There is something very satisfying about clearing off the needles and finishing up projects that have languished a long time. One of those projects is this one but not because it was on the needles for eons, mostly it is because it took a long time to spin, ply and finish. This project lasted almost a year. I started spinning it last Fall (October 2015) and finished the spinning in April 2016. You may remember that it was a challenging spin to continue pushing through for many reasons that I have shared so to finish the sweater and be able to actually wear this mammoth of a project? It feels so good. So, so good.
A close-up of the collar and stitch patterning that takes up the whole back of the cardigan:
As I cast off the last stitch of one of the sleeves, I literally breathed out a sigh of relief. Knitting with this yarn was a lovely experience. I must be totally honest and admit that I did constantly pull out some of the neps that were hanging on for dear life. After washing, the fabric has a lovely drape, feels soft next to my skin (which one would expect from Falkland) and fits beautifully. While I have many feelings towards this sweater, I don’t have much to say. Obtaining gauge was difficult so rather than make myself crazy, I utilized a top-down recipe as I did recently with another cardigan. I plugged in the stitch pattern for Vermont by Hannah Maciejewska that I had originally planned to knit – purchasing that pattern was worthwhile in the end since I got the stitch pattern! I used the stitch pattern to create an A-line shape that moves outwards towards the front of the cardigan, making room for my hips and creating an oversized shape.
Last week I mentioned about showing the yarn prior to knitting beside the knitted object to help begin visualizing this transformation. This is the yarn I spun, which was a woollen spun, traditional 3-ply yarn:
It knit up to be incredibly tweedy:
I’m actually not completely sure how many yards of yarn I ended up with in the end since my yarn counter broke and I didn’t have a skein winder prior to knitting with this yarn. It was too much to wind off on my niddy-noddy and obtain an accurate measurement. Regardless, I knew I had enough for this sweater and in the end, I have two skeins left (much to my displeasure – I was hoping to use it all but I couldn’t make it any longer!).
Pattern :: Featherweight Cardigan by Hannah Fettig, incorporating Vermont by Hannah Maciejewska
Handspun :: Westcoast Colour in handcarded Falkland, bought in bulk and spun long-draw, 3-ply, Ravelry page here
Needles :: 4.5mm body & sleeves, 4.00mm all ribbing edges
Because I knit this sweater with a significant amount of ease, I’m envisioning wearing it with a scarf and skinny jeans. I can’t wait to see how this yarn wears! I’ll keep you posted.
Have you finished a mammoth project recently? Please share your results with us!
Until next time,
-r.