Yay for finished knitting projects!
This is the Aiken pullover from Andi Satterlund (aka my faaaavorite knit designer, to whom I should probably just establish a direct deposit of a portion of my paychecks, because, YES). Aiken is everything I love in a knit project – seamless, top down construction, knit in the round on worsted weight yarn, with just a little bit of lace to keep things interesting.
I knit the XS (size range goes up to 3X, whoop whoop), using my normal size 6 needles and this delightfully soft and squishy Debbie Bliss Rialto yarn (oh shit, I just realized this is 100% Merino and here I’ve been telling everyone who will listen that it’s Cashmerino… I’m a lying piece of shit, you guys. But really, it is SOFT). By the way, I LOVE these Debbie Bliss yarns. This is the second sweater I’ve knit up with ’em (the first one being my Cashmerino cowl neck sweater, well, I reckon there’s where I was assuming this one also involved cashmere, ha), and they’re just so lovely and soft with the most beautiful saturated colors.
The Debbie Bliss yarns are kind of expensive, though – around $10+ for a 100 yd skein (compared to Cascade 220, which I think I pay around $11 for a 220 yd skein at my local yarn store) (yes, I know it’s a little cheaper online, but I want to keep my LYS in business, thanks, bye). With that being said – my favorite yarn shop – Haus of Yarn – has an awesome sale at the end of every year where they mark a big chunk of the yarns at half off – and there’s always some Debbie Bliss lurking in the piles. So these skeins were $5 a pop, which made this sweater cost me a very affordable $30. Can’t beat that with a stick!
This pattern is relatively plain – the body and arms are plain stockinette, with 1×1 ribbing at the edges. The neckline is a very simple slash – it’s not finished with ribbing, so it has a soft roll, which I think is very pretty! And then there’s the lace inset, which is mirrored for both the front and back. As far as lace goes, this one is preeetty simple. It’s not super mindless lace like the Myrna – there’s a little more stitchcraft involved. I did have to unpick a couple of rows when I missed a yarn over and thus messed up my count, but it’s not so bad. The good news is that you start at the top, so you get the longest part done first and then progress to less lace knitting as you go down to the tip of the V. Then you combine the whole thing into a tube and knit in endless circles for the rest of the way.
THEN, because there’s no neckline finishing or button bands to contend with – you just block it and wear it! SO gratifying! OMG I love knitting pullovers!
My sweater is worn with about 1″-2″ of negative ease, which is why it’s a little more fitted than the version in Andi’s shop. The lacework surprisingly doesn’t dip as far as I thought it would – I’m not wearing anything under the sweater (well, I mean other than a bra haha), and there’s absolutely no danger of cleavage flashing. That being said, I don’t have much cleavage to begin with sooo that might also have a lot to do with it 🙂 I really like to way it looks with my polka dot trousers, though! I imagine it’ll also look pretty ace with a collared shirt underneath it. And it’s the perfect length for wearing with high-waisted skirts.
(not sure why I basically took the same picture twice. Deal with it?)
Love the back! ♥
It took me a little over 2 months to knit this – which is slow for me, but has also become my new normal, if that makes sense (gone are the days of my luxurious one hour knitting break at the office – I still have an hour to knit, yes, but I’m usually home and DAMMIT I’d rather sew! :)). It was a relatively easy knit, and I think would make a great first sweater pattern if you’re somewhat comfortable with knitting lace.
Full Ravelry notes are here.
That’s all, folks! Right now I’m working on my first pair of socks (I haven’t gotten to turning the heel yet, so I’m going to refrain from commenting on whether or not they’re easy until I get to that point! But so far, the cuff has been easy 🙂 HAHA) – but I’m still dreaming of sweaters! What should I knit next? Would love to do another pullover; I’m a little cardigan’d out at this point 🙂 Looking at Berwick, Ease, Cloudy Sunday (maybe lengthen those sleeves, tho), or Praline – what would you choose? Alternately – what’s on your needles right now?
(Psst! Not a knitter but want some handmade cardigans nonetheless? Don’t forget to enter the Jenna Cardi Giveaway for a chance to win an awesome cardigan sewing pattern PDF! Giveaway ends on Monday morning 😉 )
LLADYBIRD 
Great sweater! Turning the heel is dead easy – just go slow your first time and it’ll be fine. Knitting socks is like some kind of magic, one minute you’re knitting a big tube and the next, bam, you’ve got some kind of multi-dimensional object. Can’t wait to see your result.
You should also have a look at Joanie (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/joanie) from Knitty a couple of years ago or Twenty Ten cardigan (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twenty-ten-cardigan). They seem to have similar shapes to what you’re looking for. And the Twenty Ten cardigan could easily be just knit as a pullover.
Oh, those are pretty!
I love Ease. Not that our shapes or lives are anything similar. 🙂 And sock heels are magic the first time.
i totally vote ease or cloudy sunday!!! either of those would be fun and different for you!
I am always so impressed by your knitting. I so want to learn. It’s hard sitting still doing nothing when I have to leave my machine when traveling. Gotta do something!! Knitting seems to be the next best option. Any suggestions for absolute beginners? My friend tried to teach me once several years ago but I had a problem with seeing everything in a backwards sort of way idk, I think my descsterity was warped.
Knitting was exactly my answer for taking a portable craft when I traveled (or, rather, when I was at work – didn’t travel much when I started knitting 🙂 But it totally works now haha). I actually learned by having a friend teach me too – I’m the sort of person who needs to see something in action (with someone telling me if I’m doing it wrong) when I first learn a new skill. Have you tried learning a different method of knitting, perhaps? I tried to teach a friend once, and it was a no-go – then I realized that I knit Continential style, which makes way more sense for me but can be extra difficult if you aren’t used to holding yarn (former crocheter here!). Most people pick up English style more quickly, so maybe you were just learning a method that didn’t make sense to you?
Are you left-handed? It really makes a difference – Amy Detjen teaches at all the events (Stitches, Vogue Knitting Live, Meg Swansen’s knitting camp) and also happens to teach at my LYS/live nearby. She is left-handed and had to teach herself how to knit the “normal” way when she began teaching. Look into knitting back backwards – might be just the thing!
FWIW, I also knit Continental because it made so much more sense. There is no such thing as the “right” way to knit (or sew or be…); as long as you are producing a cloth that you love and does what you want it to do, it is the right way for you. If you are looking for tutorials or other resources, I found great success with the Tin Can Knits’ Simple Collection (tincanknits.com) and any YouTube videos by Michelle Hunter (knitpurlhunter.com).
Oh, and Lauren – socks are ingenious and make me feel like a rock star. 🙂 I hope your heel felt the same way.
Gorgeous! Aiken is next on my knitting list, can’t wait to get it started!
Nice! I already have wool for my Aiken, but next up will be Chuck, in a navy Merino as well. Great minds and all that, huh? I’ll be knitting it up with a colleague at work. Knitalong in person! ❤
Ah, those are the best! ♥
Beautiful sweater!!! My absolute favorite thing to knit are socks, especially during the fall and winter. They just feel so cozy and luxurious. You are knitting one sock at a time, right? After knitting my second pair, I started knitting them both at the same time on a magic loop because I was falling victim to second sock syndrome. Whatever you do, avoid it like the plague! ha ha It’s the worst, you just end up with a bunch of singles.
Oh, and you should totally knit cloudy sunday next. That design would look fabulous on you!!
Haha yeah, one sock at a time! The pattern I’m using is written that way (DPNs and all!), so I wanted to learn the sock basics before I started trying to tweak construction shit. But you’re right – SSS is the worst, and I definitely want to learn how to knit two at a time!
I like the magic loop method, but usually I just cast on two at the same time, on two separate sets of double-points. Knit an inch or so on one sock, knit the other to match, etc. etc. as you go along. You’ll finish an entire pair at about the same time; and you can poke your coworkers with a double-point needle more easily than with a circular needle.
The first time I tried knitting two at a time was a disaster! All of the cables and threads got tangly and confusing, FAST. Yes, you definitely want to know your way around the basics before doing two at a time, but I’m sure your pick it up in no time seeing as you’ve knitted a lengthy list of pretty awesome stuff. I’m looking forward to seeing your pair once you are finished!
Beautiful sweater! I love Andi’s designs, but I haven’t gotten around to knitting any of them yet.
Also, have you been stalking my queue? I have ALL of those patterns favorited. I’ve made Ease twice (once with a kangaroo pocket and I positively live in that sweater all winter) and I definitely plan to make many more, so that’s my vote. 🙂
MAYBE! Are you my queue buddy? Should we be queue buddies? I love stalking people’s queues hahaha!
Love your Aiken, bacon! (sorry, couldn’t resist for some reason) It does look like cleavage won’t be an issue, which was my worry with this pattern (and I like to avoid wearing a tank-top underneath). I guess the nice thing is it’s top-down so it can be tried on to get an idea. Also, I like Praline and Cloudy Sunday! Agree that I’d want to lengthen the sleeves on that one. I feel like a cowl works best with long sleeves…
Yeah, it just looks all snuggly and cozy and then – HEY SHORT SLEEVES! Wtf? Not for me haha! Lengthened sleeves ftw!
I vote for the Praline! I think the style would look really cute on you 🙂 Your Aiken is beautiful, and I love the color! I have some yarn set aside for this in my stash, and am hoping to get to it right after I finish what’s on my needles now. Hopefully by the end of the month 🙂
I like the blue version of “Ease,” but maybe it’s just because she has my name? Praline looks like you, though. I’m still painfully working my way through the Aidez pattern – pretty ambitious for my first knit sweater!
It’s ambitious, but it’s soo pretty! You are gonna love wearing that when it’s finished!
I think Praline would look best on you. Some of the other designs might look overwhelming on your small frame. But I think you could probably make them work if you made the cowl/collars smaller. I am not quite as small framed as you are, and I find that those huge cowls and collars look overwhelming on my small frame. Love this sweater on you!
I do love that Praline,a and I’m really leaning toward it the most I look at it 🙂
Wow Beautiful sweater simple but very nice. I have a question did you use rialto DK or aran yarn for this project?
I used the DK for this one 🙂
Beautiful sweater! I am almost finished with my Dragonflies jumper. Aiken, or this one: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hourglass-sweater-dress will be next.
Ahhh, I LOVE that!
Beautiful!! I love Andi’s patterns on you and everyone else, but I can’t really see them on me, which is too bad because they seem perfect for a first sweater. I actually started a Miette, but the farther I got the more I felt like I would never wear it.
OMG another beautiful sweater!!! I love the lace inset, it’s such a pretty detail! And the color is gorgeous on you. I’m also digging the casual vibe of Berwick and Ease, looks like great ‘curl up on the couch on a rainy afternoon’ sweaters, which are some of my favorite types! I just started my first ever lace project – a sweater (because if you can’t wear it, what’s the point?) and am having the opposite problem – when I’m at home ALL I WANT TO DO IS KNIT and my poor sewing room goes neglected. Need to work on balance!
It looks great! I have a few sweaters in the queue: Falling Stars (but so scared of steeks I’ve been avoiding it), Circinn, Rocky Coast Cardigan, and Dauphine Cardigan. I thought I was over my desire to knit the Farmer’s Market Cardigan, but apparently I am a big liar because I can’t stop thinking about it.
I LOOVEEE Circinn! Ahh I need to get better at colorwork because there are so many sweaters I need, including that one hahaha
Nicely done! I’m not quite sure I can fit re learning, kinda knowing a little bit about knitting, into my days. However, if it ever happens…. I might want to make this. I’ll keep it on the brain back burner (BBB)
Gorgeous sweater and that blue is amazing on you. I’m making this in a light soft lilac – teva Durham’s moss, which is more like a do but is supposed to work on a variety of gauges – it’s merino, with 5℅ nylon, and a tad fuzzy and uneven, slightly vintage looking, so it looks totally different to yours. Started it last winter and stopped when it got too hot to knit anything but linen or maybe a fine cotton. Hopefully next month I can bring it out!
I think praline would look the nicest in you – the others are all kind of baggy and anyway will take forever!
I added you as a friend on ravelry – hope you don’t mind – I’m Cikka there. I had a quick look and love your projects, and I found some inspiration other and in your queue – like I need it, my queue is 5 miles long! WTF, it’s mine. Anyway, I’ve been lazy about posting FOs lately, but if you look at my queue I think you might find a few patterns you’ll like. Check out 25 and 26 for when you’re next in cardi mode.
Ooh, you’ve got some great stuff in your queue! Love 26 especially – that little vneck cardigan is basically my favorite type of cardi, yes!
Don’t fret the heel turn. You can always turn to a German or Dutch square heel — basically you are knitting a “saddle” from the back center stitches, eating up one stitch on either side of the heel flap with each row. I continue the standard “slip one, knit one” heel flap pattern across the bottom of the heel, to cushion my bony old feet. Other than the heel turn and decreasing for the toe, socks are just tubes. You could do a spiral rib and skip the heel altogether, if you want.
You inspire me so much. I don’t know how you get all of this sewing done but it makes me want to sew all the time. Your clothes fit so well. I look forward to your emails so I can see what you have done next.
Aw, thank you! 🙂
Ooh love the Aiken jumper. I also love both versions of Ease, I like the snuggly high collar for impending winter. But I already have Aftur from Lopi in my queue for myself to try out some fairisle knitting… after I’ve finished these pesky man jumpers for man birthdays!
Your sweater is absolutely lovely. I too have been completely obsessed with Andi’s patterns lately. I have given her way too much money, ha. I have only knit cardigans so far but have though about doing the Aiken before. I’ll have to put this in my ever growing list of sweaters to make. Currently I’m working on the Marion, that she is doing a KAL for. I love seeing your knitting posts, I enjoy them so much, thank you for sharing.
She Knits in Pearls
It’s so much fun to plan your next knitting (or sewing…or anything) project 🙂 I still have a sleeve and both button bands to go at a self drafted top-down raglan sweater (the first version has already been blogged). But of course I’m already planning ahead and dreaming of what I’ll be knitting next…
I really want to learn to knit, but I just haven’t been able to talk myself in to it. I crochet, but knitted things are what I really want to make!
As a former crocheter, I say – COME TO THE DARK SIDE! 😉
Omg, I’m a huge andi fan too! I’m knitting chuck right now! 🙂
This is so pretty 🙂 lace is so much fun to knit!
I like all the patterns you linked to (Berwick the best though! ) and praline is really pretty for a lighter weight top!
I was planning on making Berwick but ho hum gauge issues!
Anyway, super cute and yes, soo perfect for a skirt/dress underneath! 🙂
Oh, socks are easy! They’re just tubes, with a couple of other bits thrown in.
I’m trying to narrow down my knitting project-itis currently. On the needles, I have Leonore (socks, just need the ends woven in), Distelfink (also socks, barely started), a random pair of ribbed socks (my movie/tv knitting), a cardigan for my boyfriend (Pump Jockey, waiting on a zipper purchase), a sweater vest for me (Academia, from Twist Collective), a skirt (a midtown/perianth mashup, both also from TC)… and I’m sure there are others lurking about.
Haha man, I’d go CRAZY with that many projects floating around! I’m very monogamous when it comes to knitting projects -one at a time for me! Although, now that I think about it… I have a UFO that needs sleeves. Hm. Maybe I should finish that first hahaha.
Reblogged this on Noddfacrafts and commented:
I love this sweater! Wouldn’t mind being that slim either!💃
This looks totally fabulous! Love the color. I vote Ease for your next one. I’m working on this one right now: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/audrey-15 and am casting on the Brooklyn Tweed Alloy next!
xx
C
Ahh, that’s so lovely!
I was terrified of the heel on my first sock but found out that just following the instructions to the letter made it turn out great!
That’s what I’m hoping! When it comes to stuff like this, just following the instructions usually works out fine for me 😀
Yay! That sweater looks so cool.. I’m you in reverse, love knitting socks, not so confident with larger projects. Mainly because I also prefer to sew. But funky socks do make me happy.
Turning a heel is no more difficult than sewing a fly on a pair of pants (and in many ways, it’s easier!), especially working cuff-down. I love seeing first socks and I look forward to yours!
Haha. I’m a mad stalker fan of Andi’s too. I have the Marion, Chuck on my list. I hadn’t wanted to make the Aiken until I’ve seen your version. Navy blue really suits you. The top goes really well with your trousers.
I’m in the middle of a Bluesand Cardigan, which is a stripey oversized cardigan that I’m really excited to wear. I also have to finish the second sleeve on my Pomme de Pin cardigan before I forget what I did on the right sleeve (went totally off pattern and I’m making the sleeves top-down stockinette instead of the bottom-up lace).
If you can knit fancy sweaters, you can knit socks. Easy-peasey. 😉
I think you should do the Berwick, because it’s big & beautiful & will be super warm when the winter comes along. Or even just to wear instead of a jacket for a while. And it’s different from your other knits.
I’ve been knitting vicariously through you. Need to get myself organized, but there is so much sewing to do!!!
Aaah, I love this pattern! It’s so close to the top of my queue at the moment… Knitting Marion right now (for the knit-along – my first ever cables! Surprisingly fun and a lot easier than I was expecting them to be) and I think the one after that will be Armande since I just got some lovely yarn for it. 🙂
I love Andi’s patterns…. I think it was seeing all your gorgeous creations that got me started on knitting and Andi’s designs, haha! Too much gorgeousness, I just couldn’t resist having a go…. 😉
Really neat sweater! I’m so impressed that you can do that 🙂
Ahh I saw a pic you posted of this the other day, it’s gorgeous! I love the lace inset. I’m in the middle of Andi’s cropped sweater for winter, which I love. Although it’s been on hold for months since I made a mistake and I am waiting til I see one of my better-than-me knitting friends so that she can help me fix it 🙂
Ooh, I want to knit that pattern! Haven’t gotten around to settling on a color scheme, though 🙂
Do it! I had my colours sorted, but when my yarn arrived, my contrasty yarn is not actually very contrasty, so I need to rethink
Love it! That’s such a beautiful shade of blue and it really suits you. I’m currently knitting my first sock (and my first ever knitting project) and I’ve worked out the heel without too much drama so I’m sure you’ll have no trouble whatsoever.
Ah, that makes me feel so much better! 🙂 haha!
Nice sweater! I considered making the Praline but ended up doing Heathered, which I’m now half way through. I also prefer pullovers in the round, I’m not a fan of purling!
I vote for Berwick! (Not that this is a vote). I think it looks the most “Lauren”
Love it! This sweater is on my knitting wish list, but right now I still have a We Are Knitters sweater to finish and then its Alloy (by Michelle Wang) time.. Love the colour and fit on you!
Ooo, I’ve just started my first pair of socks too! Well, sock, because I’m not sure if it’ll ever have a mate. Just got past the heel myself, and it wasn’t nearly as terrifying as it sounds. 🙂
I really like your Aiken! I don’t think it’d be one for me, but I adore how yours turned out. what a stunning colour! Berwick looks like it has you written all over it, but I’ve also seen Ease made up by several people now, and I really like the pattern. Hmm, tough choices!
I’ve decided to start something I was terrified of doing: a knitted sweater for the Boyfriend. Am I dooming our happy relationship with the sweater curse?
Love your sweater.
I have nominated you for the One Lovely Blog Award.
Go check it out at: http://dodgyzebra.wordpress.com/2014/09/21/one-lovely-blog-award/
Have a fabulous day
x Mary
Great job on Aiken! Really cute! I think Praline & Cloudy Sunday look most like your style (not to tell you your own business or anything). Me, I’m knitting a Wee Chickadee for a friend’s new baby. http://ravel.me/Pam/tg2do
Such a beautiful beautiful colour and wonderful pattern! Enjoy gorgeous lady!
It is very beautiful! I especially like the neckline detail!
I’m really happy to see this, because I just started on this pattern last week. I keep getting stuck on the lace and missing stitches, so I’ve had to rip it out a few times. It’s encouraging to see it finished. Looks nice on you!
So cute! I wish I had the patience to knit. I started a cowl 4 months ago and only managed about 10 rows before I got sick of it.
This is really cute on you (as always).
A few months ago I knitted Aiken in a black worsted but for some reason it came up huge. Even though I’d knitted the whole body and one sleeve I was happy to frog the whole thing as it was terribly unflattering. Having seen yours looking so brilliant I will try again in a smaller size (after I’ve finished my Black Hettie).
So, thanks for posting this!
I am starting to come around to cropped sweaters. RTW ones don’t look good on me, but properly fitting hand-knit ones do.
Right now I’m working on the Petrea – I may live to regret my yarn choice. While it is soft and cushy, it’s solid black. And with white animals in the house it is a magnet for their hair.
Of your prospects for next, I’d choose the Praline. I’m a sucker for a henley style, especially with lace. So many patterns, so little time. . .
It turned out beautiful! I so want to make something in that shade of blue. It is so versatile. I think you should go with Praline (but, I am partial to vintage style knits).
I’m currently doing Marion for the KAL but, I feel you about being cardiganed out b/c I am so ready to make a pullover. I’m going super simple for my next pullover and I am going to do Andi’s free winter pullover. I almost forgot that I am working on a pullover for the ChristmasKAL but, with graduate school I’m just hoping that it will be finished by Christmas. We shall see…
I have Arleen on my needles right now but that Praline was def already on my wishlist. Then again, those others you listed look cozy warm and if this winter is anything like last…
I knew I could rely on you to knit up the Aiken at some point and show me how it should be done 🙂 loving the Praline, it looks like it would go perfectly with capri pants and skirts. I’m still finishing off a cowl-neck cardigan and then have two cotton Hettys to get done before I find another winter pattern 🙂
I love that jumper – the lace details are amazing but yet simple. And so easy to wear for work or for a more casual look.
This is gorgeous, and like every knitted project you post makes me want my own version Right Now! So, I’ll add Aiken on to my massive list of one-days…
As for your options, I like Praline the best, it is beautiful! (And now, thanks to you, also on my list of favourites!)
LOVE IT!!!