Recently in Top-Down V-Neck Category

Wow, thanks everybody! I'm bowled over by all the comments. I'm wearing it right now, in fact. Nobody at work believes it was handknit, he he.

Pixie Purls Brandy mentioned my using a larger size needle for ribbing--I did that to avoid the tapering effect ribbing makes. I wanted the ribbing loose, and upsizing one needle size was enough; not too loose. Wouldn't want the unnecessary tapering around the hip area, you know what I mean.

Spaazlicious Wendy remarked about independent design and thinking--she has a good point there. I had knit a cardigan and two sweaters prior to this; the two sweaters were absolute failures due to sizing issues. I had gauge and followed the patterns but the sizing was just not right for my body type. I frogged both and looked around for a good, basic pattern that could be modified at any point to fit me. This is where Miss Walker's book came in, and the idea of knitting in a completely new technique (to me). She had great, although dated, examples in plain stockinette, cable, and lace patterns, which showed that the technique was completely flexible, and off I went. People, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK! Geddit! You will not be sorry.

So now I look at patterns differently. Can I knit everything from the top down? Perhaps not. However, now that I know my measurements I can confidently change a pattern's specifications to fit my body. Lauren and I discussed knitting sleeves--I will probably be knitting most sleeves from the top down. The technique is smart: I can do decreases at a faster rate, and I can make the sleeves as long or as short as I want without worrying whether I have enough yarn.

Independent design, independent construction. I like that. I feel like I've rediscovered knitting. This may sound stereotypical, but I feel empowered! He he.

While I'm at it, let me direct you to Keyboard Biologist Theresa's beautiful Liberty wrap-around jacket. My god, it's beautiful--colors, striping, a bit of cable detail, the structure, everything. You have to know, it's on my list of projects; I even have the yarn. I've been thinking of knitting it in the round and steeking, but of course I'll have to think some more about that (yarn stickiness, etc.). It's doable, but.... :-) Anyone have additional thoughts on this?

Oh, one more thing! If you or anyone you know has knit either one of my designs, Mirabella or Liesel, please let me know! I've put together a Yummy Yarn Designs gallery.

Sometimes classic styling just. Works. Out.

Pattern: My own, based on Barbara Walker's Knitting from the Top chapters on Vests and Inset Sleeves.
Yarn: Gedifra Modern Cotton (50% cotton, 35% rayon and 15% polyester; 50g; 130 yards) in 3219 Rose
Needles: US7 for body, US6 for neckline ribbing, US8 for cuff and body ribbing

(Please excuse knobby climber fingers.) I have to say, for reals now, that I love this sweater! Love, love, love it!

It must be said that every part of this sweater with the exception of the shoulder shaping, has been reknit at least once. A time-consuming experience, but one that has left me all the wiser regarding knitting for my body. I had knit the neckline with a US7 before and it was a little too loose (and deep) for my taste, so I tried with a US6. Much better. You know, there aren't any specific rules regarding needle size, so I thought of what instinctively would work for me here. The sleeves were knit straight after decreases; no bell sleeves on this baby. The body was reknit from the boobal line because there weren't enough decreases and increases to fit my torso. Let's see, what else? Oh yeah, combined knitting for the ribbing, a very cool idea!

I *highly* recommend Miss Walker's book to anyone who wants to make the perfect sweater for themselves. I'll be using it for more down the line; maybe add texture and more color. Lauren and I have been exchanging emails on the possibilities of doing so much more with the top-down technique, such as texture and color. I would definitely want to try the simultaneously-knit sleeve concept as well. I've been inspired!

It's raining, ugh.

Prim's asked about the sweater and I've delivered. Here's the neckline, your standard V with ribbing. Remarkable only in that it was knit top-down. Stand on your head, it's the only way this picture--and my technique! those increases!--will impress you. Hee hee!

The only real seam is where I had to pick up sleeve stitches around the closed sleeve hole. I had to tighten up a bunch of stitches after the sleeves were knit on; this yarn is very sproingy.

I should've taken more pictures yesterday. My poor felted k**l-aid roving, the 3-color one. I've opened it up and yes, it needs a run through my vintage hand carders. I'll be able to spin the rest of the fiber today.