It is finished.
Well, it was actually finished ten days ago, but who’s counting? I apologize for the ever-so-casual self-snapshot, but until I grow some real friends, it can be rather difficult to find someone to play photographer for me (at least during daylight hours).
The self-snap does at least show the final version of the massive color differences in the skeins of this yarn. Look there, right under my bust line where it seems to go from teal to purple, and then back to teal where the pockets start. I am, in popular internet parlance, SMH. But truthfully, inasmuch as it was unintended, I love the effect. The whole garment has a boho-inspired feel, and something about the pieced-together nature of those color changes seems to uphold that aesthetic. It also helps that the shifts occur at very logical places in the garment, that act as a sort of visual anatomy lesson. Well done, madelinetosh (link). Well done indeed.
As for the yarn itself? I love it. I couldn’t really see what had everyone raving about it in the skein, as it felt like pretty much every other wool/silk blend out there. But after blocking, that little bit of cashmere really comes to life to give everything a nice fluffy haze. While it is a gorgeous yarn, and totally suitable for dressier garments, it’s also really conducive to cuddling up and hiding away from the world. I’ve been wearing this sweater pretty steadily for a week or so now, the fluff has yet to become pilling.
The pattern has basically cemented Heidi Kirrmaier (ravlink) in my book of designers I love. It’s a thoughtfully designed garment, and the pattern is written clearly and concisely. She’s also kindly pointed out the most logical places to make modifications for length fit if you are so inclined, and given an “easy” version that produces less finished edges but doesn’t require nearly as much i-cord. I made only one modification to the pattern: I cut eight rows of pocket, partly because I was ready to be done knitting and partly because I’m short-waisted.
I had to do some pretty serious stretching of my swatch to make row gauge before beginning, and I knit the 37″ size (which should yield 2″ negative ease), but this sweater fit perfectly right off the needles, so rather than give it a heavy-duty wet block, I just steamed it a bit to even out my stitches and pull the fronts into shape (they’re knit on the bias with a rolled-under edge, so you have to give them a little tug to make them hang just right). I’ve been remiss about measuring my gauge since I’ve worn it a bit, but since it’s so full of awesome, I don’t so much care.
Alright, I’m off to wear my new favorite sweater. For full specs, check my project page (ravlink).