Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Giant steps are what you take

Ribbed wrap jacket with fig tree and shed
This is the Ribbed Wrap Jacket from 'Contemporary Knitting by Jo Sharp'. My first finished garment for me. And it was briefly cold enough to wear it on the weekend!
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I picked this pattern for several reasons:
- everything else in that book is completely shapeless
- I was intrigued by the unusual but simple construction. It looked pretty easy to knit and the ribbing should mean not too many fitting issues.
- It uses Jo Sharp Silk Road Aran for the body and Silk Road DK for the collar. I liked the idea of quicker knitting with the aran weight but not being completely wrapped in such warmth - I find lighter jumpers and cardigans much more wearable.
- The wool is absolutely delicious - it has both silk and cashmere in it - and I got it reduced when the Shearing Shed at Manuka was having a moving sale last year (or I wouldn't have got it at all, I am a cheapskate)
side seams
I started it last winter, and most of the knitting was done well before Christmas, but then other priorities took over. A couple of reality checks (trying on after tacking in one sleeve) made me think it was going to be too tight in the armholes and maybe across the shoulders. Right down until I had it all sewn together, after blocking the sleeves a bit wider, I still thought it wasn't going to work. It was such a relief to put it on and LOVE IT!

The pattern didn't include any closure. I thought about a shawl pin (and the ribbing means it can be stretched to wrap more), but for now I like it better this way with a button and crocheted loop. Maybe in the dead of winter I will change my mind.
Jacket back view

14 comments:

Michelle said...

Oh.

Wow!

What a beautiful and classy cardigan! The closure is just perfect, in my opinion. And I'm with you - I like the lighter cardigans and jumpers - especially since I discovered the art of layering.

happyspider said...

beautiful, well done :) It looks amazing on you!

amy said...

It looks great! I love the color combo and the closure looks just right. Enjoy it!

Rose Red said...

This was one of the first knitting books I bought when I started knitting again as an adult - and I have always loved this pattern - but the miles of rib turned me off. Shame, because it is GREAT!! Love yours.

Bells said...

Olivia it's stunning. Just beautiful. What a great job you've done. It suits you perfectly and has the loveliest shape to it.

Djaughan Zelmonde said...

Hey - Olma, the cardigan is truly gorgeous. I particularly like the length and LOVE how the lines (the texture of the ribs, but also the curve line between the red and grey) contour to the body. Not just a cardie, but a piece of art. Truly.

Denise said...

Fantastic job! It looks just stunning, and PHEW so glad it fits :)

Anonymous said...

It's a beautiful cardigan, I love the contrast of the 2 colours. I like to option of something that quickly changes from warm to cool as well. Cardigans are my favourite thing for that!! It looks so nice when you wear it too.

Bron said...

love it Liv - looks beautiful!
I agree about the closure - i think its perfect =D

Alwen said...

Knitting ribbing is slower for me, but that sure looks like it was worth it!

Taphophile said...

The suspense would have killed me! The result is worth it though :)

Georgie said...

Oh. My. Just gorgeous! Beautiful shape and looks fabulous on. Love the closure too.

Im off to see if Ive got the pattern!

Donna Lee said...

I had to wait to get to work to see the photos. They wouldn't load at home for some reason. It looks so cool. The colors work so well together. I don't know it I could stand all the ribbing but it makes the fit perfect on you.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! It looks absolutely stunning on you. Hmm almost makes me want to come visit in the winter...