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Subversive Femme

FO: Light and Lovely Jumper, c. 1947 from ASIT Vol 1

This jumper nearly killed me – I had a lot of issues with the instructions as well as my own mistakes. I tinked, frogged and ripped back more times than I can count (this was supposed to be a quick knit – 4 weeks in my mind!).
Then I spilt a glass of red wine over it and had to wash it on the needles.

I do love it now though, and it’ll be great for Summer!

The yarn is Moda Vera Gelato – a suprisingly nice cotton/acrylic blend from Spotlight, and the buttons are from my stash.

 

My modifications:

  •  – Increased total height of body by half a pattern repeat. Made sure the front and back yokes matched pattern-wise.
  • – Used the same size needle for the body and the ribbing.
  • – After the ribbing, I only did approx 2/3 of the increases required to avoid the blousing effect. Then I increased the rest of the stitches up the sides evenly until I got the right stitch count.
  • – Increased height of front and back yokes by an inch.
  • – Decreased width of yoke by 2 sts each side.
  • – Re-worked sleeve heights so they looked normal! I swapped the ‘Decrease 2 sts each side of every row, until 51 sts remained’ to ‘decrease 2 sts each side of every row 5 times, then only on the K rows until 51 sts remained’. Much better.
  • – Picked up 80 sts for the collar, instead of seaming one on.
  • – Knitted shoulder pads.
  • – Solid black bows knitted in moss stitch.

Overall Review:

I wouldnt knit this pattern again – once is enough.
I think it looks very period accurate (military shoulders huzzah) but the ‘upsized’ version of the pattern needs work to make sure it fits properly. I wouldnt suggest this pattern for a beginner knitter – it would put you off knitting for life! I.e. it just says that shoulder pads are recommended, but no pattern is provided to make them?
The pattern also gives the same size sleeve for all bust sizes (the sleeve that fits a 30 inch bust fits a 44 inch bust?) which I’m pretty sure is wrong.
I’m really happy with how it’s finally turned out, and the yarn is surprisingly nice although I’ll have to see how it fares after its first handwash.
I can’t wait to cast on for another design from one of the Stitches in Time books, but best get onto the Xmas present knitting first!

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No Comments

  • Reply
    Anthea
    October 14, 2012 at 10:33 am

    Wow, it's lovely!

    As a beginner knitter, I'm impressed with all the alterations you made.

  • Reply
    nancyworegreenstockings
    October 14, 2012 at 12:09 pm

    Wow. It looks absolutely fab on you, but it sounds like a real pain to make.

  • Reply
    Brittany_Va-VoomVintage
    October 14, 2012 at 12:44 pm

    You did an amazing job! It's beautiful and the color is gorgeous on you!

  • Reply
    snippa
    October 14, 2012 at 1:31 pm

    Gorgeous result, absolutely worth it in the end – washing it on the needles? Oh, no! Well done for sticking with it.
    I've got some xmas present knitting in mind too. So much knitting to do, so little time!

  • Reply
    Kimberly
    October 14, 2012 at 2:16 pm

    very nicely done. for a pattern that gave you so much trouble, you've done a marvelous job with it. ^_^

  • Reply
    MistressCatgirl
    October 14, 2012 at 8:00 pm

    That is gorgeous. You did a great job and it fits you very well. I ordered the Vol.2 of A Stitch in time and I cant wait to start knitting up a jumper or two.

  • Reply
    Michelle
    October 14, 2012 at 10:38 pm

    Oh wow, that's gorgeous, and looks great on you 🙂

    Vintage knitting is always trickier – they had amazing skills back then!

  • Reply
    Lucy
    October 15, 2012 at 5:24 am

    That jumper is beautiful and such a pretty colour. Well done for sticking with it – it was worth it :o)

  • Reply
    Isis
    October 15, 2012 at 3:20 pm

    Regardless your troubles- the result is stunning!

  • Reply
    Desiree
    October 18, 2012 at 4:58 pm

    What a beautiful color. Congrats on your sweater. I know knitting basics but I'm too intimidated to try to make something to wear other than a scarf. What do you recommend for beginners who like retro looks?

  • Reply
    Jessica Cangiano
    October 23, 2012 at 5:50 am

    It was worth every ounce of trouble – it's too charming for words and looks simply incredible on you, dear gal!

    ♥ Jessica

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