My Stavanger jumper is ready! To be honest, it had been finished two weeks ago but life kept me too busy to update my blog and show you the sweater that brought me so much stress, frustration but also joy to knit. So here it is, my first real Fair Isle (or maybe just stranded colourwork, as it’s more Scandinavian tan Fair Isle pattern) garment!
It was a challenge, and funny thing: not simply because of the colourwork part. I mean that was challenging too, but once I finally figured out the way of yarn holding that worked best for me, it’s gotten easier. But then the problems with uneven stitches started. And the sizing issues. In the end the size is not quite right, the jumper is a little too tight. I mean I can wear it, but extra space around the shoulders (and in the chest) would be great.
The problem is that I remade it so many times, that I really don’t feel like undoing it again and knitting it in a larger size. I’m not sure if I’m going to keep it despite the imperfect sizing, or give it to a friend who is slimmer than me. I think giving it away is a more reasonable option but I’m also feeling sentimental about it after all this effort so I might end up keeping it against all odds;)
Summing up: it was not easy, but I really feel confident to knit Fair Isle now. And I already have my eye on a few different patterns that I want to try!
In other news, I finished the second part of Arizona CAL:
This week I should finish the third part, but I haven’t even started it yet. It’s an intense time at my work and on top of that I’m also busy crocheting my first commissioned project (it’s almost finished so hopefully I’ll write about it soon) and the yarn for my Mom’s top is waiting in my drawer too. Plus last week was filled with my musical performances (as a choir member) and a visit from our friend. Sometimes I think two hands are not enough!
YAY! You finished it. I think that’s my fear too that I’ll make the colorwork part too tight. But I’ve heard suggestions of using a larger needle size than gauge to make sure it doesn’t get too tight. But either way it looks lovely.
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I used a larger needle for the yoke, but everything is too tight anyway. Or maybe I should just stop believing I’m still size M? 😋
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That was a lot of hard work you put into that sweater. It sure looks pretty, well done.
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Thanks!
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It’s gorgeous Kat 🙂 ❤
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Thank you Tracey!😊
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Beautiful sweater! I’m in the same boat with a shawl that I’m trying to make, having to rip it out and start over. Totally understand what you mean!
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Good luck with the shawl!
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The sweater is beautiful! And I love how the CAL project has turned out so far.
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Thank you! Now all I have to do is to drop 5 kilos and I can wear my sweater 😋
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It’s so beautiful! Maybe you could hold on to it until you make one that fits perfectly, then I’m sure it would be a bit easier to give it away
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Yes, I think that’s the best plan 😊
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I think it’s beautiful!
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Wow, I’m impressed. I would only dare tackle a small Fair Isle project, rather than full size jumper. I love the work of Kate Davies and would dip my toe into stranded knitting there.. If I made loose leaf tea, I would be tempted by her Sheep Carousel tea cosy. That’s enough complexity for me! Well done for completing, but what a shame if you don’t wear it. Still, it gave you confidence in the technique. Best start a similar project before you forget it! 😉
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I’m planning to! Although at the same time I’m planning to knit a lot of other things so it may take a while 😉
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