Monday, November 20, 2006

Arisaig Finished

After almost 3 full months, Arisaig is finished!



Pattern: Arisaig, from the fall 2005 Knitty

Yarn: Jaeger Matchmaker Merino 4 ply in Cyclamen, 7.5 balls on size 3 bamboo straights.

Modifications: Yes, lots! I omitted the ribbing and did a 4 row seed stitch border on the hems and around the neckline (this was inspiration from Liz's version). I calculated a 34" size, in between the 32" and 36" given. I didn't do the belt tie closure and instead sewed the inside flap to the side and attached 2 clear buttons for the front flap closure with small crocheted loops. I tried several modifications of this. First, I tried small hook-and-eye closures for the inside but they tugged on the side too much. Then, I crocheted mini i-cords to tie the inside shut, but they tugged too. Finally, a loose stitch kept it together without an obvious gathering on the side. Oh yeah, then there's the whole cutting business with the sleeve (see previous post). Lastly, I ended up with the sleeves being too big, so I wet them and threw it in the dryer on high for about 20 minutes (I checked it every 5 or so). No felting, and the heat pulled the stitches in enough so the sleeves fit snugger.

Verdict: I really, really like it. I think I will love it as I wear it. This one was a real "take control of your knitting" for me. Thanks to all who commented positively about the cutting! I realized that proper fit takes time.

New! What I learned: I learned that I must knit a gauge swatch in a FULL 4" x 4" square AND block it, especially with lace patterns! I know that's why my sleeves grew - I probably would have ended up knitting these on size 2's if I had done the proper gauge swatch.

A few more pics:


A side view.



Unintentional artsy shot when trying to get a close up of the buttons.


The other side. See the little gathering (oops, sorry for the toilet shot, too. Like the 50's styling?) That was the best I could do with the inside closure.


Front and center. Sorry it's a little dark.


In other fun knitting news, I turned 27 yesterday and received some awesome gifts. My mom got me the Namaste Messenger bag in Mauve (but it's really more a brown):



And my brother got me 2 Elizabeth Zimmermann books. I started reading Knitting Without Tears tonight and can already see why she's such a legend in this field. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

12 comments:

  1. Great job! I love the way it turned out. And happy birthday!

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  2. Absolutely gorgeous! You did a marvelous job and it looks great on you.
    dswaite@mac.com

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  3. Looks great! And happy birthday!

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  4. Nice Arisaig. I like the colour and the allover lace. I have been considering Arisaig for myself, but I'm not sure how flattering it would be - wrap styles often do not favour the large-busted.

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  5. In response to your comment on Half-soled Boots re: a V-neck with an allover lace pattern, I don't know if you have seen Eunny's Arrowhead Lace Pullover - http://www.eunnyjang.com/knit/2006/08/arrowhead_pullover.html

    It could use a deeper V, but in general I like it. (Not that you'll be signing on for another full-sized lace sweater soon!)

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  6. Oh, I love it! I love it more than mine! I still haven't figured out how best to do the closures. When I muster up the motivation, I think I may ditch the i-cord/button system and seed-stitch a couple of ties.

    Well done. :)

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  7. Anonymous3:43 PM

    Wow! Your Arisaig is so pretty..

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  8. Anonymous2:13 PM

    Oh my, that is absolutely gorgeous!!! You did a great job and I love the color. It fits you like a dream.
    Happy belated birthday!!
    Gosh, I want one now. Identical to yours. Pretty!

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  9. Anonymous10:01 AM

    Awesome! I love it.

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  10. Anonymous11:53 AM

    What a beautiful, beautiful sweater! COngratulations on a perfect fit. Nicely exectuted!!!!! hAPPY bIRTHDAY!

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  11. Anonymous12:24 AM

    Happy Birthday, you are a scorpio like me? Totally LOVE THE SWEATER! Your modifications are dead on target.

    Enjoy reading your blog, keep it up.

    Marly

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  12. Gee, that is awesome. I had not noticed Arisaig as something for me but having seen yours and Liz's changes made me rambe around in my stash to find the yarn to knit an Arisaig for myself. This will probably be my christmas knitting.

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