My first WIP for 2019 is a long promised simple woolen cardigan for Gaby. It's even a bit too simple and I'm wracking my brain to think of small embellishments to face-lift its crude rustic look. Today one of those Russian bloggers I've been listening to lately shared a thought that struck a chord with me. She's knitting a very simple stockinette sweater and she's making a neck-piece that is attached to it in a rather sophisticated manner. According to her with such simple things it is the precision and mastery of the details that make the difference between a beautiful garment and granny's vest. I'm planning to use her idea for the button bands to my cardigan.
My inspiration is this acrylic cardigan, sold by H&M. The yarn I'm using is new to me, Kent by Zegna Baruffa, again Italian bobbin yarn. It is 100% merino, 900 m / 100 g and I'm knitting it in two threads.
Photo from H&M site
I'm planning to add the pockets as afterthought pockets, similar to afterthought heels. I've never done it before, but it should work on the same principle. And Gaby insists on buttons. I bought a handful of brown buttons to go with the brown leather tag, but I'm not quite sure how I feel about them. I'm almost done with the second front and I plan to attach it to the back, using the three-needle method and to give it a good blocking, while I'm knitting the sleeves.
While downtown, searching for buttons, I bought beading wire and crimp beads and I made my first wire stitch markers. It was great fun and the possibilities are limitless. I even feel a bit tempted to try handmade jewelry with beads and wires, so stay tuned :)
I adore this quote "it is the precision and mastery of the details that make the difference between a beautiful garment and granny's vest". Simplicity is tricky. Though of course nothing you make ever looks like a granny's vest!
ReplyDeleteThose leather tags you've been adding recently are wonderful - and I love the idea of taking fast fashion as an inspiration for a high quality garment.
Thank you! Simplicity is truly difficult and I always struggle when I knit for Gaby, as I know she'll be wearing it among young people.
DeleteThat's a great color. I'm sure it'll turn out wonderfully.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I like the color and the yarn too and it's a bit of a relief to be knitting with solid color yarn after all my hand-dyed variegates.
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