Thursday, May 07, 2009

i heart you

I had the pleasure of test-knitting i heart you for Mandy at Zigzag Stitch. It's a seamless colorwork yoke sweater, and I fell in love with it the instant I saw Mandy's original on flickr.


It is a little big on Rosebud -- I chose to knit it in the fourth size, ensuring extra ease in this close-fitting sweater. I knit much of this sweater during Philadelphia's April heat wave, and I wanted to make for damn sure that she'll be able to wear it next Fall. Also, Nature Spun is not exactly next-to-the-skin soft, so it will definitely require an extra layer underneath it to stave off the itchies.

I've knit some colorwork before, but I think this is the project where I finally got the hang of two-handed colorwork. My gauge is extremely tight in stranded knitting; I had to go up to a US5 needle to get gauge, and I had to learn how to catch floats (thanks, Mandy, for pointing me to this video) on some of the rows. I now feel ready for more colorwork, and coupled with the fact that my stash now overflows with Nature Spun in every shade of blue and purple, I will have plenty of inspiration!

Mandy just released her pattern for sale via her website and Ravelry, so go check it out!

13 comments:

anne marie said...

OMG, I haven't seen a pix of rosebud in quite some time...my, how grown up and pretty she is! and I lerve her haircut!

the sweater looks great, liz; an excellent job!

Ann said...

The sweater is fantastic! I'm struggling with a colorwork project right now so it's inspirational to see your beautiful handwork. Rosebud is such a riot! I sure do miss you guys!

lookinout said...

What a sweater. And you've done a great job!

Mom2Schnauzers said...

The sweater looks great...and kudos to you for knitting it during the great heatwave (followed by the great monsoon)...and "Rosebud" is a real beauty!

Unknown said...

Beautiful! You picked a great combination of colors and I particularly enjoy the progression you chose. It looks like you're a color work expert!

Your daughter looks very happy in it. It suits her.

LaurieM said...

Oh drat! Altion is my kid. I didn't sign him out before I commented. Sorry.

Sarah said...

That is so super cute -- the sweater and the model!

Kristy said...

How cute is Rosebud?! It looks like she loves the sweater, and she certainly should. Great job.

It was nice to actually meet you last weekend :)

Aileen said...

the sweater looks awesome! Rosebud looks like this maybe her new favorite sweater

tiennie said...

It's so cute and looks adorable on her!

Bridget said...

What a cute kid!

That sweater is pretty fabulous.

savannahchik said...

wow rosebud is really growing up! her haircut is adorable.

i can't believe this is your first big colorwork project - it looks fantastic.

Linda said...

Adorable...sweater AND child!