Wednesday, April 26, 2006

Finally Finished


I have completed my second Aran design at last. The yarn is Garn Studio's Alaska. I used 1950 metres(2132 yards). This was 26 x 50gm balls at 75m(82 yds) per ball. I used 5.5mm rosewood circular needles for the body and 3.75mm for the hems. The collar was knit entirely in the round. I like this yarn very much, and though it makes for a heavy sweater, it holds the texture well.

It cost approximately £50 ($90US) in yarn.I am pleased with it even tho it is much wider than I intended. I made an elementry mistake! I swatched and didn't wash the swatch. I should have. It all flattened out when I washed the sweater and thus was much wider than I wanted. As a result, the sleeves, modified drop, are too long. I have yet to decide if I shall keep it, though it is too big for me, or sell it. It took so long to do, I am loathe to sell it, though it seem silly to stick in a cupboard.
Below is an 80% Cashmere 20% nylon sweater I made for John to wear on the trip to Munich. He does not like collars to be near his neck. I had a difficult time making this becasue I don't like making stuff I don't like! However, he is pleased with the neck and as it turns out, so am I.

24 comments:

Terri said...

Very nice job on your Aran sweater.

Melissa Barton said...

Colin, what a wonderful design! I am totally impressed. How long did you spend on this one, although I know that's always a tricky question..

Anonymous said...

Wow, just found your blog through a list. I love that blue shirt. Did you machine knit that or hand knit? It looks increadibly neat and precise. And I wish I had all the free time like you. too much to knit but no time to knit at all.

Anonymous said...

Beautifully done Colin!

Anonymous said...

Colin the sweater is GORGEOUS! Push the sleeves up or roll the cuffs
back and wear it.
Knit on (and have a marvelous time in Munich),

Anonymous said...

Superbe! Je rêve de pouvoir tricoter un jour comme ça!

Anonymous said...

Hi Colin: Wow, super-pretty! Wow, wow, wow! Love the textures on the Aran. The cashmere blue sweater is beautiful too. Have fun in Munich.

Anonymous said...

Colin:
Your aran is awsome and awe inspiring. I am hoping to design my own this
spring.

Anonymous said...

Wow. That's fantastic. Interestingly, the way it's folding at the
shoulders almost makes it look like the sleeves are knit around in a
band before they go down - kind of interesting, even though I know it's
just an illusion.

Really nice work, Colin!

Anonymous said...

Colin,
What a skilled knitter you are to design and knit such a
wonderful sweater. Enjoy wearing it!

Anonymous said...

Your sweater is divine! I really like all the textures and finishing. It looks perfect.

Anonymous said...

I DO like your aran, Colin. Great job on it.
Charmaine

Anonymous said...

Colin,
Your sweater is beautiful. I just love the patterns you used.
Winnifred

Anonymous said...

Wow! It is a work of art. Beautiful, Colin!

Best,
Rosemary

Anonymous said...

Love means soing things their way (well, sometimes ;-)

Carole

Anonymous said...

Your sweater is wonderful!! I love knitting arans, wish I had the talent you have in designing. If you ever write up the pattern, I would interested in purchasing it from you. Enjoy your trip to Munich, and the pups are so cute.

Peggy from outside Toledo, Ohio

craftyknits said...

Beautiful as ever Colin, I wish my hubby was as interested in knitting as you are it would make my life a lot easier.
Have a great trip and take loads of photos for us to see.
When we went to Italy last October we travelled through Munich and saw the new stadium where the world cup is being played, out of this world for a footy fan like me.
Take care and keep safe,
Lynne

mp said...

fabulous sweater for your second design. keep on.

Shirley said...

I too have a giftee who doesn't like anything near her neck. The FLAK I made is for her. I chose to make a v-neck and I think it turned out pretty well. I really like your Aran sweater as well.

DJ said...

Ooh. love that blue. It's gorgeous, as is all your work, of course.
DJ

Marji said...

absolutely gorgeous

Anonymous said...

Wow @ the aran!

Anonymous said...

hi i think your aran sweater is really wonderful. I am a newish knitter and it makes me so jealous looking at your work. Best regards, Esther

DonnaC said...

I love your new sweater. Here in NY I would wear it big with a pair of leggings underneath - tres chic!