We're thrilled to introduce a new feature on Knitting Daily: Project Diaries! We'll be presenting these in both Knitting Daily newsletters and on the Inside Knits blog. (Click here to check out another Project Diary!)
Project Diaries are so much fun, and they give you even more insight into knitting a sweater to fit you just the way you want it to. You'll learn from real knitters who are knitting sweaters in their sizes, for their bodies.
In this Project Diary, knitter Denise Ciotti takes us through the Chiral Cardigan from the Fall 2010 issue of Interweave Knits.
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| Denise Ciotti's Chiral Cardigan | |
Project: ChiralCardiganby Coralie Meslin, Interweave Knits Fall 2010
Knitter: Denise Ciotti aka ExecutiveKnitter. Denise lives in the Washington, D.C. area; she's an executive foran IT contractor in Virginia and she finds knitting to be meditative andrelaxing.
Yarn: RowanLima, #891 (La Paz), 7 balls
Why you were excited about knitting this project: I recognized the yarn immediately! Iam a Lima addict and this is my eighth project in that yarn. This cardigan wasso charming, perfect for wearing with jeans in the fall. My eye was also drawn to the ruffleedging; ruffles are so in this season and this treatment was just enough ofthem. I was leery of the asymmetrical front, but was in the mood for somethingnew and different for fall. And finally ... knitting on 10.5-size needles? I wassold!
What size you made: 40"
Your measurements in inches:
Bust: 39"
Waist: 28"
Hips: 37"
Back length (from neck to waist): 17"
Schematic measurements for your size:
Bust: 40"
Waist: 36"
Hips: 41"
Overall back length (from neck to hem): 22.25"
Modifications made: I was convinced you couldnot knit this yarn on 10.5 (US) size needles and get the gauge suggested. Afterswatching several times, I found I was spot-on the gauge with the suggestedneedle size. I knit the body exactly as written; I found the side shapinglovely and it fell correctly at my waist. (Editor's note: If the shapingof the waist in this garment doesn't work for you, raise or lower it by workingyour short rows shorter and longer on either side of the narrowest part of your waist. Don't forget tomake the same change on all four pieces!) I made the neck band shorter to ensurethe shoulders would not drop (see notes below).
What did you love about knitting this? The pattern is so well organized andwritten. Every stitch count was correct (this never happens for me), theshaping perfect, increases and decreases were well planned. The yarn/needlecombination made for fast and enjoyable knitting. The drape was evident after onlya few inches on the needle; this is a very luxurious cardigan.
What would you note for other knitters about when knitting this pattern? Anyspecific tips? On theshoulders of the model, I noticed thesweater's shoulder seams did not sit quite where I would want them to. I took that clue and double checked the back neckopening when it was time to add the neckband. This yarn knit on this size needlecreates a very drapey fabric that takes advantage of the texture of the yarn. However, asa result of the drapiness, before you add the neckband, the neckline will tend to stretch. I would payclose attention to the schematic, measuring your own shoulder width and knitting theband to that measurement. Chiral Cardigan by Coralie Meslin
To take this measurement, put on your favorite sweater with shoulder seams. Measure from shoulder seam toshoulder seam across the back of your neck. From that number, subtract thewidths of the fronts at the shoulder seam and knit the neck band to thatmeasurement. I knitted a few inches of the neck band, then seamed it to thesweater. Knitting and seaming at the same time ensured I had a perfect fit.
This project has a lot of seaming, but the results are worth it. Don't betempted to skip something, like knitting the fronts and back as one, to reduceseaming. The drapey fabric needs the support of the seams to hold the shape.
How will you wear this project? I see this with dark skinny jeans and agreat pair of knee high boots.
P.S. Denise's Chiral Cardigan is gorgeous; it goes to show you how making thelittle changes that are right for you can make a sweater go from pretty good toa knockout. (And if you're a plus-sized gal, be sure to read Lisa Shroyer's blog post about knitting the Chiral, too!)
At Interweave Knits, ourgoal is to provide the know-how and patterns to make knits that look and feelgood on everyone—subscribe now to make sure you don't miss a single issue!
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