A Mid(summer) Winter's Tale
When a project is all over the blogs, Ravelry and up for potential inclusion in the next NASA time capsule, you can bet it'll make its way over here. I am nothing if not a lemming. But those lemmings? They knit really cute sweaters.
Like Clapotis before it, the February Lady Sweater has taken on a life of its own. In the month since its publication, there are 775 projects on Ravelry and another 4545 planned. That kind of popularity must be exhilarating if more than a little terrifying; can you find a better example of the power of the the internet?
My February Lady Sweater was knit from almost exactly 750 yards of Tess' Silk and Merino, a 50/50 blend with 250 yards per skein. The yarn is some of the oldest in my stash, from Maryland Sheep and Wool 2005; this yarn has been waiting a long time for a worthy project.
I knit size XXS at a gauge of 18 stitches over 4 rows on US 7 needles. The entire sweater was knit on a 24 inch circular needle, even the sleeves. My pattern mods were fairly basic: I replaced the eyelet row with paired increases after working an inch plain then dividing for the sleeves immediately after. My button holes are over three stitches, which comfortably accomodates my 1 and 1/4 inch buttons. I knit the sleeves and body longer, and used a tubular cast on and off for extra give in these problem areas.
The buttons have their own story: these are actually the second butons I purchased for the sweater. The first were stolen in an unfortunate accident on the metro involving (my) skinned knees and a stranger's "apparent" kindness. These junior varsity buttons are still lovely: hammered Danish pewter, but the originals were vintage Art-Deco masterpieces.
All button related sadness aside, this is really a smashing sweater. It came together in about a week and has been worn a number of times since I finished it. Nothing says summer like sunblock and wool, but I've worn this sweater five times in two weeks, even all day in 90 degree heat. I love it.
In summary:
The February Lady Sweater by Pamela Wynne of Flint Knits. This free pattern is available on both Ravlery and Pam's excellent blog.
Knit on US 7 needles, 24 inch Addi Turbo circulars. As the sleeves are generously sized, the stitches fit very comfortably on the needle without any maniplation. If you prefer narrower sleeves, you may wish to change the pattern.
The sweater required almost 750 yards of worsted weight yarn. I had about three yards left over, so if you are attached to your swatches, you may wish to purchase extra yarn.
The sweater is fantastic: it definitely warrants a whole outfit.
(more pictures are on the Ravelry page for this project)
It's beautiful! It's such a thrill to find the prefect project for yarn that's been marinating a long time. And it is a perfect match. Wonderful drape!
And stolen buttons! I weep for you.
Posted by: jillian | July 18, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Ooooo oooo ooooo! Me want! Want pretty sweater RIGHT NOW!
But alas, I must actually attempt to finish some of the current projects. But perhaps if I can find some appropriate yarn happies in the "please dye us for we are plain and white" basket, I can play! After all, I'll still be able to wear that sweater when I'm ginormous-tummied!
Posted by: maeve | July 18, 2008 at 11:16 AM
Damn, lady, that was superspeedy! It looks fabulous on you; I should really get mine on the needles.
Posted by: Ashley | July 18, 2008 at 11:25 AM
so, so pretty!
but the buttons? I would love to know the story. and what is it with you and cursed metro-knitting tales, anyways?
Posted by: ann | July 18, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Wowee, that is fantastic. It looks so beautiful on you. Really elegant.
It is killing me to see all these beautiful February Lady Sweaters (yours being particularly so); with my current WIP and queue, I'm afraid it really will be midwinter before I can cast on!
Gorgeous, really, really, really gorgeous.
Posted by: earthchick | July 18, 2008 at 12:10 PM
Reading your blog silent for some time I must say now how splendid your February Lady Sweater looks and how aesthetic these pictures look. They appear to come from a vintage movie.
Pretty, pretty.
Petra
Posted by: Wolligkeiten | July 18, 2008 at 02:10 PM
So pretty!
I've been meaning to take you up on your offer to help with the needlepoint stuff. It still is in Rochester, but once it's in DC I want to see about restoring it. Let's talk!!
Posted by: Jessie | July 18, 2008 at 04:41 PM
Your FLS looks beautiful.
Posted by: sue | July 18, 2008 at 07:59 PM
Perfection!!!
It was worth the wait of that lovely yarn.I remember when you came back from Sheep and Wool with your great purchases.
You wear it so well with the summer dress.
It is going to go far with so many choices of what to put with it.
Posted by: Wendy Rambo Shuford | July 18, 2008 at 10:41 PM
Another beauty! And those shoes! Those are some beauties as well. Actually, the entire outfit is smashing.
Posted by: Gina | July 18, 2008 at 11:25 PM
Yay! It really is a great sweater! The yarn looks like a great choice, I bet it's nice and drapey, and the colour is gorgeous. Pretty shoes too! Enjoy wearing it.
Posted by: jane | July 20, 2008 at 04:57 PM
I love it! I also have this on my queue, as I was a huge fan of the baby version. For me, however, 90 degree heat does not bode well for my knitting! I think this will be a fall sweater. :)
Posted by: Marlena | July 22, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Oh, it's *gorgeous*. Must. Make.
Posted by: Amy | July 23, 2008 at 09:46 AM
Love it! I've been thinking of making one for myself since the pattern came out.
Posted by: Alicia | July 24, 2008 at 01:24 PM