one size too small - or maybe two




It has only taken a year (minus three weeks) to knit the mustard yellow Polaris jumper. Some projects just take a while. I started knitting this jumper when we went to Switzerland last summer. There, I spent every minute possible knitting. I nearly finished the bodice by the time the children were back at school in August. By Christmas, I had knitted maybe ten more rounds. Sometimes in January, I finally finished the bodice. The jumper then sat in a bag until April, when decided to knit a sleeve. I started the second sleeve a month ago, determined the jumper would be finished before the summer holiday.

The good news is that I did it. The bad news is that I made the wrong size. I kinda knew but I had some hope that blocking and gentle stretching would do. Unfortunately not quite. I could wear it but it is not an attractive sight. I did all the measuring and I knitted a small sample square based on which I went down a needle size. That was probably a mistake. Looking at the original pattern, the model is far less busty than I am and maybe the jumper would fit with a bit more bust shaping.

Annie grudgingly agreed to model the jumper for me. I didn't dare using too much of her time and only took a few pictures. She deemed it inappropriately low cut and granny-like. There I thought she might like to be the owner....

Anyway, the knitting was fun - on the whole. The Polaris jumper is knitted from the top down in the round. The instructions are very clear, round by round. When I first started, I thought I'd never be able to get the gathered front done but one round at the time I did. I hadn't read this part of the instructions before I started because sometimes it is best not to know how difficult something might get. I find that one step at the time works best. I do that not just with knitting patters, but in life in general. The gathers are very cleverly done actually. I did wonder how the yarn is wrapped around the growing jumper and it is impossible to explain but trust me, you can do it if you want to.

The yarn I used is a favourite of mine, Drops Alpaca. It is soft and squishy and smells nice, too. The one thing that I don't like is that the stitches are not as neat as with other yarns. It is a mystery actually, I am probably the neatest knitter in a 20 mile radius but not with Drops Alpaca. I have made a few things with this yarn and it is always the same. A few washes in, the stitches fall into place.

I am not sure what I am going to do with this jumper. Maybe I'll go on a diet, maybe I'll give it to charity. Or maybe, one of you lovely readers would like to have it? Just let me know. I am guessing it is a UK size 14 or thereabouts. In the meantime, I'll fold it neatly and put in the back of a drawer.

My next knit will be another Lady Grey shrug. I made one before but lost it. It is such a versatile shrug, good for cool summer evenings and just as good as a scarf during the winter. It is knitted from the middle out, some of it flat some in the round. In other words, a fun knit. Are you knitting anything just now? Do tell! Have a great day. xx

P.S. I am still in Cornwall and this is a scheduled post. I'll visit a few blogs when I have time to search out a 3G signal. I always miss my blog reading routine when I am on holiday!

Comments

  1. It's really a lovely sweater and the stitch definition looks great. I'm sad that it doesn't fit to your liking after all the time you've spent knitting it. I'm working on a little ruffled pullover sweater for my granddaughter. It's an easy knit so far. The shrug pattern is so lovely with the lace design. Happy knitting, Pat xx

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a shame after all your hard work, I love the colour. Hope you are having a wonderful break away and that the weather has been good for you. I am so busy with the cottage I haven't picked up my crochet for weeks. However, I did have a couple of relaxing afternoons with a book.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Cheeky Christina but I think that would go with my mustard and grey checked wool skirt a treat. Such a shame Annie does not like it. If no one you know close by wants it I would happily give it a new home, I think the neckline is beautiful. Jo x

    ReplyDelete
  4. I really like it. I wish it worked better for you or Annie, though. Maybe she'll change her mind in a year or so. I think it looks nice on her with a top underneath it.

    ReplyDelete
  5. So pretty, can't understand why your daughter thinks it's old ladyish.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I can;t believe she does not like it, the color and the pattern are perfect. I am so sorry it doesn't fit you, seems to be the story of my life constantly making things too big or too small. Don't you dare give it to charity, save it for when she comes to her senses or send it to me!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. It's a lovely colour and very pretty. I'd love it if I wasn't allergic to wool. A shame it doesn't fit you. I don't think I've ever made a jumper that fits me, I've stuck to scarves recently, although now I think about it there is a jumper lurking in a bag somewhere half-made. I have a stalled mini-blanket here - no knitting now there's a puppy on the premises. I live in hope that I'll be able to knit again one day. CJ xx

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a beautiful knit Christina and how sad it doesn't fit. Definitely time to do something that does fit you. The shawl pattern looks lovely. I've just finished a cardigan but it's a bit warm for now ! B x

    ReplyDelete
  9. I really like it - I don't think it's old ladyish at all - I'd wear it! What a shame it doesn't fit after all the effort you put into knitting it.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I am very interested to hear you think your stitch definition is not as neat when using Drops Alpaca, as I started a cardigan with this wool and was similarly disappointed. I am never unhappy with my stitches using other yarn, so I put this project away. As you say it evens up in the wash, I may just go fetch it out again. I love the softness and colours.

    Thank you for posting your jumper, I love the pattern you chose - not at all old lady-ish!

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a shame it's not right. It's a lovely colour and pattern. I have found that other alpaca yarns don't have good stitch definition, but I think it's worth it. I too, love the smell!!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I also adore Drops Alpaca.. I'm using it for a Japanese Flower shawl.. but it's kind of in the "time out" corner.. I need to bring it back out. Sorry it didn't fit right.. I know you'll find the right place for it. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

    ReplyDelete
  13. It's a lovely sweater. Such a shame it's too small. It's way too nice to send to a charity shop. I think you should save it until the right person comes along, someone who will love and appreciate it.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I think it is a great jumper and would be a lovely layering piece, shame it isn't right for you right now, but I am sure that the right person or time will come along! Good luck with your next makes!

    ReplyDelete
  15. It is a pretty sweater Christina - that front does indeed look complicated. Too low cut and granny-like at the same time - at first I thought that wasn't possible, but then I remembered my neighbor up the street in her strapless terrycloth one-piece jumpsuit. Yes, it is possible. However, your sweater looks nice - what a shame you can't enjoy it.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Sorry to hear about the size.. especially after all the time and effort that went into it. I do like the color very much.
    A shrug sounds great.. I wish I knew how to knit.. maybe something to learn when I have time on my hands.

    ReplyDelete
  17. What a shame it doesn't fit you and that Annie doesn't like it. It looks good on her! I'm knitting an all in one cardigan in 4 ply at the moment and the sleeves will be knitted in the round. Enjoying it so far but it's not my neatest effort!

    ReplyDelete
  18. oh I do like it so - esp the colour! What a pity the sizing is wrong. I'm knitting a memory blanket with left over sock wool; a top; a jersey; 3 pairs of socks and 2 scarves...and it is bloody f-r-e-e-z-I-n-g in New Zealand!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hi, thanks for visit on my blog. I love the colour, I hope you find a recipient whio will love it!

    ReplyDelete
  20. How disappointing your lovely jumper doesn't fit. It is such a pretty colour and pattern. As for Annie's comment it looks too granny, I don't think it does at all. But......then I am nearing that granny age. =)

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment, I love to hear from you, I really do. I sometimes reply by email but I am not all that reliable... Christina xx

Labels

Show more