The sweater that practically knitted itself

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The sweater that practically knitted itself

Sleeveless, superbulky and stockinette. Apparently that’s the magic formula for being able to create a whole garment in tumultuous times! This thing must have knitted itself, though: It took so little time, in such small chunks, so far apart (in the midst of such chaos), that I have almost no recollection of doing it. But it’s so good! When I first seamed it a couple of weeks ago, I decided to do exposed seams on both the sides and the shoulders, but I wasn’t sure if I liked it so hadn’t woven in the ends. Once the neck was finished, I decided I did like the shoulder seams — the bound-off stitches along those edges have the same character as the slipped stitches along the armhole selvage, and the seams are so fat they look almost like epaulets. But the side seams weren’t working. Had I gone into it intending to do exposed seams, I would have slipped all of the selvage stitches, but since I had kept them in stockinette, that seam looked out of step with the other details. So I pulled out the mattress stitch, reworked the side seams to the inside, and voilà, I love it. (Although it does still need its final blocking.)

This one was knitted with the Shibui Merino Alpaca I bought when I heard it was discontinued. Held triple, it makes for the most gorgeous stitches — can you even deal with how beautiful that ribbing looks? But it is decidedly dense and heavy. There will be lots of times when that feels perfectly marvelous, but I also decided along the way that I want another one in something light and cuddly. And that when I knit that one, I’ll write up the pattern. So look for that down the road a bit.

>> Ravelry link

(Linen bento bag via Fringe Supply Co., of course.)

41 thoughts on “The sweater that practically knitted itself”

  3. Being partial to turtlenecks anyway I really like that it’s sleeveless & chunky looking & the color is great. Being new to knitting I wonder if this would be easy for me? I have not knitted any clothing yet (although I can sew up anything) and am chomping at the bit.
    Yes please show this after it’s been blocked! you are so fun to read & I always feel inspired! thx!

  5. Shibui Merino Alpaca held triple?! Wow, that would make for a great last minute gift. And it is so chic! I also would love to see it on you …

  10. This is so good. I think I need to knit one! I’m unsure of doing the arm hole on my own… do you think there is a shaping tutorial in Fringe’s future??

  13. Absolute Love it! I adore turtlenecks and Short sleeves are perfect for this time of year in Ohio.Cool and not to heavy.Love the edging and bind off stitching instead of mattress .Beautiful work.I hope some day soon I will have the eye for detail as yours.

  15. It’s fabulous Karen! Your epaulet shoulders are genius. I’d love to see a photo on how you’ll wear it; guessing with something long-sleeved underneath and a jacket (in the winter). There would be no need for a scarf with that wonderful thick stockinette neck.

    Can you also write something about making it easy to hold something double or triple? I have had trouble with w/ knitting from two balls and knitting with one ball from both ends. You’ve probably figured out the best way of accomplishing this!

  17. Gorgeous, Karen! I can’t even with that ribbing. Stunning.

    Have you decided on your lighter yarn yet? I’m knitting up a shrug thing for my mum in Berroco Maya — a cotton-alpaca chainette — and every time I pick it up I think about how much I want my own sweater in it. I’d never have tried it if she hadn’t chosen it, but now I’m hooked. Held triple, I suspect you’d get a similar gauge, but in an overall lighter fabric.

  24. I’ve been looking for a pattern like this. I must have had 3 dozen of them in my queue trying to find one that was perfect. I love how you’ve combined several ideas and come up with your own unique design.

    BTW: I’m anxiously awaiting the pattern, since you’ve done all the hard work I haven’t had the time to do. When you have the time to write it down, of course!!

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  29. I LOVE this sweater. My daughter actually tried to make one almost exactly like this but longer, but gave up as she couldn’t find the perfect pattern. She ended up just purchasing it for a fortune at our local Aritzia store. Can’t wait for the pattern so she can make it herself. It looks perfect. So glad I found you on Pinterest today.

  30. This is so delicious I need to knit one (or ten), I can’t wait to see your pattern write up. Would it work in the new brooklyn tweed yarn or would you still need to add another strand? Anyway I can’t wait!

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