My "main" knitting project at the moment is the Lauren cardigan from Kim Hargreaves' book Precious. I love all Kim's books, but this is one of my more favorite collections. I've already knit 3 patterns from this book; this will be my fourth, and I've got a few more in my queue!
Lauren is a raglan batwing-sleeved cardigan with very fitted waist and round neck. Here are some pictures from the book:
(Note how great it looks with a pencil skirt!)
I'm making mine in RYC Cashsoft 4 Ply - one of my very favorite yarns to knit with - in a deep brown shade called Bark. And we already know that deep brown looks great with eau de nil.
I started this sweater exactly a month ago today. I've already finished the back and most of the first front. I chose to make the XS size because I think a small frame like mine can easily get overwhelmed in this type of garment. I hope it works out! It seems a little on the small side right now, but I have a very hard time gauging a finished size from the pieces.
I really love the texture stitch this pattern uses. Kim has used this texture on two other sweaters I've knit: Livi and Carrie. It's fun and interesting without being overly demanding.
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| (Yes, this piece has been blocked!) |
Another detail Kim often incorporates is a "ridge stitch," used at the front edges of a cardigan to emulate ribbing. It's brilliant, because while it looks like a 2x2 rib you'd pick up along the front edge, it's knit right along with the rest of the piece! Easy peasy!
Design elements like these and classic, timeless styles are what make Kim my very favorite knitwear designer.
There's a chance I may not have this finished in time to wear it yet this winter, but I'm glad I've started it. It's been in my queue for a few years and the yarn has been in my stash for even longer! And believe it or not, tiny yarn and needles are the most comfortable for me to work with, so this project gives me a nice, cozy feeling.
That's looking lovely.
ReplyDeleteIt's the little details like the texture stitch and the ridge stitch front bands knitted along with the fronts that make Kim's designs so special.
I'm almost finished my Tempt from her most recent book, but I've had to rip the sleeves back a bit as I discovered I'd knitted them for someone with arms about 4 inches longer than mine! Ooops!
Hehehe - we've all been there!
DeleteI usually add about an inch at the waist of Kim's designs, but didn't this time. I hope I don't regret it!
Just wanted to let you know I've nominated you for a Liebster blog award. Check my blog for details!
DeleteThanks, Sam!
DeleteI can't believe that ridge stitch isn't picked-up ribbing! Genius! This cardigan will be so sweet on you-- it really looks like your style!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that ridge stitch the coolest? I used it when I made her Evie cardigan too (twice). I just love it!
DeleteOoooooo I LOVE it! Isn't the edge clever? And, I love the batwings. Oh, I might have to make this one :)
ReplyDeleteI'm a sucker for batwing and dolman sleeves too!
DeleteI wish I could knit because Kim's patterns look gorgeous. I love this cardi and the colour you've chosen. I too have a problem with sizing from just the pieces. I never think it's going to fit and then it's usually too big :(
ReplyDeleteThat's what usually happens to me! That's one of the reasons I decided to size down this time!
Deleteooooh that looks lovely! i really like the texture of the main body, that is super cool.
ReplyDeleteI love this - I wish I could pull off vintage style clothing as well as you! Can't wait to see it all finished!
ReplyDeleteMaybe it helps that I'm actually vintage? ;-)
DeleteWhat a sweet addition to your wardrobe this will be!
ReplyDeleteI hope so!
Deletethe cardigan looks great! I love the texture and of course the chocolate brown color ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marie!
DeleteLooks great so far! Precious was the first book of knitting patterns I bought when I decided to learn to knit but after a false start on one of them, I've never really considered it again. This is such a cute cardi so perhaps I should look at it again.I'm really looking forward to seeing this when you finish it. In the meantime, enjoy the cosiness!
ReplyDeleteNow that you've had some knitting experience, you might want to give one of these a try. I've always found Kim's patterns to be very easy to follow. That said, I did find an error in this one! (A significant one too: the decreases for the ribbing on the front didn't match the back, so the ribbing would have been quite a bit shorter.)
DeleteYou have me super excited to go through Precious again and pick a pattern to cast on .... This weekend!
ReplyDeleteThinking of the difference in our knitting styles made me realize I tend to gravitate toward the designs that use fingering weight, whereas you would probably go for the ones that use heavier yarn!
DeleteInteresting details that are adding to the attraction of knitting a project with a variety of stitching that will result in a classy garment.
ReplyDeleteAm looking forward to a new year of knitting/creating.
Hugs
One of the things I love about this design is that it looks so much more complicated than it is. That, and the batwing sleeves ;-)
DeleteThat button band is such a super cool idea!
ReplyDeleteOh and lol, did you spot the creep in the background of the 2nd picture? Haha.
This is a really pretty design. I want to check out more of Kim Hargreaves's stuff now!
I think that guy is checking to see if there are any weird drag lines on the back of her pencil skirt, LOL!
DeleteLove this Gail. Can't wait to see your finished sweater!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Faye!
DeleteI love that texture and those "ridges" -- I am not familiar with her books but will definitely have to look for them!
ReplyDeleteI've been a fan girl for probably 20 years. I just love her work!
DeleteWow, it's turning out so beautifully. I know nothing about knitting but I know that when something looks hard, it's about 100x harder than it looks so all I can say is I'm definitely impressed. I live the detail and I also live the color of yarn you're using. The rich brown is gorgeous. The one nice thing about not finishing projects in time for the season intended for it is that next year cone winter time, you will have a brand new, beautiful sweater to wear! ha that's always my favorite thing.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Haylee!
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