Gauge the Situation: Worsted Project Complete

Without much fanfare I have finished the Inaugural Sweater. In truth, and certainly not because it isn't lovely, this sweater really isn't for me.

Let's start with a few pics (note: it looks better on me, but not much):

The collar is its nicest feature, IMO.

While it isn't incredibly noticeable in real life, see how the stitches in the middle of the photo are thicker? That's because I had to switch skeins half way through a row (I was really worried about running out of yarn - a foundless concern, as it happens, since I still have 80 per cent of the last skein). I learned this last time I used Debbie Bliss cashmerino yarn - weaving two skeins together is not seamless as it is with may other firmer wools.

Here's the full thing. It's supposed to open at the bottom, as it does, but I haven't hemmed it yet and may choose not to. Why? It's a really short sweater. I could go back and unknit the bottom 8 rows, add an inch on, and redo the hemming (that bit below the main moss stitch pattern) but it actually looks kind of interesting in real life unhemmed (if not in this photo). The bottom doesn't curl at all, though it seems to in this shot.  Also, hate to point this out, cuz it isn't so noticeable when worn, but the concealed snap over the left breast is showing through, slightly, because the moss stitch isn't firm enough to hide it. I've resewn it twice. I think the only thing that would mitigate this is a button band.

See how shapeless it is in the waist? I really should have started the decreases much higher up. And been more extreme with them. You can't see the side decreases well in this shot but you can see the left back decreases at the bottom 1/3 of the sweater.

The good news is that I think it's going to be just the kind of thing my mother will love for Xmas.

Other good news is that I'm sure I could fix this "wearable muslin" so that, in the next version, I'd correct the challenges by:

• Using a yarn with less drape and more structure - like the Cascade 220. I sense this is key with this sweater.
• Making sure that the below bust side decreases start as soon as possible.
• Making sure the back decreases start 2 inches higher.
• Making the sweater 2 inches longer.
• Machine stitching the buttonholes on a hand-inserted button band - I'm convinced this is the only way to make a hand knit sweater sturdy.
• Getting to 40 stitches in the arm by just below the bicep (that means I'd have to cut 20 stitches out of this thing in the top 3 inches of the sleeve). As it is, I had to keep ad hoc decreasing - including two decrease rows in the moss stitch on the sleeve. That really didn't improve how the pattern lies, though it's not observable at the seam (which is at the under-forearm).

Alas, I don't think I'm going to make it again. I just don't love it on me. Its issue, from my perspective is that it's just too much sweater. I don't wear anything this bulky. In fact, I wear cashmere deliberately to get the required warmth from the minimal amount of bulk. Moreover, it looks just a bit too hand knit for my liking, which I blame mainly on my choice of yarn, but also on the gauge.

Please do not misunderstand. I think this is a sweater with MUCH to recommend itself:

• Clear instructions
• Easy pattern
• Chic shape
• Useful in many kinds of cold weather
• Lovely details

It just doesn't work for me.

Next, I'm moving on to the Siivet Pullover, the sweater y'all recommended for the sport weight Gauge the Situation project. Not fast, mind you, but next.

I'm curious to know your thoughts about this garment. Have you made it? Do you like it?