Progress Report: The Front
Neckline
I finished the intarsia last weekend but then I stalled -- not sure what I wanted to do with the neckline. I decided I wanted something shapely but not fussy -- and I wanted the edge to be knit on versus picking up stitches afterwards.
The edge is pretty simple. I slipped the first stitch of the edge to keep them tidy. Then each side has a purl stitch as the third stitch -- allowing the edge to roll under just a bit, but stop at the purl stitch. I think it will lay nicely once it's on, but I have to finish knitting up the back to find out for sure.
Waist Shaping
I did basic waist shaping, decreasing about an inch on either side via
The decreases were knit about an inch apart (the section from the bottom going up toward the waist), but I sped up the increases to accommodate a full bust by spacing the increases only three-quarters of an inch apart. You can see the difference in the photo. I did this instead of short rowing -- as an experiment more than anything else. I had planned on short rows and the motif was small enough that short rows would have fit. But, I wanted to see what this did for the fit instead. I won't know until the back is done and sewn together.
Blocking Cash Iroha
I am *so glad* I washed and blocked my swatch before starting this sweater. This yarn blooms A LOT. Take a look.
I placed the back-in-progress on top of the washed and blocked front. They both have the same number of stitches, yet the front is a good 2 inches wider (at least). See that pencil? That's how many rows I've knit on the back. The row gauge grows considerably too.
I've also read that Cash Iroha has a tendency to stretch out as you wear it. I think the sweater will be a tad snug when I first put it on, but assuming it will stretch a bit it should fit like a good pair of jeans after an hour or so.
At least, that's the plan.
How lovely - it's worked out really well, with the colours merging over the pattern. Dead impressed!
The intarsia pattern is gorgeous!
I'm in awe. That medallion is fantastic.
the front looks great! i really love the colors you picked for the motif. are you going to knit everything else black (back and sleeves) or are you going to incorporate the colors anywhere else?
Love the motif and the colors against the black. Can't wait to see that sexy little piece on you.
the sweater is looking fantastic. I really like that motif that you designed.
It looks wonderful--and this is one of the times when swatching REALLY makes itself worthwhile!
Wow - what a perfect combination of shaping, color and a beautiful yarn! It looks amazing!
I love the sweethearty neckline, and I can imagine how wonderful that sweater feels in Cash Iroha. Drool-worthy all around.
I love that photo of the front vs. back, showing how much the yarn blooms! Everyone who doesn't wash their swatch and then ends up with a ginormous sweater is being referred to this post from now on :).
Wow. That's beautiful!
LOVING it. And the waist shaping looks fabulous for the likes of me, too. Can't wait to see how it fits you. I know it will be just right!
LOVE the intarsia (and I never say that!). Digging the analogy of stretching like favorite jeans, too - perfect.
wow! this is looking really beautiful, jody! i adore the neckline.
Hmmm...good to know. I need to be *much* more rigorous about washing and blocking my swatches. The sweater looks so good! It's going to catch a lot of eyes at Rhinebeck. =)
Tell me more about the edge treatment. Is the purl stitch to make seaming easier?
that is a drop dead fabulous sweater front
When will you be designing professionally?! You should be...
It looks fantastic!
Totally freaking awesome!
Wow... I absolutely LOVE the neckline... how do you do the maths for a neckline like that?
I'm knitting a sweater right now from IK that has a pretty straight neckline across the throat, which I do not really care for. I'm not experienced enough to figure out how to do a neckline like this... or even a deeper roundish or v-shaped one LOL.
Cheers Eva
It's fabulous Jody! I can't wait to see it on you!
It is stunning! I'm very impressed with your designing skills!
it looks so great!
it's inspiration enough to get me back to knitting more than a row a night (seriously, a ROW a NIGHT....)
ps--thanks for the donation. your support, and everyone else's, really got me through those last 30 or so miles...
The sweater looks really awesome. I love the intarsia!
That bloom is amazing. Talk about a lesson in swatching and washing!
That's turning out beautifully.
I am relatively new to knitting but I'd like to eventually design sweaters. I have this idea for a standard maternity sweater with various intarsia designs that would center on the belly area. This particular one would be absolutely perfect... I won't steal the pattern, obviously. Rather, I'm hoping you'll decide to design the sweater yourself! :)
Anyway, I absolutely love this pattern.
I love the motif and how the colors blend together. Gorgeous. I can't wait to see what the finished sweater will look like!
This looks so fantastic already, a real piece of art - such an amazing motif, and the colors go so perfectly together!
I'm suddenly seeing this as a vest, over a crisp, white button-down... Hey, it'd save you from knitting the sleeves, right?
That sweater is just gorgeous, even laying flat on the table. Beautifully done.
Beautiful intarsia work! I really like the design!
Jody - that is so beautiful!! I would have to stare at it all day if it were mine. :)