Projects in 2004

Knitting

Ribbed Raglan Turtle-neck Sweater

A few years back I found this great yarn on sale. It was Lammy Yarns Angorette, an extremely soft fake angora/mohair-ish yarn. Since it was a one-time offer — I haven't seen the yarn available before nor since — I decided to buy plenty of it so as not to run out of yarn in mid-project. I got about 20 balls and it was more than enough! So far I've made this sweater, a cardigan and a scarf out of it, and I still have a couple of balls left. What a bargain it was too; the entire box cost about 20€.

I previously used the same pattern calculation technique to do the raglan cardigan. It was easy and fun to do so I wanted to try my hand in knitting a top-down seamless sweater. Note that the sleeves are extremely long so that the cuffs can be rolled up. The pattern was calculated according to The Incredible, Custom-fit Raglan Sweater instructions with the following measurements:

• neck size 14"
• raglan length 9.5"
• body length 13.5" (from yoke to hem) (full lenght from neck to hem 21.5")
• sleeve length 28"
• wrist size 9.5"
• body circumference 32" (not needed in calculating the instructions)

In k3, p3 ribbing the gauge is 24 sts x 30 rnds = 4". The number of stitches needed for casting:

• total neck stitches: 84
• back stitches: 29
• sleeve stitches: 7
• increase stitches: 8
• front stitches: 33
• right front stitches: 8
• left front stitches: 8
• center front stitches: 17

For sleeves, decrease 1 st at each end of every 7^th row 20 times (= 48 sts in wrist). Pick up 78 sts for turtleneck, continue in k3, p3 ribbing for 7.5" (or desired length).

• $$$: I have no idea how many balls of that stuff I used. Estimating rougly that I used probably less than a half of the lot, I'd say about 8-10€.
• Pattern: I love the top-down method. It's very easy once you get over the novelty of going down from the neckline, and that's what keeps it interesting for the entire project. Also: no seams! Who doesn't love that? Plus you can try it on at any point to see if it fits. The only fault, if you can call it that, is that the pattern doesn't take into account your body circumference.
• Techniques: Just plain ol' ribbing. A perfect, mindless, sitting-in-front-of-the-TV project.
• Yarn: Lammy Yarns Angorette, 70% acrylic / 30% polyamide blend. I can't wear pure mohair because it makes me itch, so this was a perfect substitute. For a 100% synthetic yarn, it was surprisingly soft and warm, and the loose fabric breathes so it doesn't get swealtering either. Anyone know where I can get more of this stuff? ;)
• Instant Gratification: Uhh. I should start writing this stuff down. From what I can remember, this was a fairly fast project, so I'd say that's a "yes".
• Will I Wear It? Yes! It's a great all-around sweater for the nippy winter days. A simple design that's not too flashy but the yarns add a little illusion of luxury.
• Final score: 4.5/5. .5 reduction for the body circumference issue. I'm planning on revisiting the calculations to do the raglan increases at different rates in the body vs. in the sleeve so that it really fits. The rib pattern masquarades the issue in this one but it's a little baggy under the arms. Just a little.

Eyelet Cardigan

Eyelet stitch

This pattern is from a Finnish crafts magazine Kauneimmat Käsityöt (can't remember which issue).

Top & Skirt

Top & skirt

Detail of eyelet stitch

During a summer heatwave I decided to knit something cool for myself. The top pattern is from a Finnish magazine Pirkka (issue 5/2004) but it is available online only in Finnish. The eyelet skirt pattern is from knitty. The yarn was resurrected from its previous incarnation as a sweater.

Crochet

Scarf

The pattern for this crocheted scarf is the Shell Scarf from 1972 (Internet Archive page) but the fringe is from Aran Sampler Scarf with Twisted Fringe. The scarf measures approx. 6" x 5' 7" (without fringes).

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