Monday, September 14, 2009

Another week, another sweater...

Vine Lace Top-Down Cardigan
I think I might be on a bit of a sweater roll these days as I am pleased to report that my Vine Lace Top-Down Cardigan is finished--poof--just like that. This project basically took a week with the longest portion being waiting for the flipping thing to dry during blocking. Hooray!

The Specs:
Pattern: Vine Lace Top-Down Cardigan by Sweaterbabe.com
Yarn: Lamb's Pride Bulky in Kiwi, 7 skeins exactly.
Size: Xl, the second to the largest size.
Needles: Size 11
Mods: I did the pattern exactly as written which was not hard as it is exceedingly clear.

Many have vaunted this pattern and let me now add my voice to the chorus of praise. The pattern has so much to recommend it: very clear directions, an interesting lace panel that gives way to pleasing ribbing that ends up with a stockinette zone-out fest. The sleeves go quickly and the collar is a lot of fun--it also represents the first time I've ever bound off in pattern, isn't that insane? For some reason I had it into my pea brain that binding off in pattern was this terribly difficult task that one day I might be brave enough to attempt. Then I stopped by SYAO & Cynthia disabused me of this notion in about oh 3 minutes. Wait, it's just as easy as all that? Ohai I make things more difficult than they actually are...


This was a 100% satisfying knit as I now have an all-purpose heavy sweater to wear to Rhinebeck. Although at the rate I'm going I might even have another sweater or two completed by then. I am chalking this increased knitting productivity up to my new 'power of three' rule, which I must say is totally working out for me. While waiting for the smell of sopping wet wool to subside during the interminable blocking process, I cast on for two new projects--O W L S and Merion Mitts. This was done in a cavalier and 100% guilt-free manner, and I couldn't be happier to have put my knitting tsorris behind me!

28 comments:

Ashley said...

Oh yay, that color looks awesome on you, Heather!

I wear my Vine Lace just about daily in the winter. Hope yours is just as loved.

Jodi said...

Super cute, and I especially love the collar and the buttons! Now I really want to knit one. Must. finish. Francis. Revisited. first...

BTW, did you give yourself much ease? It looks as if the pattern is written with tons of ease, so I'm not sure what size I'd go for.

Sarah said...

It looks fab! It's always good, in my mind, to have that mental list of fast, easy knits that look cute. I think this is another one to add.

Barb said...

I love the sweater and LOVE the buttons!

kim said...

Beautiful! And the buttons are the perfect compliment. I hope to see you at Rhinebeck. Of course, I'll probably be too shy and run and hide behind an alpaca!

Caffeine Girl said...

Gorgeous sweater -- and in a week. Amazing.

Anonymous said...

I LOVE your sweater!

Kim said...

Holy crap that was fast! And it looks wonderful! Yay you're going to Rhinebeck! We'll have to meet up for some maple cotton candy. I'll be sporting my green OWLs. Oddly enough, the yarn I bought for my Lace Down cardi is a grayish brown similar to the yarn you're using for your OWLs.

Rose said...

Very pretty and I'm still messing about afraid to cast on for my first sweater. I'll keep this one in mind. Love the orange/red yarn in the last photo!

margaux said...

beautiful sweater!! i love the color too. I am also excited at the idea I may see you at Rheinback this year! I'm finally going to go!! I haven't been since like 3 years ago! YEA!

Alison said...

You really cranked that one out- way to knit! I love the color, so very cute!

Beth said...

You ARE on a roll! The sweater looks great. I love the buttons.
Keep cranking!

earthchick said...

FANTASTIC. Love that color. It looks fab on you. Like Ashley, I pretty much wear mine all the time in cold weather. Hope you love yours too.

tiennie said...

That is such a pretty sweater! You are shrinking! Soon the sweater will be too big for you!

Pikku- Kettu said...

Wow! That sweater is gorgeous!

Karen said...

Beautiful!! And what's that you say? A week??? A week?????? Impressive!

Becky Holmes said...

It's beautiful, but I do see the dye lot problem! Very odd...But you did a great job.

Katie said...

BEAUTIFUL!! Love the color on you. You did a great job.

peaknits said...

Wow - that was smokin' fast! It is gorgeous!! Thanks for all of the good feedback about the pattern, I need to try that one.

ingrid said...

I can't believe how speedy you are! And how awesome you look in green.

Kate said...

FAB colour. Looks fantastic. o w l s! Hurrah! Do I spy some mixed-origin sheepy wonderment?

Alison said...

Just had to let you know that it's official- you are now officially a certifiable ENABLER!

I've ordered some yarn and am just itching to cast on my own Vine Lace Top-Down Cardigan. Itching, I tell ya! Chomping at the bit and all that...

Must finish my Lacy Baktus (oh, and get my next couple patterns finished!!) asap...

Happy knitting!!

Spinning Ninny said...

Upon seeing your Vine Lace Cardigan...all I can say is...."I want to go to there." It's so gorgeous. I think I might need one for myself.

Angela said...

Wow! Impressive especially since I am such a knitting ne'er do well these days. It looks fantabulous!

Sereknitty said...

Now I need to hurry up and finish my FLS so I can get started on the Vine! The green is a lovely choice and the buttons are absolutely perfect!

Susie said...

Really cute sweater! Love the colorway.

nova said...

I have said it elsewhere; but, I will say it again, that sweater looks awesome on you.

YawnOver said...

This turned out really cute. Gotta love a quickie sweater.