Here it is, my first ever hand knitted garment (excluding scarves) completed and being modelled! Mind you, it's too cold to wear this now but I couldn't wait for Spring to take some photos and share with you! Isn't it a beauty? It's not perfect but I love it. According to
my Ravelry project page, it took me less than a year which is a surprise for me. I am a slow knitter! This project benefited from a week off sick in December where all I could do was lie in sofa and knit.
This cardigan is from the gorgeous book "
A Stitch in Time Vol 1" and it's called
To Set Off your Summer Frocks" It was chosen as it was the easiest for a beginner. It's all stockinette stitch, so quite straight forward. This book is full of gorgeous designs and I blogged about it
here. In fact, my blog post sparked the knitting bug in a certain fantastic person so strongly that she took up knitting straight away (in addition to being a fantastic sewist) and has already finished many more gorgeous knitted garments than me. You know who you are ;)
As I said, knitting this was straight forward! Blocking and finding the right gauge was a bit of a nightmare though. I tend to knit loosely so had to go down and down in needle size to get there. But I did get there! Once finished I blocked all the pieces and found out that it had grew, which worried me as I like a snug fit. It's not too bad though! Seaming was a bit tricky. Sewing with fabric and thread is way different from sewing with yarn and knitwear.
I have already started my next project, this time an also easy, for beginners sweater from
Kim Hargreaves. I'll let you know how I get on.
And you, are you on the knitting bandwagon?
It's lovely! I just picked up knitting again after the New Year (learned when I was 10, haven't done it since) and I am currently making a 1940s turban. I've been eyeing "A Stitch in Time" though, so I'm glad to hear that there are a few projects there suited for beginners.
ReplyDeleteOhh that turban looks lovely. Is it easy to sew?
DeleteThe pattern is really easy to memorise. I have only looked at the pattern printout once (although I'll probably look more in the next few days as I'm about to start on the ties).
DeleteIt was a bit of a pain in the beginning, but that was mostly my fault for knitting too tight to grab several stitches to purl them together. Also, it's my second knitting project ever, and the first in 18 years, so pain was expected. Once I started getting into it my knitting loosened up a little and now it's very easy. :)
The only sewing involved in making it up too is a running stitch to gather it a bit, or sewing in a bit of elastic if preferred.
Absolutely gorgeous Suzy. Beauty is exactly the right word for it! Gosh, you must be so proud! I'm trying to work up the courage to ask my mum to knit me something from that book... a snood is one thing but a whole cardigan might be stretching it! x
ReplyDeleteWow. Just... Wow. You should be absolutely proud as punch - this is quite stunning!
ReplyDeleteOooh I love it! I am definitely going to add this to my list. I adore the full sleeves. I have properly caught the knitting bug (Ravelry helps!) and am planning my first garment - hoping to start at the weekend, very excited!
ReplyDeleteRavelry is great!
DeleteThis Is Beautiful! I've got this book on my Bday wishlist for next week, so fingers crossed I'll be able to work from it soon. I started knitting last October and I am firmly on the bandwagon...I can't get enough of it!
ReplyDeleteKeeping my fingers crossed!
DeleteThat's your FIRST knitted project? Wow. It's beautiful. Will you wear it with a belt, do you think?
ReplyDeleteYes, aside from a couple of garter stitch scarves, On close inspection is not perfect but I am quite happy with it. And yes, it grew a bit during blocking so will probably use with belt to help define waist.
DeleteOoh, it's gorgeous!! Well done! :) Ugh, isn't gauge a pain sometimes? I actually enjoy making gauge swatches, but when you get to the fourth or fifth it can get tedious. I look forward to seeing your next project :)
ReplyDeleteAshley x
I don't really enjoy gauge swatches but they are necessary. Just like muslins in sewing.
Deleteso awesome ! xx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Suzy. I admire your patience to keep at such a time consuming project. So worth it though. It looks great.
ReplyDeleteHow GORGEOUS! You know my thoughts on navy and the style suits you beautifully. Well don.
ReplyDeleteIt's so lovely! I just picked up knitting over Thanksgivig and I'm currently working on my first sweater... it's pretty ambitious and we had a VERY rough start, but I'm almost done knitting the back. I love knitting because it is so portable and it really does attract over knitters :)
ReplyDeleteI'm watching your progress and look forward to see what you do. I'm sure it will be gorgeous, as all your projects.
DeleteSuzy, wow! So very, very pretty! I am amazed that you knitted this, being this is FIRST garment. Looks like you been doing this for years. It has a rich look to it, and something about it seems very high end to me. The color too, is spot on for your lovely complexion. Great job.
ReplyDeleteOh, and I just reread the post and caught the little reference to someone I might know well :-)
ReplyDeleteWow!! is this really your first sewing project???!!! WOW!! it's just eprfect! I love navy color and the pattern you used! just perfect! I was learning to knit last year but I didn't learn as I wanted, I mean I just knitted one scarf...... =(
ReplyDeleteIt's my first one, yes, aside from a scarf. Keep practicing. The sooner you realise you are knitting more confortably.
DeleteBrilliant job, Suzy!! It looks so pretty on you! :)
ReplyDeleteOh Suzy it's fabulous! What a lovely pattern you've chosen - super cute! It's great seeing knitting successes & inspirations from people we know for sewing- it's kind of exciting I think :-)
ReplyDeleteOh well done! Yay - you're a knitter! :)
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love those sleeves, ahhhhhhhhhhhhh
ReplyDeleteFabulous!!!
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Congrats! It looks gorgeous! I hope to manage to knit something as fabulous! :D
ReplyDeleteWow Suzy, it's beautiful! What a fab job you've done, I can't wait to see what you knit next!
ReplyDeleteGreat looking cardigan. Which wool did you use?
ReplyDeleteI knit loads of socks - quick to do(I made 5 pairs for Christmas presents). I've just blogged the unfinished sweater I started 5 years ago!
Wow! Your first knitting! This is really very impressive! I love those sleeves, the first time I knitted when I was 12 years old, I made a light blue sweater .... the sweater was horrible, but I only remember my happiness using it ... You have to be very satisfied with your cardigan, soooo perfect!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful job you've done here - the cardigan looks really smart and suits you and looks like its been made by someone who's been knitting for years! Look forward to seeing your next item! xxx
ReplyDelete