It’s been months since I last showed you a finished knit (my change-ringing scarf was the last, back in February!), so it’s high time for a new one. I have, in fact, been knitting during these quiet months, but my knitting luck’s been quite out and I’ve ended up unravelling most of what I’ve made. It’s frustrating to have to do it, but it’s even worse to have useless clothing in one’s wardrobe. Over the past few days I’ve done a serious clear-out of said wardrobe, filling several bin-bags with the aforementioned useless clothing, which will go to charity shops, and will hopefully be useful to someone else. I now feel like I have a clean sartorial slate on which to build. I also have more space, which is even better.
But, all this industriousness aside, I promised a finished knit, so here is my version of Kelmscott.
Kelmscott by Carol Sunday
I used 5.5 balls of Cascade 220 in Silver Gray and 4.5mm needles.
My Ravelry project page
This is a perfect cardigan. I saw it in the Winter 2009 issue of Twist Collective and knew I had to make it as soon as possible. I knew I should consider the matter sanely, and did so for about five seconds before buying the pattern and moving swiftly on to yarn selection. The pattern calls for a light worsted weight angora/merino yarn, but it’s not available in the UK and I find angora too hot and ticklish. I swatched and settled for an old stalwart: Cascade 220, which I knew would make a warm, cosy garment that would also last.
I lengthened the body and sleeves to suit my longer torso, and added an extra button. I also worked a simple crocheted buttonband instead of the loops in the pattern as written (I tried them, but they gaped too much, and my covered buttons looked “blobular” according to a sibling). The lace on the collar and fronts involves patterning on both sides, which requires concentration, but since much of the rest is reverse stocking stitch, there was plenty of mindless knitting.
The result is everything I’d hoped for: warm and cosy but elegant and stylish. It’s great for the season, especially the chilly evenings we’ve been having, and I have no problem with outfit selection because I don’t really want to wear anything else! It’s a worthy addition to my newly minimised wardrobe.
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It turned out beautifully – I prefer your more solid wool version than the original – it seems so much more wearable.
wow, it’s gorgeous!! Your mods are great, and the buttons you went with are definitely the right choice. Great job!!
I loved this pattern when Twist Collective came out, now I’m even more tempted to make it. You did an amazing job. Oh and well done on streamlining your wardrobe, its a big and difficult job, but well worth it.
Nice to see you back again with some gorgeous knitting to show us all. I love it and it definately suits you so well too, no wonder you wear it so much. It seems you will have much more room for beautiful knits in your wardrobe too!
What a gorgeous sweater! I’ve been feeling the lack of functional, attractive, semi-dressy cardigans in my wardrobe recently, and these photos make me jealous. :-) Well done.
Beautiful job!
That is beautiful! I love the colour you chose – and can’t help but notice that your necklace is very pretty too :)
Beautiful! What a gorgeous sweater!
Lovely knitting. The wool gives much better stitch definition and with such beautiful stitch patterns, a less fuzzy yarn is a perfect choice.
I hardly hesitated before buying this pattern too. I think (hoping) it will even look good on my less than perfect “container”. Thanks for sharing.
Stunning knit. I had to make one after seeing yours!
The sweater is simply gorgeous and your handwork is exquisite. You should be very proud of that garment. I hope you enjoy it for years to come.
Really beautiful. I found your sweater on Ravelry and linked here from there. I’ve been addicted to looking at these photographs because they are so inspirational to me. Thank you for posting.
I also purchased this pattern as soon as I saw it!
Your sweater is absolutely lovely.