Thursday, March 25, 2010

A penny for your thoughts

I have plans to knit myself a sweater this winter. Well, to be fair, I wanted to knit it before it gets cold, but unless I can whip it out in the next three days, I fear that will not happen. It's not cold - yet. But the mornings require a sweatshirt. It's only a matter of time before my sweaters are a permanent wardrobe item.

I exist in this most of the time. It's 5 years old now, and needs to be retired from the everyday use it has experienced up till now. It's sad. And rough. And not-so-comfy. But we have a long-standing relationship, so we probably will never part. I could probably find sandpaper that was softer though... Ho hum.

So, let me show you some of my ideas. First of all, I'm cheap. So if it's not on Ravelry, DROPS, or Knitting Pattern Central, I probably won't bother with it. There are some beautiful - and not so free - patterns out there. But there's a plethora of free ones, so...

I like this one, it's retro-ish. But I also know myself - I like stuff to fit well. And the fact that this is mostly open makes me think I'll be cold. I like the 3/4 sleeves, since most of the stuff I wear gets shoved up my arms anyways, what with dishes, laundry, and small children. It's probably my least favorite - for wearing - of any of them. It's my favorite for design.

****Edited: I went back and looked at this one, and realized I had it on my favorites, but it's not free. Just didn't want to have false info out there. I think it's from a knitting book. Bummer. It's cute.****

This is also adorable. But again, not terribly close fitting. I also fear it may look Nana-ish by the time I get it done. Anyone else get that vibe? I love the neckline and the stitching.


I like this one for wearability. I would need to lengthen it. Short sweaters irritate me. I'm also wondering if I think it's too plain.


I like this one, except for the zipper. I might have to make it a buttoned sweater. The zipper looks silly to me. I love the cables. I know it would take me forever, but I'd love to make a cabled sweater. I also am .in.love. with the hood.



I'm not positive what I'll get for yarn, but I'd love something in the aqua to avocado colorings. Not sure if this makes any difference in your opinion of each one, but I'm throwing it out there.

What do you like? And what do you think suits best? I personally like a combo of skater/retro/comfy clothing. I know - R.A.N.D.O.M - but I gotta throw it out there. :) I'd love to hear from you! Also, knitters - am I going to be able to tackle cables? This is the most complicated pattern I've made.

22 comments:

  1. The third one in avocado! YUM!!!

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  2. Okay I like the first and second ones best... as for the last one that is your favorite... if any of them would end up looking Nana-ish I think it would be this one... I guess its the Cables you love but when I think Cables I think old lady. not sure why. GOOD LUCK with whatever you choose. I only wish I were a good enough knitter or crochet-er to ever actually finish a project!

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  3. My fav (personally) is #2 in avocado - mmm. I cannot wait to see what you decide on! You will share your finished product right? I wish I could knit. I am a newbie with crocheting. All I have managed is a few beanies, disch cloths (which I love) and pot holders.

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  4. Love the second one! I've got a friend with a similar purchased one, and definitely not nana-ish, she's fairly tiny, with 4 kids under 9, so it works great for her.

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  5. Like the cable/hoodie one the best and agree that the zipper is odd.

    Also, I was reading back through your posts from October 2007 to March 2008, and I want to say that Joshua is one of the most gorgeous babies I have ever seen. You are so blessed to have him as your son!

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  6. They are all gorgeous! I can't choose between them :)

    My first project was a scarf, knitted in stocking stitch on 4mm needles, for some crazy reason! My second project was a beanie with cables. So if I can do that for my second project, I'm sure you can, after that sweet sweater :)

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  7. Recently Lionbrand made all of their patterns free, and bernat also has a lot of free patterns. Both of them have some nice patterns for sweaters. I know that lionbrand is going to start a crochet along for a sweater soon, they are in the process of voting for which pattern to use.

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  8. I've knitted the second one, but please can you give me the name of the first one, I like it. Thanks.

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  9. Lusks: http://www.ravelry.com/projects/PiPiBird/ethereal It's called Ethereal Cardigan, by PiPiBird on Ravelry.

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  10. I just finished knitting the Wonderful Wallaby sweater. Basically a knit hoodie. It's not a free pattern, but was very reasonable.

    But of the ones you have here, I like the first one, but it doesn't look like an everyday sweater to me. For an everyday sweater I would pick the last one. I haven't done cables yet, but have watched videos of it being done and it looks really easy.

    I am kinda like you. I just did crochet for YEARS. Then I picked knitting about a year ago and can't stop. I love it!

    Have fun with whatever you pick!

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  11. I really like the blue one, i think the zipper looks fun. Im all about being warm, and that one looks the warmest.

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  12. I like the first one. I know it has some imperfections, but as a mother of two small children and a knitter I simply cannot imagine doing cables at the end of a long, long day.
    I would rather be cold.
    Or dowdy.

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  13. Definitely the last one in that aqua color. I would prefer the zipper to buttons. How many hours does it take to knit a sweater like that?

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  14. I like the third one... I've been thinking about knitting a sweater for myself as well. Can you share the link to the pattern? Thanks!

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  15. If you're on Ravelry, I found this pattern called Corona (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/corona) (I really want to make it, but sadly it won't fit). It's a pullover type sweater that is really cute. Cables are not as hard as they look. As someone else mentioned, try looking at Lionbrand, they have a lot of free patterns too.
    Good luck with the sweater!

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  16. I love the cable-knit sweater! How about that one in a muted teal? I've never done cables, so my knitting experience doesn't afford me any advice to offer. I would question the zipper, too, but I'm not sure I'd want buttons either. Guess I have only a suggestion for the color!!!

    Can't wait to see your finished product!

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  17. Third one, no question.
    Suggestion: You can add belt loops at your waist and knit a tie and it really would be an everyday, and every occasion (even for public) sweater. Any colour, but always the darker colours get more wear out of them. Most flattering and don't clash.
    Ciao Josie

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  18. I like the hooded/cable one best. Perhaps some cute large buttons in place of the zipper? I'm a beginner knitter, having only done scarves and dishcloths so far, but I'm excited for when I get advanced enough to do something like this!! I love Ravelry, will have to check out the other 2 sites you mentioned. Let us know what you ended up choosing!!

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  19. Love love love the 2nd one. It looks super versatile, casual, but could be dressey. would look great in avocado with lots of different colores shirts underneathe it. Can't wait to see what you come up with.

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  20. Cable hoody, the last one... in my opinion. Probably a bit longer, though, as you mentioned. I wish I could knit as well as that... I need more practice! Looking forward to seeing your project... :)

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  21. I love the cable hoodie! And I think that color is good for you. I'm gonna have to put some birthday money in your account so you can buy a pattern and have your hair styled if you want. You deserve it! Love you sweetie.

    Mom Sams

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