I HAVE FINISHED KNITTING THE INFERNAL CARDIGAN

Sorry for two knitting-related posts in a row - I try not to do that to you! - but I have finally finished my navy cardigan, which had been on the needles since the middle of 2012, and if that doesn't deserve a post, very little I do does. (Actually, let's not go there - you probably could argue that very little I do does deserve a post...)

This is also a photo from my first-ever go at selfies. It took some faffing, but I managed to get one where the lighting and focus were both okay so you can see the stitch pattern. Actually posing nicely is something that can wait for another day.



I had to resize this pattern as it was originally written for just one size, rather smaller than me. It could do with being a tiny bit larger, but I can get into it.

Things I learned
1: A selvedge stitch is good
A selvedge stitch is where you slip the first stitch in every row. It creates a chain-like line of double-height stitches up the edge of the knitting, and makes sewing up so much easier it's untrue. I anticipated the pieces being tricky to sew together (small stitches, dark wool) but mattress stitch made it a doddle.

2: Making-up pins are also good
I usually spend ages attaching and reattaching sleeves because I get bits bunched up all over the place. This time I had a set of bamboo making-up pins that were given away free with Simply Knitting to hold everything in place, and they made fitting the sleeves really quick and easy. With those and the selvedge stitch, making the cardigan up was no trouble at all.

The original design buttoned up all the way to the collar, and I have worked the buttonholes and sewn on buttons right to the top, but I don't think it looks so good on me done up completely. I've got a big bust, which sits lower than a smaller cup size does, and done up there just seems to be acres of knitting between the shoulder and the apex of the bust, which isn't flattering, so I shall stick to wearing it as a V-neck. I like the way it looks with my beige/orange/navy Prince of Wales check skirt. I'd thought as I was working on it that the two would look good together, and they do!

I'd like to thank Tasha of By Gum, By Golly for organising the Knit For Victory knitalong, and all the members of the KFV Ravelry group. My cardigan would probably still be languishing on the needles without them!

Comments

  1. Well done for finishing it! I have a little cardi which I have had on the go for months and I really can't face going back to it! I think your cardigan is lovely.
    Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

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    1. I was utterly sick of this - if there's a knitalong you can join in that will help with your cardi, I really recommend joining in. It helps to have that extra bit of support.

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  2. Well done for finishing it! Garments always take me forever, that's why I mostly do socks and shawls.

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    1. I love shawls but almost never wear them. I'll be onto socks next - got a couple of WIPs to complete.

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  3. HUZZAH! It looks fab well done on finally finishing it. My Mum always uses making up pins for awkward items.

    Wow hasn't your hair grown loads? I love it that length.

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    1. Ha, the barnet is the result of ignoring it for months and months. I do like the length, though. It's finally a length where I can put it up.

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  4. Replies
    1. And it took a mere year and a half ;-)

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  5. Its looks brilliant, well done for getting it finished and off the needles.

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  6. I love this cardigan, great stitch pattern and I always like a deep rib. It looks great on you, I like it as a V neck. Your title made me giggle, I could imagine you shouting it out as you sewed the last stitch. Would you consider doing a tutorial on mattress stitch? I just can't get the hang of it.

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    1. Yup, that's no problem! I'll try to get one done this month.

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  7. Yay Congrats on finishing it, it looks beautiful as do you in it ! That stitch is really pretty, but I am guessing very fiddly to knit. I am certainly going to have to find myself some making-up pins, as settling the sleeves in my victory jumper was a flipping nightmare, much cursing and unpicking was involved!

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    1. There were places where it had K3tog, which was horrible to do. Lots of reducing stitches and making extra ones. That's what made it take so long, I think - though now the stitch pattern is burned in my brain!

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  8. What a gorgeous cardi! The v-neck style really suits you.

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    1. Thank you! I'm never shy about waving my cleavage at people...

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