Monday, November 10, 2008

Plain & Fancy Raglan

Did you guess my latest project was a sweater? A cardigan to be exact.

It probably took me more time to decide on a pattern to show off this yarn properly than it actually took to knit the sweater. Such is the challenge of variegated yarn. In the end, I'm happy with the results.

Pattern: Chic Knits Eyelet Cardi
Yarn: Plain & Fancy Sheep & Wool
Color: Variegated Coral
Needles: US 4 and 6
Knitting Time: Less Than 3 Weeks

Stockinette stitch compliments this "busy" yarn, while a simple eyelet detail on the yoke keeps it from being too plain.

This raglan cardigan is knitted in one piece from the top down, which helps relieve some anxiety as to whether the fit will be right, because you can try it on as you knit. I made this sweater one size larger than I normally would, so it can be easily worn over long sleeves and heavier clothing this winter. It was nice to know early on that it wasn't going to be too big.

As is often the case with hand-dyed yarn, color intensity varied slightly from skein to skein and even some within the same skein. I decided to let the yarn knit up as is, though I could have tried to even out the variation by alternating skeins every few rows. For the most part, differences in color intensity are not glaring except for one place on the right sleeve.

I modified the original pattern slightly by adding an inch or two to the body length and changing the sleeves from 3/4 to full length. I also decided to use garter stitch on the bottom border of the sweater and sleeves instead of ribbing. The front bands and neckband remained in garter stitch, though I increased the number of rows for a wider border.

It is noted in the pattern that the front of this cardi may roll if very soft yarn is used. That was true with my sweater before it was washed. After it was washed, the rolling was very slight. I could have left it like that, but I decided it might be worth the effort to sew a grosgrain ribbon to the inside front border as suggested. I wasn't sure it would make that much difference, but it did! The front bands now lay completely flat, which improves the look of the whole sweater.

44 comments:

  1. You sweater looks divine! The colors compliment you very well. I'm so impressed that you finished it in 3 weeks. That's a lot of stitching.

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  2. Nicely done! You made some good modifications to the original and it turned out spectacular! It looks fabulous on you.

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  3. I love this sweater on you! The little bit of eyelet gives it just enough interest. I'm going to look this pattern up on Ravelry and be sure to keep it. This might be the one that makes me try a sweater for me. :)

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  4. BEAUTIFUL! I LOVE THE SWEATER AND IT LOOKS GREAT ON YOU.

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  5. Absolutely adorable! The perfect cardigan!

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  6. What a pretty sweater! I love top-down raglans, they are so much fun to make, and they are easy to design on the fly! Those colors are great, and I like the grosgrain ribbon too!

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  7. Your sweater turned out lovely. I love the accent at the yoke. And filed the ribbon idea away (in my mind).

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  8. The sweater is beautiful, and it looks great on you!! What a wonderful job!! Love the clasp!
    Suzanne

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  9. It's a winner! I've wanted to knit that pattern, and I'm glad to know it's such a fast knit. Beautiful! And I really like the clasp!

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  10. Beautiful!! Of course!

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  11. Tracy, you are amazing! Your sweater is just beautiful and I am in awe of your ability to knit gorgeous sweaters. I finally got brave (and cold) enough to try knitting my first sweater. I am waiting for my ordered yarn to arrive. I am very excited!

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  12. I did NOT guess that it was a sweater! It's very pretty and perfect for your mild TX "winters"!

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  13. Eyelet detail on the yoke is what makes it for me! What a great idea. Can you share that part with us?
    I can knit a top down raglan, so I just need the yoke fun. THANKS

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  14. Beautiful cardigan. You are right, the pattern was perfect for the yarn.

    I like to do top down knitting because I do not like seaming.

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  15. I concur with the other comments. Love it! Couldn't have bought a sweater that was more perfect!

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  16. Tracy, that is just beautiful. It looks great on you. Your needles must have been flyin' to get it cranked out in 3 weeks. The clasp is the perfect touch.

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  17. What a lovely cardigan!! The variation in the yarn gives it a lot of character. Super job as always:~D

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  18. It's gorgeous! I actually started the Knitty version of this sweater (Sitcom Chic) some time ago but never finished it (knitters ADD, I think, nothing to do with the sweater). You've inspired me to dig it out and get it finished!

    You always inspire me.

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  19. Anonymous7:00 PM

    You did great. I love your finished sweater.

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  20. Your sweater is really lovely. Once again I love your color choice. I really love the row of eyelet. You did a superb job on this sweater (especially the front bands). Have you done a lot of sewing?

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  21. Great sweater! The variegated yarn will make this compatible with alot of different colors and add some color to your winter wardrobe. It looks like your design changes really worked.

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  22. Beautiful!

    I love to hear about the changes you made to make it perfect for you. The ribbon is genius.

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  23. Oh my! I miss a few days of blog reading and this is what I come back to... a whole sweater! :o) It's beautiful.

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  24. Beautiful sweater! Can I go back to yesterday and guess now?

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  25. Super cardi, Tracy! The variegated yarn really suits this project, and your slight bents to the original make it uniquely yours. I like that little bit of open-work eyelet...just enough "extra"...and your ribbon solution is a great idea. Very well done! And how fast you made this--wow! Happy Days ((HUGS))

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  26. V is also for Very Nice! I especially like the eyelet that flows right into the amazing closure. Looks like a very comfortable mid-season sweater. Not too warm. Not too cold. Enjoy!

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  27. I thought you might be making that sweater! It looks just great - perfect marriage of yarn and pattern.

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  28. Yet again....LOVE IT! Your talent blows my mind. Great job, Tracy and you look fabulous in it!

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  29. Anonymous3:17 PM

    LOVE it!!

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  30. Anonymous8:25 PM

    Great sweater, and wonderful suggestions.

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  31. you look beautiful and the sweater is certainly a keeper!!
    love that first photo

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  32. Love the ribbon idea. The finished sweater is BEAUTIFUL. You did a great job.

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  33. CUTE!!!!
    ryc: Thank you!

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  34. My goodness, it's like a piece of artwork. Nicely done. :) Thanks for letting me (us) see it.

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  35. Anonymous5:53 PM

    lovely finish work! That clasp in the front is too cute!

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  36. Fabulous cardi ~ you'll wear it often, I'm sure! (Love the clasp!)

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  37. What a great photo of you! The sweater looks great...I bet you'll wear this one all the time :-)

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  38. Very smart indeed.

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  39. You cant get enough of great cardigans! its beautiful!

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  40. Wow! Forty comments, Tracy. More and more people are beginning to discover you. I know why too. You always have the perfect mix of uplifting family and spiritual content, beautiful scenery...oh, and, of course...knitting:)

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  41. It's gorgeous, Tracy! Beautiful pattern, beautiful yarn, and beautiful model! :-)

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  42. Anonymous11:45 AM

    The sweater is beautiful, as so many others have said. I just finished Chic Knits basic cardi, and pretty much haven't taken it off...the patterns are quite nice and easy to follow.

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  43. Anonymous11:47 PM

    I never would have thought to do that sweater in a varigated yarn, but now seeing one...I really like it!

    Well done!

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Thank you for commenting!
~Tracy

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