the tilted duster that took forever
i started this sweater in january and almost immediately, the doubting began. i knit a little at the recommended gauge, but i didn't really like the airiness of the fabric, so i ripped it out and started over. i decided to cheat and knit the 36" size on smaller needles and hope for the best. the "best" being a sweater that fits, but is not quite as long as the original.
after completing the back, fronts, and sleeves, i ditched this for other sweaters. most of the time, the half-finished sweaters don't get picked up again after they've been abandoned for a few months. i think the color, and possibly the urge to just finish something, led me to pick it up again. i'm pretty glad i did.
it's going to need a partial re-blocking. my cats have a tendency to move damp knitwear around on the blocking board when i forget to close the door. there it is though, not too long and a perfect fit in the sleeves and upper body. the color is a favorite, and one that i don't own too much of. the only thing i would change is to lessen the flare of the skirt portion. with the shorter length, it flares out right at the hip, i rather like my hips flared out only as much as they already are.
don't let my less-than-excited face fool you. it's an expression that's 50% "omg, it's 86f out and i'm about to pass out" and 50% "let's get this over with before my next door neighbor asks why i'm taking a self-portrait in a sweater in july". i really think this will see some serious wear once it's cold enough for it.
the details, if you'd like:
pattern: tilted duster, by norah gaughan (i don't believe a link is necessary, as i'm the 8,000th person to make it)
yarn: berroco peruvia, 6 skeins in "sea turtle"
needles: us9 circulars for everything.
mods: not many. knit the sleeves in the round using magic loop, smaller needles
my love of green yarn is in full force at the moment, so i also knit up a little cowl with some handspun from my stash.
the pattern i kind of used was this one. i altered the length, rows, number of repeats and needle size though, so it was more like an "inspired by" kind of thing.
i have lots of work to do this weekend, and i'm hoping the 6 cups of coffee i've had so far are going to help me power through. have a lovely weekend!
Comments
That looks so cute--the color is just PERFECT! :)
Posted by: Clumsy Knitter | July 12, 2008 03:27 PM
The knitting is really nice, but I especially love your hair. It suits you.
Posted by: alex | July 12, 2008 03:44 PM
I love how your Tilted Duster came out - it's going to be great for the winter.
Posted by: rachel | July 12, 2008 04:15 PM
The sweater came out really nice and that color looks really good on you. As far as your face, you should have seen mine! It was, I can't believe she's out in this weather with that sweater on! A truly dedicated knit blogger I assume!
Posted by: Debbie | July 12, 2008 04:18 PM
If I make this for myself, I am totally stealing your color choice. Gorgeous.
I was wondering about your expression in the photo! Makes sense, though- I can't even imagine wearing a wool sweater today. Ugh. And my neighbor caught me taking photos of yarn draped on the mailbox, so I'm over the fear of people around here thinking I've lost my mind.
Posted by: veronica | July 12, 2008 06:48 PM
Kawaii! Mine is much smaller too, I liked Peruvia on 8s (or maybe even 7s...? Blasphemous, we are!)
Posted by: Cirilia | July 12, 2008 07:00 PM
Hey! That's a gorgeous one!
Posted by: Katja Broddesson | July 12, 2008 07:44 PM
i was going to say that you look hot, like as in "it's too hot outside to be modeling wool without A/C!!" :) it's lovely though and i'm sure that once the cooler weather of fall rolls in, you'll bust it out.
Posted by: gleek | July 12, 2008 08:04 PM
I'm glad that face is more about the heat & fear of your neighbors (seriously one of the best aspects of having our own backyard with privacy fence & tons of bushes is no more fear the neighbors think I'm a whack job with all the random photo shoots).....
With that said I really like your duster. I too am a bit green obsessed right now & that color looks fantastic on you. I've always loved the pattern & I think I like it even more now!
Posted by: Leah | July 13, 2008 09:49 AM
Even though it may have taken forever to knit... talk about worth the wait! It's perfect on you!
Posted by: Sarah | July 13, 2008 10:09 AM
The cowl is beautiful. Do you remember where the handspun is from?
Posted by: Natalie | July 13, 2008 05:49 PM
so pretty!
one day, i climbed a tree to hang bunting for a blog photo.
the neighbors saw me. i'm sure they're still quite confused. oh! the things bloggers will do for a good photo.
Posted by: KnitXcorE | July 13, 2008 08:29 PM
Oh it looks so cozy! I love how the neckline looks on yours - it seems different to others I've seen and I really like it this way. Plus green - gotta love it.
Posted by: claire | July 14, 2008 05:36 AM
I think that sweater looks great. Love the color. - I've have this pattern marked as a fav in Ravelry and your are making me want to cast on for it right now!
Cute cowl too!
Posted by: Knitterella | July 14, 2008 08:17 AM
It looks good. I'm still on the fence about knitting my own. Love that green!
Posted by: cactusneedles | July 14, 2008 10:29 AM
It's so very nice. I really like the color, too. Hm...why don't I ever knit anything green...?
Posted by: jenna | July 14, 2008 10:39 PM
Friggin' update already. You're pushing a month now!
Posted by: ~A | August 3, 2008 01:30 PM