One of my goals for the end of 2008 was to clear out the blogging queue. Unsurprisingly, that didn't happen. Some last minute gifts need blogging, as well as some new projects currently underway, but I wanted to go a little out of order. This poor sweater wound up being quite the group project and it didn't seem right to keep to myself anymore!
Presenting: Heroine, from the Twist Collective by Jennifer Lippman Bruno. Knit from one and a half balls of Briar Rose Charity in a custom dark brown colorway ordered at Rhinebeck 2008. The yarn was scrumptious! Clocking in at 900 yards of delicious corriedale per ball, I loved knitting with it and it felted beautifully. I have about 500 yards left off the second ball and know it will grow up to be something really lovely (and definitely, not felted. hee!)
Knitting took around ten days, mostly around Thanksgiving. I
knit with a single strand of yarn (the pattern calls for doubled yarn)
at a smaller gauge on US 8s, knitting the 42 inch size for a 33 inch finished
bust. The sample, I've heard, had eight inches of positive ease (and
it looks it!), so my more fitted version is the more wearable option for
me.
In these pictures, I'm wearing it over a heavy turtleneck; I was actually comfortable running around in the 35 degree weather, so clearly, I don't need a million layers with a felted coat! Assembling everything was problematic and the pattern
had some serious clarity issues, but thanks to the superb (really, I
mean it) technical support at Twist, things were off and
running again quickly. So, while I can't crow about the pattern, everything else gets two big thumbs up from this knitter!
And speaking of thumbs up, can we give an enormous shoutout to Punsir? He took these pictures and they are perfect. Thanks, Punsir!
I really love the coat in this yarn. I think the more fitted fit (how redundant) is more flattering than that on the website. Such pretty photos! Good job (to you AND to PunSir) :)
Posted by: mick | January 02, 2009 at 05:17 PM
Amazing! Makes me want to take out more Briar Rose Fibers and knit the jacket - it is so much more appealing than the original image! Congratulations on such a great knit.
Posted by: Missy | January 02, 2009 at 06:23 PM
Your coat, and you, are gorgeous! I had been waiting to see some examples of this, and what you did with sizing/gauge is genius. Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: jillian | January 02, 2009 at 07:21 PM
This is fantastic! I love it - the color is fabulous.
Posted by: anne | January 02, 2009 at 07:33 PM
Wow, those are some gorgeous pics, Punsir! Are you sure you're not on the cover of a magazine?
But i think what 2009 really needs is some kickassingly difficult stranded colour work gloves. Am I right?
Posted by: Glenna | January 02, 2009 at 08:00 PM
it's gorgeous! I love the color!!
Posted by: marie | January 02, 2009 at 08:18 PM
Love, love, love it! Looks amazing on you, too. Don't you just love starting the year out free and clear?
Posted by: margene | January 02, 2009 at 08:42 PM
I'm typically not all that big on a variegated yarn, but that one is beautiful! That looks great on you!
Posted by: sarah b. | January 02, 2009 at 10:53 PM
Yep, have to say your fitted version looks much cleaner than the original, bag-like option. Well done and a very happy new year to you!
Posted by: Cheryl | January 03, 2009 at 07:34 AM
This marvelous! You look smashing! Is it just the handknit or is it also the work of Punsir? There's a twinkle in your eye that he's captured wonderfully.
Posted by: Gina | January 03, 2009 at 07:39 AM
That is beautiful! The coat fits perfectly, and makes me want one. (Not sure I would look as good in a felted garment as you do. *sigh*)
Punsir clearly loves his photographic subject.
Posted by: Laurie | January 03, 2009 at 08:04 AM
Absolutely beautiful, and the feelings between the two of you is very apparent in the photos as well! What a great pair you make!
Posted by: genia | January 03, 2009 at 10:23 AM
Oh pretty! I'm so glad you got the issues resolved. Fantastic photos! I cannot WAIT to see this jacket in person.
Posted by: ann | January 03, 2009 at 04:36 PM
Oh girl you are so HAWT in these pics:)
Posted by: Heather | January 03, 2009 at 06:26 PM
You did a great job! Your jacket looks much better than the original. In fact, I haven't cared for this sweater until now. Thanks for interpreting it so beautifully. Oh, and great pics!
Posted by: Priscilla | January 04, 2009 at 12:07 PM
Ooh the sir did do a lovely job capturing how gorgeous you are :)
Love the piece and I think it really suits you.
Posted by: Marnie | January 05, 2009 at 12:11 AM
Looks great!
Posted by: Jackie F. | January 06, 2009 at 01:27 PM
Nice jacket, and it looks as though you are enjoying the camera guy. There is a twinkle in your eye.
Posted by: Machelle | January 06, 2009 at 07:23 PM
so nice!!! you did a superb job and I also love the color you chose.
Posted by: bd | January 07, 2009 at 11:16 PM
damn, woman! you look fantastic! and that jacket is awesome. I really love your mods. The Punsir has a way with the camera, and with you, I suppose. ;)
Posted by: Carrie | January 08, 2009 at 02:21 AM
Awesome jacket! You always look so great in your creations......
Posted by: Ruth | January 09, 2009 at 02:41 PM
It looks terrific, great job! I'm with Priscilla, I didn't love this sweater until your (striking!) version. Love the lively photoshoot, too :)
Posted by: Val | January 12, 2009 at 11:45 AM
Good Golly you are gorgeous. And the sweater/jacket *fantastic*. Perfect color and it just looks so amazing on you. Lovely, lovely, lovey.
Posted by: earthchick | January 13, 2009 at 10:16 AM