Not too long ago, I purchased a book about knitting better sweaters. I’ve always loved knitting sweaters, but wearing them was a whole different story. So, I took a break, like a very long break from knitting sweaters. At first, I told myself that I’m just taking a minor break, but that sweater break turned into almost a full year. And honestly, I can’t remember the last time I knit a sweater for my kids. I’m always knitting something, but up until now it wasn’t a sweater.
Deep diving into why I didn’t like wearing my sweaters had a lot to do with not knowing my own measurements. I would look at the measurements on the pattern, and knit the size that was correct for me. I would either go by bust size (which isn’t a bad option), but I always seemed to be lacking something in the length of the body and in the arms. So when I finished the sweater for myself, the feeling was always meh.
This time, decided to humble myself and truly approach things like I am a beginner. I started with the basics–my own measurements. Finally, looking at what my body needs and seeing the measurements in the written, I can see why my reaction was always the same. My arm length was longer, my body torso length was longer, and I really wanted to have some shape to my sweaters. I can now see what it is that I would like happen to my sweaters.
Instead of just looking all over the web for it, I decided to take online classes, and it was a huge game changer for me! I’m starting to understand techniques that I previously dismissed (either because I was too tired to learn them or dismissed it as too extra). Things have certainly changed. I’ve changed. As I’m getting older, I am starting to find that I like what I like, and not want to be bothered with a lot of things. So now, the things I dismissed, I’m looking forward to trying, because it looks neater for me.
So now, I’m back into knitting sweaters for myself and for my kids. I’m looking for a fit that suits me and now knowing my measurements, I know it is possible. Also, since I’m now experimenting with different sweater techniques, I’m looking forward to trying out things that I have never done before. Some things like setting a zipper, short rows for neckline, and sleeves.
One of the sweaters that I worked on was this set in sleeve red sweater for one of my sons. It’s a small project–actually it’s a downsized pattern from the sweater I was going to work on for my husband. I decided to work on it miniature size because this pattern gave me so many problems. For my mind to get it, I had to strip away a lot of detail in the instructions, and whittle it down to the bare minimum. This worked for me, and I was able to just knit easily.
After knitting the red sweater, there are things that I would obviously change. One, I would have a looser cast on for the sleeves so it’s not a fight getting them on. I have already changed the way I knit the body by knitting all 3 pannels at the same time and doing it in parts for the upper body. When I did it all together, it makes it seem like it went faster, but honestly, I think it’s all in my mind. But hey–what ever works, right. Another thing I would change is allowing more room in the front for a looser fit. I kinda did that this time by adding ribbing to the front, but that was not in the original pattern.
The last thing that I would change is knitting this sweater in a lighter weight yarn. This was done from my stash, and it was a 4 weight yarn. I would have preferred to do it in 3 weight but he chose this yarn specially. Also, he’s 5….so I didn’t mind, I already had the color on hand.
I’m looking forward to my next knit, where I will be incorporating design elements that I learned and looking forward to trying.