March 12, 2005
Hourglass Complete
The Hourglass Sweater is done!
I really love this sweater. I can't say enough good things about it. The fit is perfect, the best of the three sweaters I've made thus far. The wide neckline is *just* small enough that it doesn't fall off my shoulders. The pattern is super fast to knit up; it took less than 2 weeks. Super introduction to knitting a sweater in the round from the bottom up.
Yarn: Harrisville Highland in Black Forest Tweed (coned)
Gauge: 18sts to 4" on size 6 needles.
Finished Size: 34" bust, 31" waist
Pattern Modifications: Followed pattern as written for size small, knit the sleeves to 20" to accomodate my long arms.
Other Technical Notes:
1. Hems. The bottom hem flared out prior to blocking. I thought this was because I sewed it too soon and did not take care to keep the fabric flat. So, at the end, I took the hem out and redid it. It still flared. When washed and blocked, however, it relaxed and was fine.
2. Dye. This yarn made my hands black while knitting it. I've heard similar things happen when working with dark colors of Denim yarn. When I washed the sweater, the excess dye released and the whole sink of water turned dark brown.
3. Coned Yarn. I knit this straight off the cones, but measured my gauge from washed swatches. The gauge turned out fine, though next time I might wash the yarn first. It would be more pleasant to knit with fluffy, clean yarn (rather than compressed, twiney cone yarn). ALTHOUGH one benefit is that there were barely any joins, because the cones were 500yds each. I think I made one yarn join in the body of the sweater. and that was it.
4. 12-inch circular. I used the recommended 12-inch circular needle for the sleeves. At first, I thought DPNs would work just as well, but the circ made all the difference in terms of speed. I got mine on ebay from Wolf Creek Street.
Comments (14)
I love your sweater, it looks lovely. I had my eye on that sweater, it's nice to hear and see that it turns out that well. Your Rebecca cardi is looking pretty too. I am just starting it and will follow the slip stitch recommendation too. A.
Posted by Amelia | March 12, 2005 8:58 AM
Posted on March 12, 2005 08:58
Your Hourglass turned out beautifully. Thanks for sharing info on your process, too. :-)
Posted by Kelly | March 12, 2005 9:28 AM
Posted on March 12, 2005 09:28
Your sweater looks so great! It fits you so well - I love it! I agree that 12-inch circs were the way to go - my sleeves went by super fast with them.
Posted by marichan | March 12, 2005 10:12 AM
Posted on March 12, 2005 10:12
I love it!! Good work! It looks so lovely. I hope you enjoy wearing it.
Good job!
Posted by Ellie | March 12, 2005 11:58 AM
Posted on March 12, 2005 11:58
That is a HOT sweater! You did an absolutely beautiful job. I'm now convinced that I have to make one. I'm wondering if the neckline would be flattering to all shapes, particularly those of us who have no chests. Does anyone else sometimes find straight necklines to be flattening?
Posted by jeannine | March 12, 2005 1:17 PM
Posted on March 12, 2005 13:17
Looks super on you, D! I love the colors, and it fits perfectly. I like the wide neck with tank underneath look :)
I am using the 12" circs for some sleeves now, and I really do like them. Hourglass is definitely on my "to knit" list!
Hope you are having a great Saturday in your hot new pullover!
Posted by Lolly | March 12, 2005 4:32 PM
Posted on March 12, 2005 16:32
Damn, that sweater looks good on you!! Love the fit. Wowie!
Posted by alison | March 12, 2005 9:17 PM
Posted on March 12, 2005 21:17
Wow! I love this sweater! Looks great! I'm doing the same gauge deal, so I hope it works out as well as yours! Where'd you get the yarn? I have yet to knit off a cone, but the temptation is definitely there.
Posted by Jenifer | March 13, 2005 12:04 PM
Posted on March 13, 2005 12:04
Hi Diana! Thanks for the positive comments about my half-finished Salina sweater on my blog. I'm knitting the smallest size, which is working out well. I love love love the way felted tweed knits up. It almost looks like fabric. But it is slow knitting for me. I can't wait to see your Salina!
Posted by marichan | March 13, 2005 8:20 PM
Posted on March 13, 2005 20:20
Looks fantastic! The color choice you made (dyed hands and all) is really stunning with it's charming tweedy bit. Can't believe it's only your third sweater. Wow!!!
Posted by Juls | March 15, 2005 11:22 AM
Posted on March 15, 2005 11:22
hm, harrisville tweed you say? i've been eyeing this pattern for weeks not but all the yarn i've seen used was just too expensive for me. this tweed looke gorgeous though (the color is great!) and is not too bad price-wise. thanks!
and i can't over how perfect a fit it is -- well done! ;)
Posted by andrea | March 18, 2005 11:09 AM
Posted on March 18, 2005 11:09
looks fantastic! gotta knit that!
Posted by froggy | March 19, 2005 1:16 PM
Posted on March 19, 2005 13:16
another fabulous creation!
Posted by jacqueline | March 31, 2005 11:45 PM
Posted on March 31, 2005 23:45
what an excellent result for two weeks' work. inspriational. how many cones did you end up using? and your lucky clover is stunning. take a bow!
Posted by amanda | May 24, 2005 9:33 AM
Posted on May 24, 2005 09:33