Life's Little Novelties

I would like to believe I am somewhat "with-it" when it comes to fashion forward/fashionable dress. I spent the last two years studying trends, forecasting and design and know I have a pretty good sense of color. I like to walk a fine line between classic and funky (mainly through accessorizing) but rarely step out of my comfort zone. I have certain clothes I buy over and over -- after 28 years, I know my body enough to know what does and does not work on me and my short short torso -- and don't stray too far from these basics.

My knits reflect this general rule as well, especially if I am working on something that requires a large financial or time investment. I know what sweater shape works, so I usually build off of that and add elements through gauge, color or yarn. I see no reason why a sweater should not first and foremost be a functional piece of clothing utilized for the purpose of aiding in warmth. Call me what you will: my New England practicality wins every time.

The sweater on the cover of the new Debbie Bliss Magazine, the ever so creatively named Cabled V-Neck Vest, goes against pretty much all of my usual "rules" for knitting: it is a pullover, not cardigan, has short sleeves, is technically a drop-shouldered shape, no waist shaping, knit out of chunky yarn....everything I usually run from. It is, essentially, an impractical, novelty sweater. The speed at which I knew it could be finished, though, and languishing stash yarn purchased almost two years ago made it seem plausible. (And if it ended up a total disaster, I convinced myself it was not a huge loss).


After posting yesterday, I realized it was silly not to sit down and finish. I have had some unexpected free time this weekend so it seemed a shame not to do so. This was definitely the easiest knit to block: I threw it in the wash with the rest of the laundry, then laid it out it in the sun this a.m. to dry. As I mentioned before, the yarn is incredibly lofty and soft once it gets a final, real, washing machine wash and looks nothing like its former ropey greasy coned self.

I am confident to declare this one a success. The bulky knit and photos of the model laying down did cause me some apprehension as to the flattery, but it works quite well. I am happily surprised at how shaped it looks in the photos above, but I promise it is one big rectangular tube -- just as written.


Specs: School Products Cashmere Merino Blend Cone. (Yarn held doubled) Finished sweater weighs 460g -- so about 730 yards total.
Pattern: Cabled V-Neck Vest, Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine Fall 08
Mods: Adjusted numbers for knitting in the round. Fixed pattern error to ensure cable crossovers all match.
Needles: Clover Bamboo 11.
Gauge: 9.5 sts and 15.5 rows = 4" in Seed St.
Start Date: August 27, 2008
Finished: October 11, 2008. (Took a few weeks off here and there).
Raveled: Here.

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Sidenote: It is not my intention to claim I am the victim of a horrible crime, but I have noticed images of some of my work -- mainly textiles -- around the internet with no mention whatsoever of who/what/where they came from.

Others have said it before and I assumed because only jerks still do this it was understood and I didn't need to say it again (obviously I was wrong): While I appreciate people who enjoy my aesthetic and design, if you copy, post, use, download, etc a photo from the internet of my work, ask permission first or -- at the very very least -- reference where it came from.

Thanks.