As you may have noticed over the years, my knitting tends to the conservative, traditional, whatever boring word you want to choose! But I got inspired by this cute little sweater and decided to go wild! It is the Kaleidoscope Yoke by Kate Himmelberg in the book Simple Style.
The design calls for yarn that comes in both a multi-color version and coordinating solid. I chose a yarn that was heavier than called for, Mochi Plus Intense Rainbow and Intense Red:
Kaleidoscope Yoke by Kate Himmelberg
I knit a smaller size to get the larger size I needed. The VERY simple construction allows for size adaptation easily.
The yarn is soft and pretty, but did not knit up very smoothly/evenly. When knitting stockinette in the round, you should end up with very nice, even knitting. This was very rough looking and desperately in need of blocking. I wetblocked it and it grew to ginormous (sp?) proportions. H-U-G-E!!! Eeeeek!
So, I decided to do the unthinkable: I put it in the dryer! And it worked. It brought it down to the original size again. The rough knitting is still there but at least it fits!
There are two things I would have done differently: first, I would have knit the entire thing on a US 7 instead of an 8. I think the knitting would have looked much better. Secondly, I would have switched to the solid red earlier so the multi-colored section ended above the boobs instead of under — more like the picture. The color transition occurs right before you start the sleeves, which for most “larger” people or those who do not want tight armholes, means the stripes are under the bustline. Too late for me, but maybe not for you!
Also, I did do some sleeve shaping. The pattern has you pick up for the sleeves and just keep on knitting. They looked way too baggy for my taste. I ended the shaping a couple of inches above the wrist to get a little bit of flair.
Kaleidoscope Yoke by Kate Himmelberg
Overall Grade: B+
Yarn: A for color and softness, D for knitting quality
Pattern: Very easy and cute, with some changes
Fit: A (!)
Yarn Required: Multi = 6, Solid = 8
Needles: US 8 (should have used 7’s)
All in all, I am happy with this one — quick knit project (2 weeks).
I love the sweater. I too was very conservative for many years but lately I’ve been doing brights too. Outstanding!
Comment by Joan Hamer — April 13, 2010 @ 10:30 am
Super cute! I’ll bet you end up glad you ended/began the stripes where you did. I predict it will make your torso look narrow to end below the boobs. The bra-band zone for me, at least, is the narrowest part – therefore a good place for a transition, methinks.
Comment by Judi P — April 13, 2010 @ 11:13 am
I like it! Such different colors for you.
Comment by Surly — April 13, 2010 @ 11:44 am
I love it!
Comment by Alice in Richmond — April 13, 2010 @ 12:42 pm
Bold and sassy! Very nice.
Comment by Joanna Ryan — April 13, 2010 @ 1:24 pm
Wow, when you go bright, you go BRIGHT! I bet it looks great on you. I am totally smitten with top-down, yoke/raglan sweaters right now. This one is a winner.
Comment by kmkat — April 13, 2010 @ 1:25 pm
Now that’s snappy looking! I bet it looks great on you!
Comment by Kym — April 13, 2010 @ 2:19 pm
The colors are breathtaking. Our sermon on Sunday was about not coveting–but in spite, I covet the sweater.
Comment by Sigrun — April 13, 2010 @ 4:28 pm
Pretty!
Comment by Wendy O'C — April 13, 2010 @ 9:27 pm
Very nice! I was so excited when I saw this project on your blog tonight as my husband bought me yarn for this sweater for my birthday. I’ve been waiting until after Yarnover this weekend to start it, as I had some questions and thought the instructor of my classes could help…but maybe you’d have advice for me? (I want to use the yarn he gave me, as I never want to discourage him from buying me yarn.) He bought Misti Alpaca worsted in a periwinkle for the body, and three contrast colors for the striped part. Would you have advice as to where in the round to do the color changes? Would you have advice as to how many rounds to knit the contrast colors in order to give it the “Noro” look? Thank you so much, and again, really nice job on your sweater.
Comment by Sharon — April 13, 2010 @ 9:57 pm
Those colors are going to look great on you! It does look like a fun knit. And you are so intrepid – drying that sweater!
Comment by twinsetellen — April 13, 2010 @ 10:30 pm
I think I need to stop reading your blog! (not) Cause everything you knit looks so good I need to have it too! Only thing is …. I wouldn’t knit it in two weeks…. more like two years… and yet MORE UFO’s surrounding my universe!! 🙂
I think I will do this one however; and I love the colors in the original. The grey and orange is an unlikely combo but works in this project. What do you think the odds are of me scoring this yarn anytime soon?!
Thanks for always giving us something / someone to aspire to!!
Comment by Michelle — April 14, 2010 @ 5:39 pm
Beautiful and cosy-looking.
Comment by Gina C — April 16, 2010 @ 9:54 am
Talk about making a design your own. . . WOW! The colors are GORGEOUS!
I’m with Michelle. . . two weeks? It would take me longer than that to select my colors.
Comment by Mary Lee — April 16, 2010 @ 4:59 pm