Replacement Sweaters
Miracle of miracles I can knit things I actually want to wear! During the last 6 quarntiney months, I've made 3 sweaters (one not pictured) and finally feel like I "get" knitting.
I've had these two white/cream sweaters for 5-7ish years. While I like the *idea* of them, both have issues making them uncomfortable to wear so I'd been looking to replace both with better versions of themselves for a couple years. After trying and failing hito find RTW replacement options that fit all my criteria, I figured it was time to Deal With It and just Do It Myself!
Sweaters were really the last major wardrobe item I wasn't confident I could make myself. I knew in theory how to knit a sweater, but wasn't confident could actually finish in fewer than 3 years, make something I'd actually want to wear, and wouldn't be wasting money, time, and materials.
But! Knitting is like cooking in that the most important ingredient is a good recipe — so I just had to find some solid easy patterns.
Original Sweater #1: Turtleneck
Like
- Turtlenecks in general! My favorite for winter.
- The color. Never goes out of style.
- It's cozy but somewhat more polished looking with the clean stitch patterns.
- The fit — cozy but not sloppy.
Dislike
- This particular turtleneck is too big. It gets in my face and if I'm wearing even the slightest bit of makeup it gets on the neck, so I feel like I'm constantly pulling it away from my face all day.
- Slightly too long in the sleeves and bodice (normal issue for me)
- Drop sleeves. I pretty much never go for a drop sleeve on me. Uncomfortable and doesn't look good.
Original Sweater #2: Cabled
Like
- Again, the classic cream/white color
- Body and sleeve length. It's a little on the cropped side which works well for my short height.
- Simple cable pattern is a little more rustic, and casual.
Dislike
- Too tight in the bust and sleeves.
- The bottom does that annoying flared, stretched out hem thing. I could pinch out 5 inches from the center back.
- Neckline. I like to wear t-shirts or thin mocknecks under my sweaters and they always poke out of the neckline in a sloppy way.
New Sweater #1
Louisiana Sweater by Petite Knit to replace the original turtleneck.
Pattern
- Perfect turtleneck height: Tall enough to be a turtleneck without getting in my face
- Raglan Sleeves: Far more comfortable and better looking than drop sleeves
- Simple design: Design entirely in knit and ribbing is classic and something I can knit while still holding a conversation. Easy to shorten the length of the body and sleeves if needed.
- Fit: Slightly oversized to make wearing a base layer comfortable and to not be stretching weirdly around my body
- Cute: Perhaps most importantly, I just like it!
- Pattern support: The designer has how-to videos for every technique used.
Yarn
After doing some research on potential substitutions, I ended up going with the recommended yarn for this pattern — Borstet Alpakka by Sandnes Garn. It makes a wonderfully drapey and springy sweater! I did some research on yarn sub options, but couldn't find anything substantially more affordable and available online in my desired color/required quantity.
Natural was my preferred color but out of stock, so I went with White. It's a little brighter than I was hoping but I still like it.
Sizing
My bust measurement is 34" which is a size XS. I'd previously made the Novice Sweater by Petite Knit in an XS, and fits a little tighter than I wanted (likely user error). I decided to make a size S this time around for a little looser fit. The final sweater is perhaps slightly on the big side so the XS probably would have been fine, but I do still like the final fit.
New Sweater #2
Grace Pullover by Bayron Handmade to replace the Cabled Sweater
Pattern
- Cropped design might not be cropped on me at the designed length, but will be a good and reasonable length
- Cables are impactful, but simple. They give a more casual/rustic/vintage feeling, while still being polished.
- Chunky yarn and large needles mean speed!
- Mockneck is not a full turtleneck but will conceal undershirts better.
- Raglan sleeves! I just really like them!
- Manageable difficulty rating. It looks more complex than the Louisiana, but according to reviews and the designers difficulty rating, I think I'll be able to handle it. She also offers video support which is great!
Yarn
Again, went with the recommended yarn to simplify my life — Puffin, by Quince and Co. in undyed Egret. This is a single ply yarn (it's got a wool-roving type texture) and I learned this type of yarn can be wet-spliced to join a new ball/skein which means fewer ends to weave in at the end! Total bonus.
Size
I "sized up" for this one too — my bust measurement is 34" which corresponds to size 1, but I made a size 2. I wanted a more casual fit and ease for an undershirt, and I love the final result!
That's "all!" HA
Any favorite tips for beginner knitters or favorite beginner-friendly sweater patterns?