March 18, 2005
Chrissie
Project Specs:
Pattern: Rowan Big Wool Chrissie
Suggested Yarn/Used: Rowan Big Wool (Stormy 011)
Needle Size: bamboo straight US 17's and 13's
Gauge: 7 1/sts/4" in St st according to pattern, actual 9 sts/4"
(choose to knit appropriate size at tighter gauge)
Went out for a trek in the park last weekend and this bit of Big Wool provided me with just the amount of warmth I needed. As I have stated before I'm diggin' the cardi's right now so a cardi with the addition of pockets, a stylish belt :) and full blown collar had me quite tickled as these are all pretty new to my can-knit list (though they are pretty basic versions of them all, but I don't love them any less for that, hee, hee)
Could've, would've, should've...and did
I'm thinking that I could've added loops for the belt that were not specified by the pattern. I don't think I'll be wearing the belt much as pictured however I would like to wear it tied in the back (i know completely without a purpose, but i like belts that way and it'll give the option to wear it when i feel like it rather than when i remember to grab it). I would've knit it in black as in pattern pic, but early in my knitting I had a tendency (and still do a lit' bit) to buy yarn in the color pictured in the pattern. Well, I'm trying make an effort to look beyond the pattern, plus this yarn was already in stash (come to find out i had black too, but didn't want to give in to the pattern pic though i need to give in to organizing stash better). Well, as it turns out I like the black in the pattern, but I'll make do. The grey adds to what could have been a basic black cardi or either I'm trying to sike myself out (most likely the case here, hee, hee). There may be a solid Chrissie in my future as I've lost a bit of the garter stitch detail in the pocket top, collar and edging in this "marble yarn" I should've reinforced those button holes as a one-stitch is usually sufficient, but when using Big Wool, one stitch is a little loose. I'm sure I'll being doing that once I find some black yarn that I can use that is an appropriate gauge. Don't want to use the big wool for that.
I did use one needle size down for the body for a tighter knit and two sizes down for the belt. Thanks for the suggestion Nancy. I'll be doing the same thing for Fanny too. I know from experience that Big Wool has a tendency to grow with washing. I wear Gwen all the time (see, just like pattern pic). I may have to knit another one of those using a smaller needle size as well (maybe ummm, black). It's funny what you think you'll wear and what you actually do wear. I thought I would grow tired of those ties, but I wear that at every chance I get. I have to admit though that I chose it at the time to avoid any buttons or zippers, but I'm down with the buttons and now I just have to get with those zippers.
As far as new elements to my knitting that were introduced with this cardi, I have to say nice to meet you belt, collar and pockets along with the longer length. Fun little elements though I'm not sure exactly if anything will be going in those pockets (oh yeah, they did house some ginger candy and smarties this weekend). So I guess they are pretty useful. Hmm, must incorporate pockets and candy in future knits as well, lol.
So bottom line I'm likin' the cardi as its very cozy though I will be makin' an effort not to wear it with my all time favorite scarf Guy that is knit with the same yarn (see what i mean about not seeing beyond the pattern) Its not that there is anything wrong with it if its the color you like, but I was seeing way too much of a pattern with that in the past. I just want it to be about what I like and not about exactly what I see. Wearing Guy would be a little bit too much marble for me (unless we're talkin' marble cake, lol).
Please note: No i's were harmed in their complete overuse of italicized code included in the above post. Guess I just got carried away.
Posted by froggy at March 18, 2005 05:56 AM
Hi Froggy,
Nice Cardi, and I like Gwen a lot.
Fanny isn't on my hot list anymore, since summer arrived two days ago in my street. I'm mostly thinking cotton-wool, cardigan(s) and tops.
Did Mini choose a pattern yet?
Happy knitting,
Alice
P.S. I LOVE BEING THE FIRST COMMENT!!!
Me, megalo much? ;-)
That cardigan came at just the right time... it is still chilly in our region! It looks great on you, Miss Froggy! I especially like those pockets.
Hope to see you soon! :)
Your Chrissie looks great! When I made Fanny I thought about making vertical buttonholes in pairs, near the side seams, for belt loops (you could weave the belt in and out of the slits created). In the end I didn't bother, but I might try this one day.
Enjoy!
Looks great Froggy - the perfect thing to throw on to chase away a chill!
You are just on a roll with the finishing, aren't you? Very cute. I hope you get lots of use from that cardi - I know I would!
That sweater is so nice--it looks like something you can wear all the time. Great job on all those new elements!!
It looks fabulous!!! Thanks for all the details about this great sweater :-)
I've been reading your site for awhile now, but just had to comment to say that I love this cardi! It came out beautifully!
Looks great! I love the black-grey combo.
You are amassing one enviable cardi collection, m'dear.
You're putting us to finishing shame, looks lovely and snuggly.
What a fabulous cardi Froggy!! It looks so comfy. I love the tweedy yarn in the black & white.
I love your new cardi. It looks really comfy and looks really great on you!
aww...look at the sheepy..so cute!
Chrissie looks just great - I like the colour you've used.
I love a tied back belt, too. It always gives a coat, or cardi, a nice shape.
I looked at that Cardigan for a long time about a year ago - I ended up not making it - but I should have! Yours is beautiful - comfortable - perfect for those transition days. I may have to rip out the cardigan I made and start over - I never wear it. Thanks for sharing!
every time I come over here, there's a new beautiful FO! Amazing sweater!
Hi Froggy, I've been waiting to see the finished Chrissie and it doesn't disappoint! I bought the Rowan book with that pattern in mind, but haven't the yarn to make it yet. Love your choice though. I wish I could see you knit. You must be a speed demon.
I love it! Everyone needs a nice cozy cardi like that. Good for you for venturing away from the pattern. The marbley-ness looks good!
FABULOUS! I love it. Nice job, froggy!
Ooooh La La, Froggy! This cardi is one of my favorite things that you have knit! Very cool. And I love the idea of the belt that is tied on to the back! Very nice job!
It does look cozy and I like the walk in the woods photo!
It looks great and you learned a lot. You can always crochet some looks for the belt and it's a good idea to reinforce the button holes, too. It looks marvelous!!
The sweater is so cute! I hope it wasn't too painful switching back to the 'big' needles. I love that belt action shot.
Oh yeah, love your little pocket dwelling lamby too! ; )
Lovely sweater Froggy. I think you made an excellent choice with the yarn. Plain old black cardigans, though useful are really easy to purchase. This yarn gives it a little something extra. You wear these more bulky knits so well!
I love your new addition, Froggy! I'm into cardis lately too. You can never have too many cardis, I always say :). Have a great weekend.
i just saw the lamb -- too cute!
I completely covet your cardi. I think the tweedy effect is so beautiful that we'd better phone each other if we are ever at the same event because I'm doing it in the same colorway and we could be twins!
Nice job!
Yikes, I can't believe how many sweaters you're producing. I have a store-bought sweater that's very similar to your Crissie and I wear it all the time. You'll get lots of wear from yours; plus, it's beautiful.
great job! you look awesome in your new Chrissie! i can't remember you working on this one. my daughter's making gwen, and she wants a zipper. hmmm...
Chrissie is great! I bet you wear that for years to come. I tend to want to use the color showed in the pattern too. I guess it's part of what attracts me to the pattern....the style *and* the color they show it in.
I love your new cardi. I could never wrestly my way through it with those thick needles, so I admire anything knitted in that gauge.
That is a perfect knit. I'm just coming over to your house next time I need some ideas. That is a great sweater and will be perfect as we roll into spring (soon I hope!)
It's gorgeous! I really like how it looks on you.
Froggy, I love it. Like all your finished pieces it looks great on you! Congrats! Looking forward to seeing the sunshine knit up too...
Chrissie is beautiful and looks very confortable. Nice work !
Great job, Froggy!!! I love your pattern notes, btw. Great way of posted them, makes them readable. You're too cool for school. ;-)
I see a Chrissie or a Fanny in my future, yep. Love that Stormy color.
That cardigan looks really nice and warm. I so want to try out Rowans Big Wool!!! And guess what Froggy...there are some stitchmarkers coming my way. I have never ever used any in my 23 years of knitting...but now I just HAVE to have them =)
Chrissie seems to be the perfect clothe for early spring. You did a great job, and I LOVE the mini-sheep !
You're knitting some really fantastic stuff !
Fab cardi !
Your cardigan look great. Why not have two belts, the original one and a black one? The little sheep in your pocket is so cute!
Chrissie is wonderful and the sheep is so cute, I love both of them !
Great cardigan ! It looks great on you !
Frogessa, that cardi looks great! If you still want to make some of those mods, you could probably reinforce buttonholes with a yarn needle or crochet hook. Adding belt loops would be a snap too. Go for it if you think it'll bug you.
I don't know if I can add to anything that has not been said but that is one fabulous cardi! You have been a lean, mean finishing machine lately :-) Wonderful job, sweetie and I'm sure you'll get loads of wear out of it!
Wow. As usual a wonderful job.
that is soooo gorgeous! and so cozy looking.
Fun, fun post - I love all your pictures! Both Chrissie and Gwen look great on you. I have a different Rowan Cardigan with the little tie in front and love the way it fits -- it's amazing how the tie keeps everything in place.
Gorgeous cardigan! It looks lovely on you, and I like the sound of being able to go out in just the Chrissie (Spring has sprung, afterall). I'm glad you were able to tackle some of the things from your can-knit list. Way to go!
Hi, what a nice and cosy cardigan and I just love that little lamb in your pocket. Thanks for stopping by my blog btw :)
My you've been a busy little bee! What I said about fine knits aside, I love this too! And ya gotta have pockets on that kind of knock around sweater for the three T's: treats, treasures and tissues.
Ooooooh, so stylish and chic! It looks so soft and comfortable, too. I like the color you chose; it looks like you could wear this with practically anything.
P.S. Add me to the list of people who also like to wear belts tied in the back!
Wow that looks awesome. I hope your wrist is feeling better since you've been working on some larger gauge projects :)
Your cardi looks just perfect. Love your color choice!
How could I have POSSIBLY missed this? MY name is Christine, but everyone calls me Chrissie! Same spelling and everything! Weird! I HAVE to knit this now!
