Friday, September 28, 2012

What Doesn't Kill Us Makes Us Stronger

OK, this month has been pretty low on the health front. Since Sept. 1, I've been down with:
  • A cold / stomach bug combo
  • 5 canker sores (in clusters)
  • A 4-day headache that verged on migraine
  • A chest cough thing. I don't even understand this. I don't get chest coughs.
I'm lying here - miserable - begrudging that I won't be able to go out with friends for dinner. My bones hurt. Or maybe it's my muscles from the coughing (which I did all night). On the plus side, I whined my way into getting Scott to turn on the heat, which he usually won't do before Oct. 1, at the absolute earliest (emphasis his). Yes, I am complaining but it's my blog so I'm allowed . Please continue to the next paragraph for the real post.

Today's theme is pain for gain.

Meet Exhibit A (Chuck Sweater by Andi Satterlund - note that Blogger, once again just did this weird thing and now, refuses to let me link...):

The more I try to use this dress form as a model for my clothes, the more I observe how absolutely it fails to approximate my shape. This sweater actually fits me beautifully in the shoulders. Alas, in this pic, the shoulders on the dress form are forcing the fabric to assume their (wider) form. Furthermore, the cables don't stretch as much on me because the overall circumference of my torso is narrower than that of the dress form. It's really irritating.



Side note: I realize that you no longer have any faith that I'm ever going to model anything again, but I am a dull, greasy-haired, zombie, with skin the colour of gruel. I have a manufactured image to uphold, so this is the best I can do right now.

The final sweater is all that I'd hoped for, despite my numerous cable challenges early on. Here are some final thoughts and bits of info:

  • I used 700 yards of Cascade 220 (a bit over 3 skeins - natch) to make a modified small. Primary modifications were the addition of 6 stitches at the underarm (continuing the entire length of the sweater) and the addition of a vertical cable pattern. Definitely, the extra cable ate up a lot of yarn. I'd estimate 40 yards.
  • I would not make it any bigger in the circumference than I did (you know I was considering that in the last post on this topic). Once I added the sleeves, it all fits very nicely in the chest.
  • I love the colour. Overall, the yarn is entirely adequate (and so affordable), though it's a bit more "wool-like natural feeling" than I prefer. I note with interest that my other Cascade projects were made with the Superwash (the growier, treated version). Both Frances and Mardel have reminded me that treated wool is known for its grow-factor. I really don't love that firm, "natural" hand of regular wool.  FYI, Cascade Superwash still doesn't grow anywhere near as much as the Debbie Bliss stuff, for what it's worth. Mind you, neither does it feel half as good.
So, whatcha think? Would you wear it? Do you like it? Let's talk.

(PS: Theory is I'm going to sew something soon. I was aiming for this weekend, but not convinced I'm going to have the energy.)

32 comments:

  1. Holy shit, your sweater turned out GORGEOUS. Really really love those cables with that color... and I think the fit looks great on the form. You'll have to show up a real-life picture of it on you once you start feeling better :)

    I'm really loving the pattern so far... the cables are, er, cabling along nicely. I was already excited to finish mine up & wear it, and now I'm like bouncing off my chair after seeing yours haha :)

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    1. Why thank you! I was curious to know what you'd think. Keep on with yours. I want to see it soon!

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  2. I've loved this pattern ever since you posted the first link to it, and your version just makes me love it even more. I was thinking of making one for myself, but then I opened my mouth and said something to my husband about "would he like me to knit him a sweater?" and within 10 minutes he had picked out a pattern on Ravelry and told me it should be made up in "burnt orange" colored yarn. He isn't usually so opinionated about my projects, so I guess that means I should make him a sweater before I make one for myself.

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    1. Thanks Carolyn! Your husband is hilarious. You should tell him that he needs to take a ticket and wait :-)

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  3. That's a pretty brutal list of illnesses. It seems like with kids going back to school there are more bugs going around right now. Add in allergies and it's just a sneeze fest. I hope the cough and pain clears up quickly.

    Wow, what a pretty sweater. It is beautiful and I can see what you mean about the dress form not being identical to you but it seems like it will have the right amount of negative ease. So pretty.

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    1. Thing is, my husband and kid are healthy. And it's not like I don't sleep 9 hrs a night and eat healthfully / take a zillion vitamins. I don't get it.

      Isn't that dress form a linebacker! Seriously her back is broad.

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  4. Mail it to me; I'll wear it constantly! It's fantastic!

    OMG! I hope October is a better month for you!

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    1. Clio: Just make one. Then we won't have to share :-)

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  5. Man, you have really been suffering. I hope it all clears up soon.

    I like your new sweater. I think this is a much more wearable length for us ladies who aren't 20 any more :-)

    I'd wear it, except it's not my color ;-)

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    1. Thanks G. Isn't the length "age appropriate" :-) And yeah, you've never made anything in this colour. It's totally not you :-)

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  6. I love it! I wish I could make one!

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    1. You can!! Just don't make it your first cable project. :-)

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  8. Gorgeous! You did so well! This is a highly wearable garment and you will LOVE fielding compliments as you wear it.
    Hope the health picture starts to improve. I'm dealing with cold sores at the moment, always a loud announcement about my need for rest . . .

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    1. I think the fall season change is really hard on my system, though I love the transition to the cooler weather. And you can take half the credit for this sweater's success! Thank you again.

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  9. OooOOOoooo pretty!
    Hope you get well soon so you can show it off on your real body! Oh and of course so you stop suffering :)

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    1. Thanks J! How's your knitting going?

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    2. Mine's going okay- I'm a little nervous about how it will turn out but I'm cautiously optimistic :)

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    3. That's a smart state of mind. I go for that as often as possible. :-)

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  10. Yes, I like it. Yes, I'd wear it. All the time...it's gorgeous!!!!
    Sorry you're feeling so grim. Take it easy and feel better soon.

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  11. It's beautiful! I like the cable pattern.

    I have the same irritating cough that just won't go away.

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    1. Thanks Raven! Any more thoughts on moving here?

      Gotta say, this cough sucks. Feel better soon...

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  12. I just bought this pattern! Your version is so gorgeous! I am cable knitting and chart following challenged so I hope I don't give up on it!

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    1. Thank you so much Nettie! You won't give up. If you have questions, feel free to email me. Hopefully, I'll have learned enough from the project to give some assistance if it's needed. Cheers!

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  13. Wow, it looks absolutely fabulous. Lovely colour too. And double wow at how quick you knitted it up.

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  14. Beautiful sweater, beautiful work. I hope you're feeling better!

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    1. Thanks S. This bug has been pretty wretched. Pls. keep giving positive vibes and I'm sure I'll be well soon.

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  15. I've been in love with this pattern from the moment I saw it, and seeing your longer version makes me love it even more!

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    1. Isn't it a great pattern?? So glad you like the longer version as much as the original. As Gail suggests, it's a more flattering length for some of us :-)

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  16. Ooh, this has a nice svelte look. I'd wear this every day. But you made me laugh with the skin color of gruel thing. I know it's been a week since you posted this but I hope you're feeling better!

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