A: When it turns into a vest!
As already mentioned, my Ode to Joy was a total flop as a sweater. I believe we can attribute it to a) a gauge problem (?), and/or b) an “I’ve-gotten-bigger-and-have-no-idea-why” problem 
. But let’s not dwell on the negative!!
Anyhoo, the sweater was a disaster, but I was unwilling to let the sweater beat me. I was also unwilling to re-knit any part of it. I’ve played way too many rounds of THAT game! So I removed the offending sleeve and converted it into a cropped vest. It turned out okay…still tiny but kind of cute:
It is still quite damp — when it dries I’ll put it on Lettie for a test drive. It gained some size with blocking. When wet, this was the softest, limpest thing I have ever seen! I really didn’t know if I could shape it properly, but it seems to be okay. I plan on taking it with me next weekend to the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival to look for closures. I did not make buttonholes — I will do something with clasps or maybe frog closures (?) and have the front bands simply meet in the center.
Finally finished.
I love the revision! Your Ode to Joy is beautiful.
Comment by Nancy — April 26, 2009 @ 11:29 am
I’ve been admiring your “Lucy” for quite awhile. Can you tell me where she was purchased and/or the brandname. I am on the hunt for a good mannequin.
Thanks. Love your blog.
Comment by Linda Maddox — April 26, 2009 @ 2:51 pm
For a failure, it certainly is beautiful. It will be a wonderful vest. Vests have lots of flexibility size-wise. I have one that is way too small, but I wear it open and it is just right.
Comment by Joanna Ryn — April 26, 2009 @ 3:40 pm
My mannequin is Lucy; Susan’s is Lettie. They were gifts, though, so I don’t know where to tell you to find one.
Comment by surly — April 26, 2009 @ 4:04 pm
It’s easily just as beautiful as a vest. You don’t really need closures from it. It could be just worn open (for an easier fit). Ya’ know, I think I like it better as a vest. It looks less busy. Wear with pride!
Comment by Lani — April 26, 2009 @ 5:28 pm
It is a dynamite vest. I love the idea of clasps – I’ve used that one to get a little extra ease in close fitting garments before, and it works great.
Comment by twinsetellen — April 26, 2009 @ 5:50 pm
Looks like a good save! I’m betting you’ll get more use out of it as a vest.
Comment by Maria — April 26, 2009 @ 6:38 pm
Triumph!!! Woot woot!
Comment by kerry — April 26, 2009 @ 7:29 pm
I wish my disasters looked so beautiful…It is quite stunning.
Comment by Jane — April 27, 2009 @ 8:32 am
I love your vest! That’s a great way to make it work.
A note about the limpness of the yarn: it’s superwash. I made the Ode, too, and it fit perfectly until I washed it to block… boy did I get frantic! I sent Candice an email and she confirmed that it’s
superwash. A quick trip through the dryer until it was almost all dry got mine back in
shape.
Comment by Anne C. — April 28, 2009 @ 8:40 pm