I’m moving along fairly well on The Blue Shimmer, motivated by my cameo colored Royal Alpaca. I’ve finished the body and redone the neckline. The original pattern calls for several inches of ribbing at the sleeves, hem, and neckline (with the neck ribbing folded in half and stitched to the inside). I didn’t want to do that for several reasons. First, I think it’s a dated look, at least for me. Second, I didn’t think that the ribbing looked very good. (I tried the ribbing for the neck, although I had it folded to the inside in the first photograph I posted of this sweater.) The way the yarn changes thickness made my stitches look so uneven. They still look uneven in stockinette, but that was exacerbated in the ribbing. Finally, I wanted a wider neck opening. (Side note: the original sweater is knitted in light blue yarn; I changed it to cream because I knew I’d like it better. So mine is already not quite a blue “blue shimmer.”)
So, my solution was to adapt the last pattern of the yoke for the hemline. I’ll also use that at the sleeves. Here’s a photograph of the hem, which hasn’t yet been stitched down.
As you can see, it echoes the patterning of the yoke.
This photograph also shows that I’ve cut off the neck ribbing and changed it to a picot foldline. How do you do that, you might ask. Well, very carefully. Because this sweater is knit from the top down, I had to cut the ribbing off because you can’t unravel from your cast on edge. Before I cut, I took a needle that was one or two sizes smaller than the one I was knitting with and very carefully threaded it through each stitch, making sure I was following the same row all the way around. I then cut off the neck a couple of rows above that needle to get it out of the way, and then snipped and picked out the last row before the one I had picked up. ???? Here is a photograph to show what I mean.
In this picture, you can see the cord of the needle going through the stitches of the row I am “saving,” and the yarn being held by my thumb is what I am cutting and removing.
Finally, in this photo of the entire sweater, you can see the ribbing that I cut away by itself off to the side.
The yarn from Sweden, which Susan and I will use on our Large Lace Collar sweaters, is much more even in color and texture; I hope that this sweater looks better once it’s blocked. (I have perfectionist issues.)
Edited to Add: A wave and hello to the Clack House (a members-only Clay Aiken fan site), from whom we have gotten a number of referrals. I’ve heard that you have started a knitting and crocheting thread and that some of you have been kind enough to mention our blog. I wish I could post in your thread, but alas I’m not a member.
That is so helpful, not to mention impressive! Yesterday I retreived a long-unfinished sweater in order to complete it (back and fronts done, needs only sleeves and finishing) and discovered a moth hole in the ribbing at the bottom of the back. Have been gearing up to search for help and courage, and your post is just what I need! I was expecting to rip out, make new ribbing, and graft. It was good to see you make the point that you can’t rip from a cast-on edge. I’d experienced that before, but conveniently forgotten.
Your blog is an inspiration –
Comment by Ali — January 11, 2007 @ 1:11 pm
Hi! I am a member of the Clackhouse and found my way here thanks to some of the wonderful peeps there! I am loving your site! Keep up the good work and the marvelous knitting!!!!!
Comment by LSRo — January 11, 2007 @ 4:29 pm
Another wave from the Clack House! I was enjoying your blog for a good part of yesterday, and my heart skipped a beat when you mentioned Clay and then again when you posted a photo! (I missed the mention in our thread that said you were a Clay fan.)
Your blog is now on my list of knitting blogs to check daily, along with Mason-Dixon and See Eunny Knit! Love it!
Hoping to meet you at an upcoming concert!
Comment by NeptuneNancy — January 11, 2007 @ 4:34 pm
First of all the sweater is incredible! Secondly, thank you so much… your photos are beyond helpful. I had no idea that could be done. You are an amazing knitter. I think you need to write a book so that you can do the tour thing like the Harlot. Hopefully you’d hit NJ and I’d get a chance to knit with you. 😉
Comment by Michelle — January 11, 2007 @ 6:17 pm
Lovely! Just curious, whom was this Bohus purchased from?
Comment by Marina — January 11, 2007 @ 8:46 pm
You are brave AND resourceful!
Will the colored pattern be at the bottom of your sweater or “inside” the hem?
Enquiringly,
Comment by Pam — January 11, 2007 @ 9:00 pm
Just gorgeous!
Comment by Carol — January 11, 2007 @ 9:38 pm
I really like the changes you made to your Blue Shimmer – the new shape looks chic. I will be interested to see how you like the Swedish yarns once you begin your Large Lace Collar.
Comment by Susanna in Seattle — January 11, 2007 @ 10:15 pm
Thanks for all of the wonderful comments. The pattern will be visible at the bottom of the hem.
Speaking of shape, Susanna, I really thought about shaping this whole sweater — dipping it in at the waist so it would be a bit fitted. I decided not to, but I will probably do that with the Large Lace Collar. I have NO idea when I will actually start that project, however.
Comment by surly — January 11, 2007 @ 10:17 pm
Love the sweater, it has always been one of my favorite of the Bohus designs 🙂 The picot edge is great!
Comment by Jen — January 11, 2007 @ 11:23 pm
Sorry to be clogging your comments but I couldn’t find contact info anywhere. A small error crept into the translation of the Large Lace Collar (Wendy caught it). You’ll figure it out when you get there, I’m sure, but email me (susanna@oneofsusannas.com) if you would like me to tell you where it is.
Comment by Susanna in Seattle — January 11, 2007 @ 11:48 pm
I love the mods you made to your Blue Shimmer. The new neckline is gorgeous!
Comment by Wendy — January 12, 2007 @ 8:32 am
I too love the mods you made to Blue Shimmer. And the colour change too.
Comment by Gale — January 12, 2007 @ 9:09 am
Wow, that is an amazing sweater – and that’s before I read and looked at the pix of the surgeries performed! I think your perfectionist tendencies are ably paired with your skill. Luckily, eh? 😉
Comment by Carrie K — January 14, 2007 @ 5:45 pm