This weekend offered up a finished project - hooray! I have been enjoying my knitting of late. Mostly because I began this project a good while back, but abandoned it with only a small portion left to finish off, so when I picked it up again, it came together ridiculously swiftly.
It seems I love either end of the knitting process. The selecting of yarn and pattern keeps me happy and occupied for weeks. And the bit when it is all coming together and I can try on my garment. Not that the middle isn't enjoyable, but I find myself fretting. About following the instructions properly, not making a mistake that I cannot correct, the question of whether it is going to fit or not. All these thoughts intrude on the meditative stitching bit - there, I am a nervous knitter - I confess.
But I wanted to do this gorgeous yarn justice. It is Blue Sky Alpacas Melange "a confection of exquisite colour" to quote the label. I'm not sure if the photos capture it exactly, but it is a truly foxy orange and I love it for that and it's gorgeous alpaca softness.
The pattern I chose was this one:
A top down raglan, which means no seaming whatsoever and it is knitted with the yarn held double which seems to make it grow extra fast. I modified the pattern a bit, making the neckline narrower and leaving off the ribbed sleeves as I liked the way the rolled stockinette edge looked. I also lengthened the body as the ribbed section as written began halfway down my boob line. Not a fetching look. Though, to be honest, I may have lengthened it a little too much.
But it's all part of learning. A little bit of experience I will take with me to the next project. I've seen a very fetching Spud & Chloe pattern the Polly Pullover. What do you think?
And orange, of course!
You make me feel guilty, I must get my knitting out again. Enjoy wearing your top, it looks lovely and very stylish.
Posted by: Angel Jem | 17 January 2011 at 13:15
That looks like such a beautiful yarn, and orange of course!
I definitely would have lengthened it too!
Posted by: Petit Filoux | 17 January 2011 at 13:20
Oh it looks fabulous! Blue Sky yarns are so scrumptious. And no seaming is most definitely the way to go!
A definite thumbs up to the Polly Pullover. Does this mean a trip to Mrs Moon?!
K x
Posted by: kristina | 17 January 2011 at 13:27
I love the colour and the way it's worn - it looks great yet warm and functional too.
Nina xxx
Posted by: nina - tabiboo | 17 January 2011 at 13:56
hurray you finished it! I take it you got the yarn ok... I also found your Jersey needles... they'll be in the post soon too!
Looks great, by the way. That colour suits you.
Posted by: Monica | 17 January 2011 at 14:06
I adore the colour. I will learn to knit this year, I will
Posted by: TheMadHouse | 17 January 2011 at 14:07
I luff it.
Posted by: blackbird | 17 January 2011 at 14:21
beautiful! love the colour and the pattern - it makes me want to give it a go although I have always left the knitting to my talented man... perhaps just this once!
Posted by: Jennifer | 17 January 2011 at 14:32
Lovely cardi! I made the same one a while back, and I loved the pattern. I love the way you describe your knitting experience -- I can so relate. I worry & fret through the entire knitting process -- just hoping I don't end up with something 'of little use and no beauty' (J. Austen);).
Posted by: Gigi | 17 January 2011 at 15:07
That looks beautiful. What a gorgeous colour. I love rediscovering a nearly-completed project!
Posted by: Amanda | 17 January 2011 at 16:24
ooh, we are obviously on the same colour-wavelength today. Its like going to school and wearing the same outfit only way cooler!!
My next project: purple ;)
Posted by: Slugs On The Refrigerator | 17 January 2011 at 16:42
That really suits you. I am envious. I am scared stiff of knitting garments for myself - mind you the cost of the amount of wool I'd need to knit a giant one is a fairly good deterrent too!
Posted by: dottycookie | 17 January 2011 at 17:15
I'm really impressed. The odd time I've finished a knitting project the result has been hideously unwearable. As for Polly Pullover, me likey very much.
Posted by: lovethosecupcakes | 17 January 2011 at 17:18
It's gorgeous Ali! Love the colour! Lucy x
Posted by: lucylocket | 17 January 2011 at 17:19
Looking good. Orange is the perfect antidote to blue Monday. I am a very nervous knitter also - now that I have got the hang of socks, I feel reluctant to try something new...!
Posted by: lina | 17 January 2011 at 17:35
I absolutely love alpaca - it is sheer joy to knit. I too have mid garment nerves, there is so much work to do before you get a sense of what a garment will look like. But it's turned out beautifully!
C x
Posted by: Catherine | 17 January 2011 at 18:41
It looks gorgeous Ali! The colour is fabulous and I think the changes you made to the pattern work beautifully.
xxx
Posted by: lesley | 17 January 2011 at 19:08
Wonderful, it's a stunning shade. Perhaps I may be able to achieve something like this one day..
Posted by: harmony and rosie | 17 January 2011 at 22:14
Oh, I love those roll-y sleeves. I knitted something with roll-y sleeves about 25 years ago, but yours is far, far better.
Posted by: The Coffee Lady | 17 January 2011 at 22:41
It looks beautiful. I love your modifications -- it looks like the perfect new length to me!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | 17 January 2011 at 22:46
Methinks the description on the label is quite fitting! Fantastic! Definitely thumbs-up on the Polly! What color will she be?
Posted by: Jennifer | 18 January 2011 at 04:36
Oh scrumptious orange confection! It's really lovely Ali and the rolled sleeves are perfect.
I too am wondering what colour you have in mind for Polly? I love the style of it, I may have to copy you, I haven't knit any of the Spud & Chloe patterns yet and that seems so wrong.
Posted by: Rebecca | 18 January 2011 at 12:20
Love it! That color is gorgeous!! That pattern was the first I ever purchased, I think :)
Posted by: beki | 18 January 2011 at 15:17
Orange?- tick.
Finished project?- tick.
Looking foxy?- tick.
Ax
Posted by: Magic Bean | 18 January 2011 at 16:44
Mr fox and Mr alpaca seem to get on surprisingly well. It's lovely.
Posted by: Emma | 18 January 2011 at 17:39
"Fretting" is the perfect word for how I knit! Is it right? Will it turn out how I'm hoping? Will I make any more mistakes? Will I understand that part of the pattern when I get to it???
A non-knitter would wonder why I knit...
Posted by: Laura | 19 January 2011 at 15:51
Well done! It looks fantastic.
Posted by: Katherine | 19 January 2011 at 20:20
A very cheerful colour, just the right shade of glowing orange. The modification makes it just the right length too. I've never knitted a garment for myself as I'd worry it wouldn't fit after hours of work and I already have a wardrobe full of clothes I can't fit into!
Posted by: French Knots | 20 January 2011 at 09:33
The 'Polly Pullover' pattern looks great, so long as the neck isn't too tight on it. What colour were you thinking of?
Love the colour of your finished garment and personally I'm with you on the adaptations you have made. Some of the necks on these patterns are ridiculously large and floppy and I much prefer the slightly longer length.
I keep buying wool, when I see something I like, but never seem to get around to making anything up, What a waste!!!!
Posted by: yvonne | 20 January 2011 at 18:21
I'm really impressed on how you managed to do it. I never learn to knit though i love to try. I'm sure seeing your finish product gives you joy and to be able to wear it is another bonus. Keep knitting and share with us your creations. Thanks!
Posted by: Brad Fallon | 21 January 2011 at 06:59
Love the colour. Am also impressed by the way you tweaked the pattern, as the very thought of trying that sends me into a tizz!
Posted by: Louise | 21 January 2011 at 11:10
I love it! I'm contemplating having a go at knitting my first jumper- a shalom, I think. Not sure I'd be brave enough to go orange, though! Laura x
Posted by: nimblefingersandsteadyeyebrows | 21 January 2011 at 16:21
I love it too-really beautiful. Clever girl. I must learn to knit something other than scarves.x
Posted by: Anna | 21 January 2011 at 21:12
My hero.
Just the fretting about fit has stopped me from even casting on any clothes for myself.
And yesterday I was proud of myself for buying a boring blue floral top, just because it wasn't plain black, and here you are looking great in orange...
Posted by: UK lass in US | 22 January 2011 at 16:10
That's so pretty. It's summer here, the thought of amber wool makes me itch... but I will wishing for it in a few months time... :)
Posted by: Rhu | 25 January 2011 at 06:41
I'm so impressed- I can't even knit a scarf. I've been trying this week and had to give up and reach for the crochet hook instead.
Posted by: Sue | 25 January 2011 at 08:21
that orange is beautiful. i'm impressed with all knitting.
Posted by: Tiel | 25 January 2011 at 10:58
It looks fantastic! Definitely going on my to-do list...
Posted by: Iris | 25 January 2011 at 20:31
Just so beautiful, I love it. What a fabulous colour, I am always too scared to alter patterns. Ah the feeling of finishing your knitting... er what's it like, never get to finish mine always starting one tho? LOL
Posted by: suzie sews at Dotty Red | 27 January 2011 at 14:48
Your cardi is so beautifully elegant - so simple - and a scrumptious colour too.
Posted by: Jo | 11 February 2011 at 13:24