One of my "Before 30" challenges was to knit myself a cardigan or jumper.... and once I've set my mind on doing something, if there's no obstacle to starting, I start. How long it takes me to finish is quite a different matter... but in this case, it was less than two months to a finished cardi, which feels pretty good. I swear, having these goals in mind is already making me more productive, and it's only been a few weeks.
So. Cardigan-making. Not something I'd done before, but I started the way I start all knitting projects: picked some (gorgeous, pink) yarn out of my stash, looked around on Ravelry for a suitable pattern, and got knitting. This was back in January.
It actually turned out to be a very easy pattern, ideal for a first attempt, because it's knit on a circular needle which means no side-seams. Definitely easier than making a back and two front-pieces separately and hoping they match up! So the only really new thing I had to learn was how to make buttonholes.
I knitted the body first, then the sleeves, and picked out some wooden buttons which I thought would complement the chunky feel of the yarn. Then I got slightly terrified at the idea of stitching it all together, and left it in my bag for a couple of weeks! It took an evening with some knitting friends to finally get my courage up. I didn't really know how to approach this part, but I muddled through, and have ended up with adequate-but-slightly-messy seams. Still, I used the same yarn, so you'd have to be studying it pretty closely to see the messy bits. I promise to be neater next time! (My friendly expert Bells has kindly given me some pointers.)
The last step was to crochet a neckline - nothing fancy, just to neaten it off. Fortunately I'm comfortable wielding a crochet hook, and that bit didn't take long at all.
Here's me, modelling the finished article:
The pattern is available online, for free, if you're interested.
 | Update 29 May: This is an old post but I'm still totally tickled pink that I have something (pink!) which I made, that I can wear again and again! |
42 comments:
wow, this is awesome rachel!
i've tried knitting a few rectangles so i have an idea of how time consuming this process is. truly well done. and the fact that you crocheted a little detailed neckline! love it.
The cardigan is beautiful. I am a knitting failure. I an knit, I just can't make anything other than a long line of stiches!
I really like this - well done! And lovely choice of buttons too :)
Wow thats so cool! My nanny taught me to knit years ago but I've forgotten it all now! wish I still could :D
Great shade of pink too :D
Very pretty sweater! You did a wonderful job! I have yet to be brave enough (or now to have enough time) to knit a big wearable item, such as a sweater. I've done scarves, and plenty of socks, but no sweaters. Hopefully I'll get brave enough to try it someday!
How wonderful! That is a great sweater. I like the 3/4 sleeves.
Wow that sweater's really pretty! I've been threatening to knit my fam christmas stockings forever but it's turning out to be an awfully ambitious project!
Congratulations! It looks darling on you. As you may know, my finished sweater turned out all wonky. One of my knitting buddies is coming tomorrow to rip it out and try and salvage it. Congrats again
Ok, I love the "to lists" of life! And I LOVE your sweater! I asked for knitting needles and instructions for Christmas, as I really wanted to learn. I have yet to open them... This is not a good sign.
That's really nice - and you look so pretty and smiley! :)
Wow, that is a beautiful cardigan! I wish I could make one, but I don't think I'm that crafty. Lol.
Well, you indeed should be proud of deciding to tackle such a project and being able to finish it so well. It is a lovely sweater and I really like the color.
Beautiful cardigan and good luck on your list! I can't believe you've visited 20 countries...I'm so jealous.
Well done, you! And that lovely pink is perfect for spring. This will probably be one of those nice sweaters to wear anytime.
Wow! That is so cool! It is gorgeous. And I might have to steal your 30 before 30 thing. Though I have just over a year to do it...I'll have to think about some challenges for myself!
this is pretty amazing...i can't believe it is your first attempt. i have been knitting for a while now and even my scarves end up a bit wonky!
Rachel that is one lovely cardi! And well done for sharing the lovely pattern. I'm very impressed! I have saved it and might even knit it if I get similar wool. I love knitting and wish I was better at it. I've posted a bit about my results but they're pretty mundane. I have some nice baby things now I've a grandchild to knit for, so I may do another post soon.
Thanks again.
Catherine.
Hi Rachel,
I'm really impressed if this is your first time. I remember knitting a scarf once and it looked like Picasso dit it. If you know what I mean. That color looks good on you. Brilliant!
Anne-Marie
Holy cow! I have never knit anything in my life. I'm so impressed. Well done. It's wearable and fits. You look adorable!
Also, thank you for stopping by yesterday.
good for you!
it looks great! :)
Very impressive. Is there anything you can't do? :)
That looks great, and the colour really suits you. I have to be a bit careful with strong pinks. I can wear them, but some are just too much on me and make me look sickly!=(
When do you turn 30 btw? 4, 5, 6 years? I agree, having goals - specific ones - really helps get you motivated and moving. I'm finding the same too of late with my language learning etc.=)
Well done.
oh hooray! Well done Rachel! Looks like we both like crochet necklines - I just did one too. It looks like a great fit - something you'll get lots of wear out of. Good work!
That looks lovely, congratulations!
That is pretty impressive! I can barely sew a button onto a shirt! :)
It's really cute! I used to knit but haven't done it for ages. With a seamstress for a grandmother I had no choice but to learn knitting, embroidery and sewing. My dolls had lots of hand-made clothes :)
Thank you for your lovely comments on
my SITS DAY!
I also thank you for the follow!
I am now following your interesting site!
Have a great day!
Betty
For a first time knitter you did an amazing job kudos to YOU!
Thanks for stopping by
Mayya @ Sew Chic and Unique
www.sewchicandunique.com
That is cute. You are brave and talented! I have been knitting for about 3 years...lots and lots of scarves and two bunny hats...I am chicken to try something bigger...besides it cuts into blog time. No just kidding, I really want to expand my knitting horizons, I do enjoy it. That color is great too!
I am glad that either someone had convinced you or it is your favorite color, because you look fabulous in that color! What a great job, and you must be so proud, it looks fantastic on you! Great job R!
Wow, bravo, what a nice cardigan!
I forgot all about knitting long ago, the truth is I don't have the patience :D
Good for you! My mom tried to teach me (before I was 30) **grin**, but it was a disaster. I'd like to try again, though, in a couple of years when The Princess is older.
Stopped over from SITS. Some good stuff here. :)
Well done girl. I have been knitting a scarf for the past two years and it is in my drawer still to complete.
Oh, I forgot to say I was visiting from SITS!
Lovely! Did you share the rav link to the pattern you used? I may be interested in giving this a go. Not that I nee another project...
Great job! That's a lovely cardigan!
*from SITS
http://marfmom.com
This looks awesome^^...I wish I could knit like that...but I'm just to clumsy^^
*from SITS
Wow, that's beautiful, Rachel! I've never tried anything like that but you did a wonderful job. I checked out the pattern you linked and might try it.
Thank you for a wonderful blog! And Happy SITS Sunday. :)
Well done:-) It looks great! So ... for christmas this year I'd like ...... xx
that is so cute---pink is my favorite color, which is why Tickled Pink is such a great meme! I found you from Holly's blog over at 504 Main. I love that you made this on your own---I could never. I was born without the crafty gene.
;-)
Gorgeous. I love it. Kudos.
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