When I teach my beginners knitting class I always tell them that learning to knit is just like learning to do anything else - it will take time. When you learn how to drive you don't start on the highway, you start in an empty parking going slow getting to know the gas and brake. When you learn the piano you practice simple scales day in and out and then tackle Beetoven's 5th Symphony.
So even while I tell them how it just takes practice while repeating the mantra, "the more you do it the better you become," it still surprises me when I can finish a FO in what seams like record time that my own silly advice actually works. Here I am in my car doing 110mph on the autobon blazing a trail...
A few thoughts on this delicously comfortable sweater:
- I would defintitely next time make the torso a bit longer - I don't mind it as I'm 5'3 and it seems like a perfect fit, but one or two more rows might give it that extra comfort look.
- Seaming the sleeves was the toughest for me to handle as I found it hard making it fit into the already established hole instead of laying it flat like I did with my CPH. I made it work but it felt slightly akward.
- the yarn was so soft! Again I used Sheep Shop Yarn, Sheep 2 in green which I picked up at my LYS. I've never used it before and found it to be so soft and such a joy to knit with. I love the color too - its beautiful change from light to dark really brought this sweater together for me.
- You need to block it pretty roughly to get the wide neck in this sweater. I kept pulling at it to make sure it looked right.
The finding and sewing the button was perhaps longer to do than knitting the sweater itself. I got a little lazy in the end but finally finished it up. I'm two sweaters more than I've ever done before and I cannot wait to cast on for another! (only... which one!?)
Gorgeous!! It's so true - practice makes perfect.
PS - Guess what I'm wearing RIGHT THIS SECOND? I'm off to get buttons though. LOVE IT!
Posted by: Cara | February 17, 2007 at 03:10 PM
Wow, that looks fantastic!! I am definitely going to use my Araucania yarn for this sweater!!!! Great job!
Posted by: Allegra | February 17, 2007 at 03:17 PM
It's gorgeous- you did a fantastic job. I so need one of these!
Posted by: Cathi | February 17, 2007 at 03:33 PM
smashing!
Posted by: jacqueline | February 17, 2007 at 03:57 PM
It turned out beautiful!
Posted by: Jen | February 17, 2007 at 05:02 PM
Beautiful! Good to hear your opinion on the Sheep Shop Yarn.
Posted by: jen | February 17, 2007 at 10:16 PM
Good grief that sweater is beautiful. I love the choice of yarn. Really does make the sweater
Posted by: Nubiancraftster | February 17, 2007 at 10:23 PM
That's gorgeous!!
Posted by: Norah | February 18, 2007 at 01:41 PM
I love the color!
Posted by: Lola | February 18, 2007 at 02:42 PM
your sweater looks great - I am off to google sheep shop yarn ....
Posted by: ann | February 18, 2007 at 10:23 PM
it looks really great and i love the color changes...your perspective on learning in interesting too:)
Posted by: cristina | February 19, 2007 at 04:37 AM
Great sweater! Such beautiful greens in the yarn, and it is perfect for the pattern. Have you seen Stephanie Japel's fitted, cable sweater in the spring IK? It's been talking to me!
Posted by: Brenda | February 19, 2007 at 05:07 PM
that came out AMAZING! I love it!!!
Posted by: stacey | February 20, 2007 at 12:52 PM
Stunning! I am glad to hear practice makes perfect. I am still very much a beginner but I do see that I am improving my skills. Thanks for the beautiful inspiration!!!
Posted by: Nery | February 20, 2007 at 03:38 PM
I just love your version!
Posted by: Lolly | February 21, 2007 at 03:40 PM
LOVE this! great job!!!
Posted by: leslie | February 21, 2007 at 07:25 PM