Coastal Pullover

The Coastal Pullover by Hannah Fettig is by far one of the most challenging sweaters I have made to date. With a relatively simple and modern shape, I thought I could finish this sweater in enough time to wear it on my Japan trip. I allotted myself two weeks as the sweater is made on US size 8 needles with worsted weight yarn. A sweater in two weeks? No problem!

The cable pattern was a series of front and back cables that created a wave pattern over the entire sweater. I loved this sweater from the photos as the cables created an interesting texture that seemed timeless. I pictured myself being able to wear this sweater for years to come. It is one of those pieces that would look great for brunch as well as  something that would look nice at work.

I got into problems with the alignment of the cables along the armholes. This sweater is knit top down in a raglan style and for some reason I kept ending up with too much space between the raglan edge and the first cable. I ended up frogging the top half twice. This project was not a Netflix knit for me…well at least I couldn’t knit while watching any show of high interest. I really had to concentrate on the cables as I ended up with a few nonconformists.

I used some yarn that I bought here in Guangzhou. Using Google Translate, I believed the  label to say 80% wool. However, as I got to about mid way through the body I noticed that there had to be more acrylic content in the yarn. My sweater was getting a case of the fuzzies. I was too far into the sweater to turn around just because there was some slight piling. Plus, I wanted to show off this sweater in an epic photo in Japan. So I kept knitting on.

Well did I finish before the trip? NO! Did I finish this sweater on the trip? Yes! I got the last end weaved in two days before we returned  to China. I wore it one day (unblocked) as I just wanted some pics of me with the sweater on in the snow. Too bad these photos did not work out. The snow/sun combo was not picture perfect lighting.

With it all being said and done I really like the look and fit of this sweater. I made the small size and I would say it had 1/2-1″ of negative ease on me. I also like that this sweater as it is not too feminine. I love super feminine clothing, but I do like to change it up sometimes.

Until Next Time,

-Whit-

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Chuck Sweater

Have you ever knit something that just comes together perfectly that you want to scream from the top of a building, ” I did it! I have created the ultimate fitted sweater!”

Well my Chuck Sweater is this knitted object. Everything from the color to the final fit just came together to form a fantastic garment. Often when knitting sweaters something goes a little wonky, but not with Chuck. The pattern and charts were easy to follow, I enjoyed working with the yarn and seeing the pattern unfold in my lap.

I used Cascade 220 Superwash in Dark Periwinkle (discontinued). I love Cascade 220 for sweaters as it has nice stitch definition and is an affordable wool.

In the past, I have had fit issues with Andi Satterlund’s patterns. My sweaters have either come out too small or too large. Andi designs with a retro fit in mind which generally means negative ease. My body shape (short torso, muscular frame) often isn’t compatible with her designs as written. I generally make modifications and/or give my sweaters to others. Figuring out the right garment proportions for my body is something I continue to struggle with despite me having 16 years of knitting experience. However, I had great optimism for Chuck. The design works from the back shoulders and over the chest area before it is joined under the arms. This construction was great for me as I could try on the garment as I knit.

My final result? A sweater that I love and fits my body shape wonderfully! I really enjoyed the Chuck pattern as it had just enough difficulty (cabling on front panel only) that I felt challenged without feeling overworked. I had never tried a project with this open cable pattern so I was glad I expanded my horizons.

What handmade garment have you made that has resulted in an amazing fit?

Until Next Time,

-Whit-

Yarn Shopping in Tokyo, Japan

Currently, my husband and I are in Japan. We are really loving it. The people are lovely and the food is fantastic. Before we arrived I did a little research about yarn shopping. I was pleasantly surprised to find a few sources to locate yarn stores. I used a list from Travel Knitter as well as Knitmap. Just my luck there was a craft store about 1 km from our hotel! The description sounded like this place was a crafter’s heaven.

Okadaya is located off the Shinjuku metro stop across from “Godzilla Road.” Okadaya stocks fabric, yarn, buttons, sewing notions…etc. I headed right for the yarn floor (Floor 5). The area was spacious and there was quite a selection to choose from. I also appreciated that the staff didn’t hover, but when I had a question they were friendly and helpful.

Most of the brands stocked were new to me. There were European brands as well as Japanese. I loved that they had all of the yarn out for petting! Okadaya’s stock was mainly wool, but I did manage to find some cotton yarn. I have two more knit tops that I want to make for summer. I purchased NaturaXL (aran weight) and Natura (fingering weight yarn).

My husband was with me and asked for some more hand knitted socks. Funny how whenever I go to the yarn store with him we walk away with a skein for him too. He found a pretty cool sock yarn by Opal. They took famous paintings and applied the colors to the yarn. My husband chose the colorway inspired by Le Café, le soir as he is partial to blue.

I also remembered that my Blaster sweater still needed some buttons. I went down one floor down to the button section. With so many choices I really had to stay focused. I ended up choosing buttons with a green and blue mosaic. I am not sure if they are the best fit. If they don’t work with my Blaster sweater I am sure I can find something else to knit up to go with them. 😉

Okadaya was a great experience. The shop had good prices (as compared to yarn prices in the US) and a variety of items that appeal to all crafters. Despite not specializing in yarn, I left feeling excited with my new purchases.

Until Next Time,

-Whit-

If you are interested in learning more my about our travels in Japan please visit Smithberrys Abroad.