I’d started this sweater last summer but ran into some rather unsightly dropped stitches and a holey short rowed neckline. So, I’d put it aside until this year I wanted something new to wear to the 2018 Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival.
I didn’t get to go last year because it was the summer of A THOUSAND WEDDINGS and we were out of town (Jordan’s friends. The joke is mine are divorcing and his are just getting started.) Anywho, I made it a priority to go this year and I got this beauty to wear.
No real pattern. I wanted to play a bit more with Cochinelle’s Garment Designer and my ability to draft. What I do like about this sweater is in general fit is exactly what I wanted. I LOVE the depth and shape of the scoop neck. I like how my hems are done. But, I don’t like my sleeves.
I wanted more of a lantern and they are more triangular. I think I can fix that in another version if I come back to this (and what I want may not work with a dropped shoulder).
Shoulder seaming
The yarn was purchased on a visit to Tokyo Central when I was in Bali in 2016.
It’s really crochet thread per the labeling. But, it worked beautifully in my standard bed knitting machine. It’s so draper and soft– I think I’ll get a lot of wear from it this summer.
Ravelry notes with all the same information are here
As for Sheep and Wool, I bought far, far less than I did in 2016. In part because I have yarn from 2016 that I haven’t knit. And, I went with a list this year.
I got enough to make a black version of my Corvid Coat (it’ll be my third time knitting this one). I also bought some yarn with the colors of the Maryland Flag for a hat for me and a few tools.
I was looking for interesting shawl pins that aren’t too artsy and more modern. But, I didn’t manage to find anything.
Definitely the best part is the social aspect! Claudine came down from New Jersey and met Jeannie and I for drinks at a cocktail bar in town.
We also hosted Lauren (Lladybird) and my friend Liz came along too. It was just a great weekend all together!
I imagine this is the last cold-weather top left in me before I start some spring sewing. I just CANNOT with winter anymore. Is it me, or as you get older, do you just get totally over cold weather? We had a surprise snow storm over the weekend. They called for 1 – 3 inches and we ended up getting 7 – 10. The roads were such a mess! We were slipping and sliding all over, got stuck at an intersection and had to leave our car on the side of the road. We ended up taking a bus home (yay for mass transit!) plus a one mile walk. After all that, I STILL didn’t make my 10,000 steps. Grrrr. I’m really over winter. Just four weeks until spring! 
I think the greens of this sweater knit sort or looks forward to spring, don’t you? It’s interesting, I rarely sew green. I love a green nail polish, but think I’ve sewn only two green items. This luscious fabric is from my December 2013 trip to Mood. Anywho, it’s very similar in look as this 
I chose this pattern because it combined a wrap top with a fitted waist. Both features good for a busty hourglass. And I LOVE it. 
I sewed a 40 grading to a 44 at the hip. I also tried taking 1/3 inch off the shoulder seams. I usually take 1/4 inch and think I may stick with that. Sadly, I find the neckline wide for me and had a bunch of photos where you could really see my bra strap — versus the ones here where it’s just peeking. I’ve since altered the pattern adding another 1/2 inch to the neckline on each side. I made a 1.5 inch FBA on this top and added a bust dart, it’s almost invisible in this sweater knit. I’ve since added to the pattern an additional 1/2 inch under the bust. If there is something I personally can’t stand it’s a bust bifurcated by a seam. It makes me ragey and sad inside. 
Looking at the made up version from the magazine, it looks like my bust is just eating up all the length in the bust. Maybe what I need it a bigger FBA rather than just throwing some length on to the upper bodice. And, let’s face it. This is too low cut on its own. I’ve raised the neckline 1/2 inch for my next version. 
I like how I walked around all day with a massive center part at the back of my head from my twist out. I really need to get a second mirror in the bathroom. Moving on, as drafted, the pattern already has a center back seam so I made my swayback adjustment at the waist line. I think the darts give awesome shaping. 
I think this would be better on me a few inches longer (becuz I hates my thighs). So, I’ve also altered the pattern to add three inches in length. 
There you have it. A good sweater that I hope will be great the next time I make it. Can’t you see this in spring weight knit with 3/4 sleeves?
