I’m frequently sidetracked by what the actors are wearing when I’m watching a movie or a television show. It’s not just knitted items, although I pay special attention to them, of course. I wish it were possible to buy slightly modernized versions of some of the gorgeous pieces in Downton Abbey (I watch that show almost exclusively for the clothes) or Testament of Youth (liked the film, loved the costumes).
Apparently, others pay attention to the costumes, too. Carol Sunday recently put out a pattern based on a sweater Téa Leoni wore during an episode of Madam Secretary. The sweater, titled Madam Secretary,is a cozy, oversized shrug with dolman sleeves. It’s a simple knit — all garter stitch — and typical of Carol’s designs, the construction itself is interesting. I knit mine out of Angelic, a soft blend of extra fine merino and angora.
This is a casual, comfortable sweater that I will wear constantly once the weather turns colder. It’s difficult to photograph because of the shape but I’m very happy with it. My one modification was to join the sleeve seams with applied i-cord, which I carried across the back.
From Susan — I love this and actually bought the same kit. As I ponder whether or not to be the Rainey Twins, I will admire the perfect fit and drape of your Madame Secretary. Wow!!
Comment by lv2knit — September 1, 2015 @ 3:00 pm
I LOVE it – super useful . . .
Comment by Mary M — September 1, 2015 @ 5:48 pm
Super useful and oh so cozy! Beautiful knitting, Sally!
Comment by Kathy W. — September 1, 2015 @ 8:43 pm
You do know that Interweave Knits has a couple issues of “Unofficial Downton Abbey Knits” magazines, right? Or maybe you know, but don’t like their interpretations of the costumes. I bought the 2014 issue, but haven’t actually made anything out of it yet.
Comment by Marcia — September 1, 2015 @ 10:44 pm
This is fabulous! Love the icord addition.
I do the same thing watching TV or movies. Right now I’m obsessed with a toddler on the beach in a commercial wearing what looks like a Bohus sweater. I don’t even know what the ad is, but every time I see it I say to all in the room, “that kid is wearing a Bohus!” Friends and family just shake their heads.
Comment by annie — September 2, 2015 @ 12:26 pm
Actually, that’s a toddler on the beach. Haven’t seen any toilets wearing sweaters.
Comment by annie — September 2, 2015 @ 12:28 pm
Fabulous! Thank you for posting your Madam Secretary; you’ve just restored my knitting mojo!
Comment by Ella — September 5, 2015 @ 2:35 am
Simple stark sweater designs like your Madam really show up the quality of the knitting skills so I have a ways to go before my gauge is consistent enough to attempt that one. (Loving to knit does not necessarily equal being a good knitter:-). Yours is beautiful of course. And I got sucked into Downton Abbey because of the clothes as well and always love it when Mary is on because she always looks so chic.
Comment by Chloe — September 10, 2015 @ 8:21 am
I wish you had made yours before I made mine! I would have totally stolen the applied i-cord seam detail! I used 100% alpaca and I joined the seam with a slip stitch on the inside to counteract the seam stretching – yours is a much more elegant solution. 🙂 (And yes, like everyone else, I loved the sweater when Tea was wearing it and was thrilled when Carol Sunday made up a pattern.) http://www.ravelry.com/projects/sunapee/madam-secretary
Comment by Mary — September 14, 2015 @ 11:16 am
I had the same thing when I watched Lawless. Tom Hardy wears the heck out of a stunning Fair Isle pullover/tank top and I loved the colours. Spent ages poring over the pics trying to work out the colours but I still haven’t got round to actually knitting it!
Comment by Carolyn — October 26, 2015 @ 12:38 pm