Bea | January 25, 2008 6:38 AM
You are, indeed, a *very* good sister. That sweater is absolutely beautiful.
Posted by: amy | January 25, 2008 6:42 AM
That is so beyond cute!!! And your sister clearly adores it. Congratulations!
Posted by: Teril Turner | January 25, 2008 6:50 AM
I love it! So pretty!
Posted by: Amy | January 25, 2008 7:36 AM
What a spectacular sweater -- and a very lucky sister!
I can't imagine this sweater with beads and a ruffler. It would be way over the top, if you ask me!
Posted by: Sarah | January 25, 2008 7:40 AM
Wow, this reminds me of something very expensive at a store like Anthropology. Your sister is adorable and what a perfect sweater for her. I have that book and must start my own, I can think of a million colorways. What an inspiration you are.
Posted by: tyna | January 25, 2008 8:00 AM
Absolutely gorgeous! I've been waiting to see the FO. I daresay it looks just as good or even better than the version in Rowan.
Posted by: Heather | January 25, 2008 8:06 AM
Fabulous sweater! Your sister looks very happy wearing it in those pics.
Posted by: dani | January 25, 2008 8:14 AM
Wow, adorable abounds! You did a beautiful job, and your sister wears it very well. I have a feeling there are many many more knitting requests coming your way!
Posted by: sulafaye | January 25, 2008 8:25 AM
Absolutely perfect! Congratulations!
Posted by: Cara | January 25, 2008 8:25 AM
So pretty. I wish you were my sister.
Posted by: Wen-Wen | January 25, 2008 8:29 AM
How lovely! And your mods are spot on :)
Posted by: Veronique | January 25, 2008 8:31 AM
So beautiful! I love it sans ruffle and beads.
Chicago, huh? I wonder why Louisa Harding chose that name. I live on Chicago's north side, and I'm telling you, it's below zero and not fit weather for that sweater right now. :-)
Posted by: Jodi | January 25, 2008 8:37 AM
Wow, this is beautiful. I think it might be the first finished Chicago I've seen. I love it! Also, your seaming technique is new to me, I'll have to give it a try. As always, nice work!
Posted by: Kelly | January 25, 2008 8:46 AM
Wow! That sweater is beautiful.
Posted by: Jenna | January 25, 2008 9:08 AM
the sweater came out so cute! you're sister is going to love it. I can't believe you knit all those little flowers!
Posted by: yahaira | January 25, 2008 9:14 AM
It looks incredible! Congrats on finishing it...your sister looks gorgeous in it, and very happy.
Posted by: whitney | January 25, 2008 9:36 AM
It's stunning, what a great job! but 52 knitted flowers- I don't know how you did it and stayed sane, really.
Your sister looks super pleased!
Posted by: Julie | January 25, 2008 10:07 AM
wow... your family is just gorgeous. do you all get accosted when you walk out onto the street?
again, i LOVE your work. you're so consistent and everything looks perfect /me sighs lol ... i'm such a fan girl!
Posted by: eca | January 25, 2008 10:13 AM
Oh my gosh, how CUTE. I love those flowers... though I've recently gained an appreciation for how long those little details take. The end result is totally worth it though! Love it!
:D
Posted by: Ella | January 25, 2008 10:23 AM
It's really beautiful and it looks great on your sister!
Posted by: rohanknitter | January 25, 2008 10:36 AM
Very lovely! And she does look so pleased :-)
Posted by: disentangled | January 25, 2008 10:50 AM
Beautiful work, and she looks so pleased!
Posted by: Marlena | January 25, 2008 10:51 AM
What a gorgeous sweater! I am definitely going to try your method of seaming set in sleeves. The first thing I thought when I saw the first picture of the sweater (besides the aforementioned exclamation) was, "Daaaang, those set in sleeves are perfect!!" I've never tried the crochet method before, and never thought to use a half-thickness of yarn....thank you for the advice!
Posted by: Hilary | January 25, 2008 11:05 AM
That is absolutely gorgeous!
I'm in awe...
Posted by: Liz | January 25, 2008 11:08 AM
absolutely gorgeous. i think your sister looks very much like you! both beautiful, like nymph in the woods. i love the white blouse with cardi.
thanks for sharing!
Posted by: blossom | January 25, 2008 11:12 AM
It's just beautiful--what a great gift!
Posted by: Amy | January 25, 2008 11:35 AM
It looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing your crochet method for seaming sleeves. I'm going to give that a try.
Posted by: Jen | January 25, 2008 11:37 AM
Beautiful! You inspired me to knit Blaze, and I love the final project.
I'm working on getting the yarn for this sweater as well, but I think I shall omit the flowers. But thanks for so much inspiration!
Posted by: confiance | January 25, 2008 12:24 PM
Hi Hunnny- beautiful as always! I just love to bask in your creative genious! Great to see you this past weekend!
Em
Posted by: Anonymous | January 25, 2008 12:35 PM
It looks amazing! Beautiful job. I totally agree with your thoughts about the ruffle and the beads.
Posted by: Julia | January 25, 2008 12:54 PM
Soooo pretty and it looks just your sisters style!
Posted by: Elisabeth | January 25, 2008 1:31 PM
This is a fantastic sweater. It looks awesome unbuttoned as well as buttoned. Your work is flawless!
Posted by: Alice | January 25, 2008 1:39 PM
She's one lucky sister! Glad for pictures like yours to keep the creative ideas flowing.
Posted by: DonnaC | January 25, 2008 1:43 PM
It looks beautiful. I can't imagine that many beads with ruffles and flowers. You made some good calls there.
I love the look of the cardi unbutton. So cute and playful.
Posted by: Mindy | January 25, 2008 1:47 PM
Love it! A breath of spring. And Rae, just like you and Krick, is beautiful.
Posted by: Julia | January 25, 2008 2:04 PM
Beautifully done. I'm going to have to try that sleeve-setting-in method... they look so clean and nice!
Posted by: Stella | January 25, 2008 2:44 PM
That is one gorgeous sweater!!!! And she looks so happy--what a good sister you are!
Posted by: Emily | January 25, 2008 3:26 PM
An FO that didn't jump off the needles AND yet made it to completion to become a gift - that is a particularly satisfying combination isn't it? Congratulations its beautiful and it suits your sister so well!
Posted by: Marie | January 25, 2008 4:48 PM
I agree -- it's completely wonderful. I didn't realize it was Calmer until this post--what a nice yarn. And thanks for the crocheted-in-sleeves tip! I mostly enjoy seaming, but I really like when a little crochet can be the "just right" join.
Posted by: Daphne | January 25, 2008 5:00 PM
Sour is my favorite of all the Calmer shades. Your sister looks delighted, hooray!
Posted by: Heather | January 25, 2008 5:06 PM
That looks fantastic!
Posted by: Annie | January 25, 2008 6:18 PM
What a gorgeous sweater! You must be very proud--and your sister must feel very lucky. Congratulations on a job well done!
Posted by: Tracy WW | January 25, 2008 6:49 PM
this almost makes me want to knit one of them :)
Posted by: stinkerbell | January 25, 2008 9:22 PM
it's beautiful. it looks perfect.
Posted by: maryse | January 26, 2008 7:09 AM
Perfect! It is a beautiful knit for a beautiful lady! Just lovely.
Posted by: SpiderWomanKnits | January 26, 2008 11:33 AM
What an amazing knit! Congrats - it turned out beautifully :)
Posted by: allison | January 26, 2008 12:40 PM
It fits your sis perfect and looks just fabulous!
Posted by: Steph | January 26, 2008 6:49 PM
Incredible!!!! You did a fantastic job and I can't imagine it looking any better with any of the additional "floof" you left out. Great job!!
Posted by: Shanna | January 27, 2008 10:34 AM
Woo with a side of Hoo indeed! That's a very cute, flattering sweater. Hey, our favorite preschool teacher's name is Rae!
Posted by: jen | January 27, 2008 1:36 PM
I love it! I've been looking forward to see this FO. It's absolutely beautiful. 2500 beads. Holy crap. I could never do that. :-) I hope your sister loves it!
Posted by: Elinor | January 27, 2008 10:15 PM
Look at your gorgeous sweater-girl sister! You deserve a medal for this exquisite sweater, and especially for knitting and sewing on 52 tiny flowers. I'd have figured the cardigan looked pretty classy without them and called it good. You're reminding me that I have a whole bag of lovely Calmer in that colorway to knit next summer, if I so choose, and I love the way it matches the lichen on the roof shingles. Well done, madam!
Posted by: Sarah | January 28, 2008 1:49 PM
That is one awesome sweater!
Posted by: Delica | January 28, 2008 4:19 PM
Lovely! That's gonna send me running for my copy of Rowan 37!
Posted by: Julia | January 28, 2008 5:30 PM
That sweater is perfect in every sense of the words-- I can't get over how much I love this!!
Posted by: Rachel | January 29, 2008 1:45 AM
you DO deserve a medal for this sweater! I love it muchly!!! You are the best seester ever. I also love the comment about being nymphs in the woods.
Posted by: Rae | January 29, 2008 10:30 AM
Congrats on a gorgeous sweater! You definitely deserve a big gold star for dealing with all those flowers.
Posted by: kelp! | January 30, 2008 12:23 AM
It's so whimsical and beautiful and perfect!!
Posted by: jenna | February 1, 2008 10:11 AM
This sweater is kinda spectacular. She looks great in it and it really suits her.
Posted by: nova | February 1, 2008 7:12 PM
Stunning and great mods to keep you sane.
Posted by: Christy / Not Hip | February 3, 2008 12:50 PM
beautiful sweater, I have started setting in my sleeves with crochet also and am really pleased with the results. Don't you mean that you put the RIGHT sides of the pieces together though?
Posted by: shelly | February 4, 2008 2:25 PM
I love it! Wonderful colors.
Posted by: Oiyi | February 7, 2008 8:54 PM
Wow I was undecided about doing the flowers but will do now. I have to agree it would ahve been much easier without the beads and becasue I did the lot it's taken over a year to do. Wish I'd thought of crocheting the sleeves in. Great job
Posted by: Flickchick | February 17, 2008 2:12 PM
Beautiful!
Posted by: sprite | February 22, 2008 1:24 AM