It started out innocently enough. I started out knitting the Sandness Cardigan from a recent Interweave Knits. I thought the style was cute, nice cabling, etc. I spent months trying different yarns (spent a ton of $$ test knitting skeins 🙁 ). I landed on old standby Rowan Felted Tweed. You knit the sweater on size 3 needles, so it was a bit of a slog. But, I enjoyed knitting it.
I had some doubts all along because of the unusual construction AND the lack of ANY OTHER RAVELRY PROJECTS!!! That is such a red flag! I was getting pretty far along and had questions that the available photos (skimpy at best) could not answer. I contacted the designer (Mone Dräger) and she responded, answered my questions, and provided a very helpful photograph. My doubts persisted however. The sweater was very over sized, long, and drapey. I just could not picture it with long sleeves. I could picture it looking like my Capture the Moment, however!!
Here is my Sandness laying on top of my Capture the Moment:
Hmmm. I opted out of the sleeves. I simply did 2×2 ribbed cuffs and called it done!
I am very happy with it. I do think that I could have added long sleeves and it would have worked. Maybe some day I’ll change my mind and add sleeves…I have enough yarn!!
I also did something a little different when sewing on the buttons. I used a large bead for the button shank! I also added small beads on the top of the buttons between the two holes, which I have done many times before. The Rainey Sisters Tip of the Whenever shows close up pics!!
PS to Cynthia: I worked one row buttonholes over 5 sts to center them. The method is described in this post.
Your buttonholes are exquisite! I would love to know how you made them!
Comment by Cynthia Shepard — May 18, 2020 @ 2:59 pm
Beautiful! I love the color. I can see this with close fitting sleeves. However, it is just as nice as you have done it.
Comment by Anne — May 18, 2020 @ 4:39 pm
Sweater looks great! Yes, we do have doubts along the way at times. Sounds good that the designer Mone Dräger responded to your questions. The button and beads idea is a nice tip. Thanks.
Comment by Elizabeth — May 18, 2020 @ 5:21 pm
Oh, my, gosh, Susan! You have done it again! This sweater is fabulous! I love the shorter sleeves. Love the idea of using the beads in this way. Do wear it on Zoom this week!!!!
Comment by Kathryn Waldusky — May 18, 2020 @ 7:15 pm
Oh, this is NiCE. I have always wondered when there are few Ravelry projects, just assumed I have unusual taste 🙂
Comment by Grace D — May 18, 2020 @ 9:17 pm
I made a fitted poncho-type-thingy (capelet?) for my sister-in-law a few years ago— she picked the pattern. I never would have picked the pattern because the few finished projects on Ravelry all said that the shoulders were a mess— sticking out like something out of Star Trek. Shoulders— not easy. So I kind of winged it (pun intended) off a sweater pattern for that part. It was rough going, but it turned out well. I wrote my instructions in my project page in case they could help anyone else. What did we do before Ravelry? That said, despite being the first one, your Sandness turned out beautifully. 🙂
Comment by gm — May 18, 2020 @ 9:20 pm
Your changes were clearly, meant to be…beautiful!
Comment by CSK — May 19, 2020 @ 6:18 am
I LOVE this sweater!
Comment by Dianne — May 19, 2020 @ 10:21 am
Gorgeous. I would live in this. I am liking short sleeves more and more for sweaters. But then I don’t live in Minneapolis and I like to layer. Is it possible that there are few (any?) projects yet because this is pretty big item on pretty small needles? Maybe you will trigger more interest with your beautiful example.
Comment by Chloe — May 20, 2020 @ 3:57 pm
Oh I see what you mean about not being sleeves. Pretty good facsimile in those photos:).
Comment by Chloe — May 20, 2020 @ 4:02 pm
Wow. Really very flattering. I think you did the right thing, leaving off the sleeves. The yarn is perfect for the sweater, and the color is gorgeous.
Comment by Jennie Fields — May 24, 2020 @ 2:58 pm
Your changes are perfect, I love the fit, drape and overall style – and the buttons/buttonholes look great. I do see what you mean about the original pattern with sleeves, it looks as though they would drag it off the wearer’s shoulders all the time and would need to be constantly hitched.
Comment by Pru — May 27, 2020 @ 6:18 pm