Sunday, March 16, 2014

Svalbard Sweater: Still in the Game

Honestly, you think I'd be more hateful about this project - given how it tortured me and how, frankly, I'm hateful about everything these days.

Alas, it's so ingenious, I am in its thrall. And I did manage to fix the error of doom which is how I'm at this point:


You can see the tiniest amount of weirdness at the height of the underarm, along the back of the sweater, in this overexposed photo. That's not because there is error, but because, in fixing the error along that row, the stitch tension was messed with. I believe that this will disappear altogether in blocking. Note: You cannot see it when you look at the sweater itself, only in the photo, given the lighting...
Cartridge stitch makes for an incredibly spongy and stretchy knit. I am happy I went with the smallest size - and that I'm using DK weight yarn (instead of the recommended, thicker, worsted weight). Purposefully, my version will be even smaller than the dimensions of the smallest size, and I will achieve my required armscye depth of 6.5" (vs. the 7.5 inches that the pattern would produce, were gauge achieved on the smallest size) and the required narrowness at the shoulders so that it doesn't look like a boob-highlighting sack. That's the theory, anyway.

I cannot abide 8 inches of positive ease - even if that's the look of the sweater. I think it is too slouchy and unfitted on the majority of wearers whose photos I've seen - and many of those wearers corroborate this perspective, regardless of the sizes they've made.

Keep in mind, there will be a rib border of 3 inches - preceded by a stockinette border of approx 0.5 inches added on to the edge of the sweater, so it's still going to be pretty wide in the end... And I do hope that 3 inches isn't too tall at the back of my neck or I might be forced to make my rib border a bit narrower than 3 inches.

In addition to my concern about ensuring that this garment fits perfectly in the shoulders (so that it emphasizes my smallness where it is visible (cuz I'm not going to be able to play up my waist or underbust when wearing it), I'm not concerned about it fitting over the full bust. It's an cardigan that will stretch to close with a pin (should I choose). But when it's open, I don't want a ton of bulk at the sides of my boobs or over my chest or it's going to look bad on me.

So, what do you think of it so far? Do you think I've got a chance at producing this such that it will work with my shape?

10 comments:

  1. I love it I think it looks adorable! I'm glad that you made this document -- I'm trying to make a bolero next -- I think this would work fantastic with your shape -- you have a tiny waist and this should emphasize it (Hourglass, right?) from the pattern style, seemingly (although I see your reservations). I can't tell yet about the ease -- I'm struggling with fit and knitting too. What did you think when you tried it on and what were your observations so far?

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    1. You know, sometimes boleros highlight the boobs a bit too much, though when they work, they work well... Intriguingly, I haven't tried it on. I'm relying on math this time. Reason being that I'm not prepared to go any more off-road than I already have. If it's too big, I'll give it away. If it's too small, I'll give it away. At this point, I'm knitting it for the experience. But my math tells me it's going to fit. Now, whether the style flatters is an entirely different matter.

      Note: I usually try on obsessively when knitting top down and make alterations, as required. It's useful but only to a certain extent. Once the sweater is done, its finished weight, blocking, changes in tension and wear all change the fit.

      More often than not, any sweater I knit grows a size.

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  2. What do I think? I think Kristin 17 and upward, Svalbard 0 (and cowering cooperatively in the corner). Never doubted you'd take charge of this pattern and you're obviously doing so -- and altering it to fit your preferences while you're at it. Boo-ya!

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    1. Um, I can assure you, it is not cowering - more like leering :-) But thank you for the vote of confidence! I'll take it! xo

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  3. Coming along so nicely! I'm glad you were able to get it figured out and move forward with it.

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    1. So am I! I was really beside myself for a couple of days. It was all I could think of, fixing this thing, and I was looking for an easy, "not much fitting required" kind of project. Guess I didn't get what I'd bargained for...

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  4. Glorious. You are a knitting ninja!

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    1. Ha! That's an hilarious image. I'm more of a knitting nut.

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  5. Speeding right along! This looks great and I can't wait to see this in person! What yarn are you using? It's got great stitch definition!

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    1. Thanks S! I'm using Quince Chickadee - again. This yarn really is a workhorse and the definition is great. It is so spongy knitted up in this stitch pattern, it's kind of insane.

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