It’s been a couple weeks since my big knitting fail (which wasn’t a huge fail after all, since I got loads of great advice for future knits, not to mention ~*someone has a new sweater to love forever 🙂 I LOVE WHEN THESE THINGS WORK OUT), and what have I done since then??
DUH, I KNIT ANOTHER SWEATER.
Ok ok, confession – I wasn’t expecting this to knit up quite so fast. I mean, holy shit – 2 weeks. That’s all it took. And you can disagree with me all you want, but I am not a super fast knitter, nor do I knit for super long periods of time every day – a little under an hour on my lunch break, and an extra hour on Mondays and occasionally Thursdays when I meet up with other knitters. I don’t knit on weekends, and I rarely knit when I’m lounging on the couch (Landon has this weird hang-up about me knitting while we watch TV – he thinks it means I’m not paying attention. FREAK, you know I still have ears and can listen!!). This was just a really really quick knit. I love it!
The pattern I used is Francis, Revisited, which is a freebie on Ravelry (yay!). You’ll notice that the original pattern is actually pretty shapeless and loose-fitting – which looks pretty on the model, but I’ve learned that it is not a flattering style on me. I need waist-shaping!
Also, I just realized that my skirt basically blends into the background here, rendering me a strange floating legless lady. Sorry about that.
Jo has a lovely fitted version of this sweater, which I was DYING over (and, truth, she’s how I discovered the pattern in the first place), so I consulted her on decreasing deets and she was very very encouraging and helpful. I did some maths, cast on for a 33″ bust, and started knitting. Since the sweater is knit in one piece, top-down (my favorite!), it was easy to check the fit by threading a length of yarn through the live stitches and pulling it on. This can definitely get to be a pain in the ass, but I think the end effect is worth it.
I mean, check out that shaping! Yeah!
In addition to the waist shaping, I also lengthened the sleeves to full-length – I guess I just don’t see the point in short sleeves on a cashmere sweater (with a cowl neck, no less). That being said, I have a tendency to roll the sleeves up, like, always, so maybe it was a moot point. Also, I wish I had added like two more rows of knitting, because they’re the tiiiiinest bit short. Maybe I can pull that out with another block, idk.
The yarn I used for this was Debbie Bliss Cashmerino – merino and cashmere, and SO FREAKING SOFT. I picked it up at Haus of Yarn‘s after-Christmas sale (which, sidenote, this yarn store is like 2 miles from my house YES MA’AM INDEED). Actually, another lady grabbed it first and I followed her around, sulking, for about 2 minutes, then she put it back in the bin and I pounced on that shit like a cat on a can of tuna fish. VICTORY. It was half off, too – meaning this sweater cost me about $35 to knit. Yep. Even with cashmere blend yarn.
Cashmere is such a dreamy way to make yourself feel better after a knitting fail, fyi.
Crummy color shot, but here you can see the seed stitching at the sleeves and hem. I like this has a nice alternative to ribbing, and it’s very easy to do – just knit 1, purl 1, and stagger each row.
More specific notes about my adjustments can be found on my Ravelry page (as not to bore the non-knitters here).
I love my finished sweater! It’s so cozy and warm and soft – and RED. Yeah!!
LLADYBIRD 
Well, gosh…is there anything you can’t do? Love the sweater – the color is beautiful on you! Knitting is one of those great mysteries in life that I’ve never solved, and quite frankly, completely lost the desire to do so. I’ll fork over the $$$ to let someone else handle that one 😉 Having said that, I’m ALWAYS in awe of people who can actually take a skein of yarn, deadly looking pointy sticks, and lots of time and create something wonderful!
Kudos!
Wow! It looks so good! And you don’t even knit in front of the tv? Imagine how much stuff you would have if you did!!!
I do tv-knit while I’m at work (or I guess, rather, mobile-phone-watching-tv-shows knit). On my lunch break, I mean! But yeah, not a lot of knitting at night when I’m hanging with ol’ Landon.
Red sweater for the WIN! Great job.
Another beautiful knitted piece! I have four skeins of yarn just waiting for my first sweater, but I can’t decide which pattern. This wasn’t even on my radar, but that shaping really makes a difference!
This is a great first project – it’s easy, knit in one piece, and I suspect if you went the un-fitted route it would be even easier. But it’s not hard to add shaping – once you figure out how many stitches per inch your gauge is, it’s just a matter of decreasing that many stitches for every inch you want to suck out 🙂
Thanks so much! I think this is the winner then 🙂
Your’s is very pretty!!! Cashmerino is the bomb as far as I am concerned. I have a few skeins of it that I am hoarding 🙂 I am making the same sweater, and all I need to do is knit the cowl. I am a very slow knitter, and will go days w/o knitting. Mine will be big and bulky – Form fitting is not for me. Hee hee Good job Lauren.
Lauren, win, win, win! This looks terrific, your waist shaping is spot on! I will have to put this in my Ravelry. You cannot knit slowly and do this in 2 weeks if you are working. You must knit mediumly.
Another sweater already? I don’t care what you say… I’m pretty sure you’re a fast knitter! 😉 This is so, so pretty. Sometimes I think the simpler knits are the prettiest, and this is an excellent example. The waist shaping is perfect, too. And I like the sleeves as is, but I tend to prefer 3/4 or bracelet sleeves anyway.
Oh, I ramble. Brava!
Yay, I love it! It’s a great shape and color on you! The cowl is really cute too.
Sometimes you just go into a knitting time warp and things just churn out when you blink. Or the complete reverse and you’re knitting the same inch forever. Totally been there, both.
Ooh gorgeous! I love that bright red.
My husband is the same about me knitting when watching TV and is always accusing me of not knowing what’s going on! If it’s stocking stitch then I can knit that without looking at my knitting but like you say, I can still listen!
I absolutely love this.
I would go crazy if I couldn’t knit in front of the TV! To be fair, half the time I’ve no idea about what’s been happening in the programme I’ve been “watching”…but I’m cool with that. BTW – I have a sweater in this yarn, in this colour…isn’t it just a joy to knit and wear?
Damn, girl! This sweater is gorgeous! I too love the Debbie Bliss Cashmerino. It’s like a dream to work with. I can totally relate to what you were saying about knitting on the couch with Landon. My Hubs is kind of weird the same way. It’s like he thinks TV time should be focused or something… never mind we’re watching history channel or some shit!
Gorgeous as always! The shape and colour really suit you.
My boyfriend totally has the same thing about me doing anything sewing related infront of the tv. It’s become a bit of a joke with me and a friend who also enjoys a bit of cross stitch infront of some Breaking Bad/Suits as her boyfriend is exactly the same! Are they all like it???!
You know, I really think it’s just a non-knitter (or yarnworker) thing in general. Some of my friends (and this includes Landon, sorry Landon!) get soo butthurt when I pull out my knitting during socializing. They’ve even gone so far as to stop including me in the conversation – when I’m sitting right there! I’ve asked, and I always get “Well you’re obviously busy knitting, and also I just think you’re being soo rude” etc. No shit dude, if I couldn’t pay attention to the conversation while knitting… I wouldn’t knit! I wish people would just believe me when I tell them that, argh. I just like to keep my hands busy.
Cute, cute, cute! I’ve got a major case of knitting envy right now! Your first commenter Cheryl raises a good question about whether there’s anything you can’t do:-P Such a talented lady!
I have friends who find it rude when I knit too. I really don’t get that. It’s just a background activity. Like if I were cooking at the same time as having a conversation. And I agree with Evie. I can’t just watch TV. I have to do something with my hands. Lovely sweater.
I know I’ve accused you of this on Instagram but don’t even play Lauren…. you have craft elves who make this shit for you. I gotta learn continental already. My sweaters take yearsssss.
Such a beautiful sweater! The first thing I thought when this popped up in my reader was, whoa ANOTHER completed item?? And a sweater nonetheless?? You’re amazing.
CASHMERINO! OMG. must learn to knit ASAP
Amazing!! What can’t you do??
Oh my god, remember on Twitter when I told you your Lauriel was way too big? Sewists make the worst knitters.
I think the sweater looks really good on her. The shaping is excellent.
Yay! You’ve graced our presence with yet another one of your inane comments!
So will you be conquering crochet or tatting next?
Ha, no crocheting for me – I’ve tried that in the past and I am terrible at it :B
Oh no, I already want to make every pattern you talk about and now you’ll get me into knitting as well 🙂 I just don’t have that much free time 🙂
But seriously, that sweater looks great on you and I’m so jealous!
Hell yes, what a way to bounce back! This looks great!
Wow, that looks amazing! Awesome job!
Your sweater fits perfectly, and is a beautiful colour on you. Thanks for the notes about the waist shaping, it makes such a difference to the look of the outfit.
Lol at the floating! You couldn’t have matched that skirt so well if you’d tried!! Love the sweater. I am in knitting hell currently without hope of reprieve. Very jealous of your lovely knit.
You are such a prolific sewist and knitter! I’m SO jealous!!
AMAZING! That WAS seriously fast! I think my next bigger knitting project will be a sweater vest. Hmmm… we’ll see I suppose. I love that color on you by the way! And dude, you can totally watch TV and knit at the same time. Don’t take that crap 😉 lol
A sweater vest!! Omg yes! You can do it – and it’s going to look adorable on you 😀
Thinking of trying knitting, but unsure what I would need/how hard/long it would take me:)
and what I shoudl start with? Any advice?
ps. Never knitted before
Hmmm well my first advice is to try and find someone to teach you! Ha! Seriously – if you have a local yarn store, see if they offer beginner lessons or have a weekly knitting night. Or find a friend who can teach you. You also have the option of leaving via videos or books (personally, that didn’t work so hot for me – but I need someone standing over me saying “no no no you’re doing it wrong” haha).
After you finish your first little stockinette square, you can make a scarf or a cowl and then progress from there. Try to pick patterns that teach you a couple new things (like decreasing, or simple lacework, or knitting in the round, or whatever!). Also, do yourself a big favor and learn with wool yarn – it’s sooo much easier to knit with than acrylic, since it’s elastic.
I don’t think knitting is hard to learn, but I also love doing stuff with my hands so I guess that varies from person to person. And just fyi – that first square is going to take your forever. FOREVER. I think I spent like 3 days knitting that fucker, hahaha!
Soooo cute! It’s perfect! You’re gonna love that yarn for a long time.
Awwww…how many skeins and how much did you pay for the yarn? I’m envious!
I bought 9 skeins but I only used 7 (or maybe 6… I need to recount my remaining skeins). The yarn is originally $10.50 a skein, but I got it for half off 🙂 Even at full price, I don’t think that’s a bad cost for cashmere!
This is gorgeous, you are tempting me to learn how to knit!
Do it! It’s so fun and portable 😀
it turned out so beautifully! i am always shocked when i see someone knit a whole freaking sweater! i failed at even a scarf so it seems like magic to me!
It looks so beautiful on you! Really your colour. You should make another if it knits up that fast! I love the matching lipstick too.
I’m considering it! I would love to try it in a variegated yarn next time.
You are supposed to listen to the tv? Let me tell you – 37 years married here – don’t let yourself be trapped by that BS. You’ll spend the rest of your life that way. Either he can accept that you can knit and watch tv or he can put a sock in it.
The sweater is fabulous. The color is fantastic and the fit is great.
Gorgeous! The colour and style are perfect on you x
Oh it is wonderful on you! I’m so glad the shaping worked out, it is so flattering! I am seriously addicting to adding shaping now. I totally agree on the long sleeves thing, so much better. And ohmygosh, so nice to be mentioned, and so glad I could help! (p.s I just posted a red knit too. And it’s a fail, so now we can be in the Francis club AND the knitting fail club!) 😀
Well done, and also seriously, you are a fast knitter 😀
Haha yessss, knitting club for us! First the Miette, then the Francis, then the knitting fail… our club is the best 🙂
Beautiful! And I’m seriously impressed with how quick you got this together!
I made the Francis, too, and I’m surprised by how much love there is out there for it. Until I started wearing it, I didn’t get it. I might make another one, as I used a Madeline Tosh Vintage and it’s very varigated. I love your color — tomato red is my favorite red!
Lovely! I made this sweater a couple years ago (stranding Knit Picks Wool of the Andes with Kidsilk Haze —- super soft and fuzzy and warm!) and it’s one of my all time favorite sweaters to wear, goes with everything and goes from casual to office. Your version looks lovely, makes me think I should look into Cashmerino ;-). BTW, inspired by your two Andi makes, I knit up a full-sleeved version of Chuck! That’s a sweater that gets a lot of comments, too.
Very cute. Love the color. I’ve knit a few things with Cashmerino and I love it.
I tell people I listen better when I’m knitting. You could try that on Landon. That excuse hasn’t worked for me at work tho, they still won’t let me knit during staff meetings.
Beautifully done. My husband has complained for years that I knit while riding in the car, knit while watching television, etc. i’t like, “I can still hear you when you ask me how to spell a word while you’re playing scrabble while watching television while I’m knitting!”
Very, very, nice!!
stunning! that color is seriously gorgeous on you!
Really pretty, and I love that tan (taupe?) skirt on you/with the red!
I kind of understand about not doing handwork in front of the TV. I grew up without a TV, and I really have to focus on it to watch something. I can only embroider/sew/whatever if it’s a movie I’ve seen a lot before. If I projected, then I would likely sound like Landon. But I understand that others can multitask…
The social bugaboo I have is trying to have a conversation with music on. I feel like no one is really listening. And if no one is listening, why can’t I be doing something productive with my hands… 🙂
Wow, no knitting in front of the TV! I struggle just sitting there watching. Even at the cinema I get all fidgety because I’m not doing anything and I’m wasting so much TIME.
I love how simple the jumper is – lovely and classic. Looks great on you!
Okay, totally behind on blog lurking (as so much else in life) but…1) fab sweater, great shaping, as everybody else has said already; 2) about “stringing the yarn through the live stitches”–I have a metric a**load of stitch holders, those things that look like kilt pins, which I use for that purpose during fitting, (and for holding all my UFOs). It takes 15 or so to do normal-size sweater without bunching, but they are usually cheap and you make yourself much less insane getting the stitches on and off.
Ooh, this is so cute and cozy! Love it! Man Friend has the same hangup about me knitting (or blog reading!) while we’re watching TV– I’m not paying attention enough either! Oh well, gotta do what we can to keep the menfolk happy!
Fantastic! I made a Frances a few years ago and it’s one of my favorite sweaters. This post is making me want to make another one. That color is to die for!
So pretty! Lovely color and the shaping is beautiful! The fit is perfect and the cowl lays so nicely. My husband has the same problem with me doing other things while we’re watching TV together. Ha!