Nearly Iconic
Well, it is large, and rather on the long side, but I suppose it’s not too bad a fit . . . (Please just ignore that it doesn’t at all go with my outfit, okay?)
Although, no, it didn’t shrink at all in the dryer, so far as I can tell. I could try tumbling it again, on a higher heat, but . . . I think I’ll just accept it the way it is, huh?
It really is a beautiful sweater. The cables (seen best here) are just luscious. And, what with its voluminous size, it should be really quite cozy, huh? A good layering piece in the fall and winter? It’s a lovely weight, too–not too thick and heavy, which should make it very wearable . . . well, in terms of layering.
The next question is about which zipper to use. I’ve got two to choose from. I’m showing you two pictures here–they’re identical except that I used the flash in one and not the other. The zipper on the left in each photo is the Cranberry color, and the one on the right is the Plum.
Now, by rights, the Plum should be the one that works best . . . you know, what with the yarn being Plum and all. But really? I think the Cranberry is the best match. This yarn looks so different in different lights . . . sometimes almost burgundy, sometimes almost brown . . . that I think the Plum zipper is way too purple for it.
The zipper length, as seen here, is several inches shorter than the actual sweater–which, let me hasten to assure you, was entirely planned. As soon as I realized that this was going to be a monster, coat-length kind of sweater, I planned accordingly. There was no way I was going to be able to wear this with a zipper going all the way to the bottom hem. (It would look too much like a mini-dress, for heaven’s sake, not to mention being a lot more awkward to wear.) So I bought a 22″ zipper and hoped for the best. As long as I sew it in properly, I think that will look just fine when worn . . . the zipper not meeting the hem.
Really, I HAVE thought about this.
And, the other ideas about closures? Buttons, frogs, metal clasps? I think the frogs and the clasps would take away from the sweater–one at the neck, maybe, but otherwise, no. The front cables are too close to the center, it would look too busy.
Buttons? They could work, they really could, but as soon as I realized that that would mean not only more knitting (No, no! Not that! Anything but that!) but would add width to the already-large sweater, I kind of lost interest in that idea.
Although, come to think of it, there’s no reason I couldn’t do a zipper AND a single, pretty, decorative, button at the neck . . . That could look kind of nice, actually . . . And provide options. I’m a big fan of options….
Speaking of which, did you know the new Knitty is up? It’s got some decent patterns in it, although as a rule, summertime knits leave me feeling kind of bored, so the lack of enthusiasm isn’t necessarily a true reflection on the quality of the patterns this time around. The only one I felt any enthusiasm . . . as in, “I might want to make that,” was the Wisp scarf/shawl. It’s light. It’s lacy. And again, full of options.
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Tannenbaum.
House Calls
That is gorgeous!
It is beautiful, and if it were mine would fast become a favorite! Like you, I think the cranberry zipper matches the best, both with and without the flash.
Very lovely!
I think it looks great. You could always gain 15 pounds and maybe it will fit better!
Thanks for the heads up on the new Knitty. I’ve been checking in frequently, but not frequently enough.
I’d go with the cranberry zipper.
It’s just wonderful! And I like sweaters a bit bigger sometimes, it lets you get all snuggled into them.
It’s gorgeous! and it does look like more of a coat, which I think will work great with a zipper that doesn’t quite go to the bottom (and I vote cranberry, like you said, it just seems to match better). gorgeous!
Beautiful! And I think you made the right decision not to try shrinking it further. You wouldn’t want to run the risk that the sleeves would shrink; right now they look to be the perfect length.
i agree on the zipper. i think the cranberry is the way to go.
as for knitty? i liked askew best. it looks like it would be emminently adaptable for us well-breasted gals.
It looks awesome! Personally, I like a sweater (especially cardigans) a little on the large size so I can wear it over layers. I totally agree that the zipper is the way to go. Thanks for the heads up on the new Knitty.
The sweater looks great! And everyone needs a long cozy sweater in the winter. I’m not help with the zipper ideas as I almost never make sweaters and I don’t think I’ve ever sewn a zipper into a sweater before. I’m sure you’ll figure it out and make it look gorgeous!
You know, the longer the sweater the more ease one expects to see. It looks quite good I think. I certainly don’t look at the photos and say “wow, that looks like she’s drowning in it.” It is beautiful and I think you should wear it – come cooler weather anyway
I’m very impressed with this sweater! I think the length is fine–you see people in long cardigans all the time these days (okay, not in summer, but you know what I mean.) And I agree with the short-zipper decision; I think it will look much nicer this way.
The cables are beautiful, and you chose a great color, too. Please go ahead and be very very proud of your work.
The cranberry zipper. Definitely. And it actually doesn’t look too long. It looks like a sweater/coat. Long sweaters are all the rage, from what I see around….And I like it. If it needs a new home……
Beautiful sweater! I like the longer length. I also like the option of a button at the neck along with the zipper. You did a great job!
It’s gorgeous! the cables are just beautiful. I think the length and fit are fine, it gives you more options. The zipper sounds like the best bet, but I’m glad I’m not the one putting it in!
The sweater is absolutely gorgeous!! If I was a muggle, I’d ask you to knit me one. Since I’m not, I’ll admire from afar and add it to the list of things I want to knit (one day).
I absolutely love it! It looks cozy and comfy and the color is perfect for you.
How about the hook and eye option. Very invisible, and since this sweater is unlikely to gape since it’s generously sized, this might work. You could combine it with some visible but useless buttons or decorative bits….