Last fall when we took this trip west I overpacked. Needles, wool, patterns….I brought high hopes along with heavy bags. I even brought my ball winder in case a skein emergency struck. I never unearthed super vacation knitting powers and brought a lot of wool home (aided my a generous donation from my mother-in-law’s stash).
This year I decided to reign myself in to more reasonable expectations. I brought three sweaters to be finished and an extra couple of skeins in case. I needed to focus! There was no thrill of new projects for the first week but I did get two of those sweaters finished to the point of blocking and buttons.
The littlest sweater awaits blocking before I reveal it. My shalom, on the other hand, is far too exciting for me to resist sharing now. It’s my first adult sized sweater and I love it! I don’t want to take it off – I’m too hot but I don’t even care. It does need a good blocking to ease out some wobbles and then the search for buttons begins (first stop being this friend’s beautiful shop).
I loved knitting this sweater. The Cascade Eco was a great wool – so chunky and quick knitting, affordable and cozy. I used less than two skeins! The pattern was fun – although I used modifications from a few different sources I mostly used soulemama’s mods. I made four button holes, added sleeves, and traded the garter edging and cuffs for a twisted rub. I’ve previously been on the fence about this pattern but with sleeves I love it (and will get much more wear out of it).
And special thanks to my hubby who took these photos for me. I am far from a natural model but he patiently snapped away as I muttered instructions about double chins and closed eyes through pursed lips.
Now I’m already dreaming about the next mama sweater…But in the meantime I’d better shed the sweater – we’re heading to the beach as we enjoy our last days of vacation!
::
Do any of you knitters knit for yourself? Do you have a favourite sweater pattern? Anyone conquer a first (on needles or otherwise) this week?
I knit this sweater as part of the lovely Shannon‘s Summer Sweater Knit Along. Today’s guest post is by the beautiful Rebecca of Nook – all about blocking. Such impeccable timing! And I’ve got a little more to share about Rebecca but I’ll save that for tomorrow…
Holy cow – that took you no time at all! I have the yarn to knit one of those up for myself but I have to lose a little weight first because I don’t want to deal with fussing with the pattern to make it fit the size I am now! Yours is just lovely. xo
PS – You couldn’t have a double chin if you tried…
Great job on your first sweater! It looks so cozy.
LOVE this sweater, I have it lined up with the pattern and yarn waiting… but you might just have tempted me not to wait any longer!! it looks SUPER comfy. congrats!
You look stunning and beautiful! The sweater is just as lovely of course. I would never ever take it off either (unless during a hot flash..)
Rachel, your beautiful, the sweater is beautiful and together…perfection!
I love it! Are you sleeping in it? 😉 I just finished Annabel and have cast on another in grey. Now I just need some cold weather! I have the Shalom pattern, but haven’t knit it yet. I think I am going to knit Annabel for all the females on my Christmas list, [oh dear]!
Beautiful sweater, and of course the model is beautiful!! Congratulations on making something for yourself at last!!
Looks gorgeous on you!!!!!!!!!!! So purdy!
You look gorgeous, Rachel, and the sweater came out just lovely!
While I do make stuff for myself, I rarely wear it unless it is a hat or mittens/gloves.
I did, however, have a lovely knitter friend make me a hat in exchange for one I made her. 😉 I do have plans to wear that hat proudly this winter since I love it so much.
By the way, I hate to disagree with you but…you don’t have a double chin.
Nice try, though. 😉
Lovely. Absolutely lovely!
oh..this looks gorgeous on you Rachel! I love it ..and you make very very pretty model. I’ve been knitting a scarf and want to make a beanie/hat to match. If only I could find where I put the pattern LOL!
I really love that sweater- And it looks so good on you! You’re a speedy gal, Madame J! Looks like you’re all set for autumn:)
Awesome!!!! It looks so incredible! By the way, no double chin in sight…I should know as the proud wearer of one – NOT! Beautiful – the model and sweater
GORGEOUS!!!!!!! I’m jealous – I want that sweater! It’s in my queue, once I figure out all the details. Lucky for me, a shop hop is coming up, and I may stop in to a couple of new shops (ones I don’t shop at) and see what they have in stock. I may walk out with a couple of skeins of Cascade Eco, if I can find it. 🙂
Oh, Rachel!!! Shalom is perfection!!! A perfect fit! (I really had to giggle—about taking your ball winder on vacation! What a hoot!!!) As a 3 year old grandson used to tell me…..good job (grandma), I’m proud of you!!!!!
woohoo! way to go. beautiful, beautiful sweater. oh my goodness. and, LOVE the color. I think I may have found my next project.
[…] in crime during last year’s Summer Sweater KAL (the same KAL this year got me knitting this). She’s been an enabler as I drool over all her gorgeous knits, and an inspiration as she […]
Lovely sweater, congratulations! I went on holiday recently, took a load of knitting supplies with me and managed half an inch of one sock! I am so very nearly done with my KAL sweater/cardigan….just need to sew up one sleeve and stitch the back neck band. I am very excited, especially as the weather here has started to turn cold
Oh Rachel, it’s gorgeous, as are you my dear friend! I’m so proud of you. I’ve got a sweater in the works for this mama, of course I haven’t worked on it in months, I’m in that sewing phase after all.
It’s beautiful Rachel! And you look great in it!
absolutely lovely!! that’s it, i’m starting mine. i’ve never knit an adult sized sweater but i’ve had the yarn and patterns for two sitting in my closet for the last two years! thanks for the inspiration!! 🙂
Oh my goodness Rachel, it is stunning! You look absolutely lovely in it. I don’t blame you at all for not wanting to take it off!