Monday, February 05, 2007

Sahara Finished

In all her sparkly fashion, Sahara is finished!



Pattern: Sahara, by Wendy Bernard

Yarn: Jaggerspun Zephyr DK in Elderberry (50/50 silk/wool), 1 cone; Tilli Tomas Disco Lights in Dusty Purple, less than 1 skein. I lucked out big time that the two yarns are a near perfect match. I ordered them both on the internet and crossed my fingers. Funny thing is, the whole cone of Jaggerspun (1200 yds) cost less ($34.50) than 1 skein of the disco lights ($38). The sparklies were worth it to me, though.

Needles: Size 6 and 4 circulars. My sleeve stitches fit comfortably around the 16" circulars after decreasing, so no DPNs needed! Added bonus.

Modifications: Just a few. I made a size between the S and M. The schematic scared me a bit because even the M was less than 34" around (my usual size). I know negative ease was built into the pattern, but since I was wasn't working with the 100% silk yarn called for, I knew I wouldn't get as much. I got a gauge of 20 sts/4" and in the end, it fits perfect. The other mod was that I made the sleeves longer than specified. I think in the end they were about 19 1/2 " before I started the ribbing. I don't normally make longer sleeves, so this must have been due to how high up under my arm the sleeve started.

Verdict: Great. I really love this one because I can dress it down with jeans and fun earrings to go out casually, or I can glam this up with a saucy skirt. And I love the sparkles, which is what drew me to it in the first place.

What I learned. Short rows, which are a great shaping technique if you are curvy in some areas, or they're great just to create a lovely hem, as in this case. I had never done the diamond rib before. And, I had never knit a garment that picked up stitches to create sleeves - brilliant!

Would I knit this again?

Well, actually, yes. I'm all smiles about this pattern.

I already have a skein of TT Exotica in a light green for a short-sleeve version. But, no yarn for the body yet.


This pattern is freakin' brilliantly written. Wendy is a genious. Sahara has all the features of an expertly designed garment - shaping darts, set in sleeves, shirt-tail hems, and the best part - it required zero finishing. My favorite part was picking up stitches around the armhole and using short rows to create the sleeve cap. So. Smart. No bumpy sewn in sleeve seams!

I started this in mid-December and really took off with it in January. Although I was tempted to just knit away, I did take it off the needles about 3 or 4 times while knitting the body to check the fit. I did one extra decrease at the waist. It only took an extra 15 minutes or so and was worth it to get a custom fit.



Side shot. I heart darts.




Close up of the neckline. I've got a light purple lacy cami thingie on here. I want to find a dark purple one.

29 comments:

  1. Wow. That is gorgeous! Very nice work.

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  2. NICE, NICE NICE! It fits you perfectly.

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  3. your sahara looks gorgeous. great job!

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  4. Fabulous! It is by far the prettiest one I've seen! I love the color, the fit, the sparkles! Great job!

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  5. That is stunning. I love your Forecast as well. Great work.

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  6. Anonymous2:39 PM

    Pretty, it's a great fit.

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  7. It looks great! Congrats.

    And I am such an a$$hat for not copying Beau for you- are you still interested?

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  8. Ooooh, pretty purple sparkly sweater! That is so nice. I've been considering Sahara but haven't found a satisfactory yarn sub yet, as I just can't afford what's called for.

    But your sub worked out beautifully, and the sweater looks lovely.

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  9. completely stunning! Great work! I am with you and think the sparkles make the outfit! Good JOB!

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  10. It looks great the colors are very nice. Good job girl

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  11. Wow, that came out just stunning! The colors are so perfect and the fit looks like it couldn't be better!

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  12. Anonymous9:20 AM

    Really nice- It may go on my to do list. I love the color...

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  13. It's fabulous! I love the color and the sparkles. I'm really tempted to make one too!

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  14. Anonymous7:07 PM

    That is just incredible! What a beautiful sweater and perfect fit! I want one. badly.

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  15. Anonymous3:06 PM

    Thanks for the comment on my blog! I love your Sahara - the color is lovely on you, and how lucky to find a yarn that matched the Tilli yarn! I know what you mean about the sizing... it made me nervous, so I actually am knitting up a size - I would usually knit the XS but I'm making the small. My yarn has silk content, but not enough to stretch that much!

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  16. Anonymous3:28 PM

    Beautiful knitting!
    Amanda, could you please email us? - We couldn't find your email address here.
    We love your Sahara!

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  17. Your Sahara is just gorgeous! I have to make one soon! WOW! The colors you picked out are beautiful. Definitely the sparkle-y yarn was worth the extra money!

    I wanted to thank you for your compliments on my Eiffel. I really appreciate them and all the encouragement.

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  18. I think this is the first time I've seen a finished Sahara... what a great shape for you! I'm tempted to start one for myself. Beautiful yarn choices, too. Yummy!

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  19. Anonymous12:24 AM

    Oh how gorgeous is that!! You look stunning in it too! I'm amazed at how well that came out-fabulous job. They should have your picture on the pattern page-it would sell much better.
    kimberly

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  20. Anonymous12:25 AM

    that was me-www.thegivingflower.de

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  21. WOW. Unbelievably beautiful. That Jaggerspun is really great, isn't it? What a bargain!

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  22. Stunning! Where on earth did you find the yarn?

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  23. Anonymous11:19 PM

    That's probably the prettiest Sahara I've seen!

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  24. Beautiful -- it fits you so well and the colors are great on you! Congrats!

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  25. I love it! I love the color and the fit is perfect. Very flattering.

    I'm almost finished with my Sahara, which I'm knitting with Malabrigo (not drapey or silky, but luxurious and cozy).

    If you're curious, visit me at
    http://babyfindsakazoo.blogspot.com/

    cheers!

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  26. Your sweater is absolutely gorgeous! I'm working on my Sahara sweater right now. I'm just using Berroco Softwist as I wasn't ready to splurge on the Tilli Thomas. I would have gotten it for the trim but I couldn't match the Navy Blue that I'm using. I can't believe how lucky you got with that match.

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  27. That is totally *gorgeous*! ok, now I have to knit it and it's all your fault! ;)

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  28. Anonymous3:42 PM

    I'm interested in knowing how you did the extra decrease in the waist - I've jsut ordered the pattern and yarn for the simple bidice from stitch diva. I'm curvy so I am anticipating needing to use extra decreases.
    Lovely work by the way!
    melissa
    mhudnut@mac.com

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