I can’t make up my mind. I have had this KAL Challenge planned out since last fall, and I still haven’t come to a decision on my pattern. I have scoured Ravelry. I have gone through pattern books. I have asked for favorites on The Loopy Ewe group on Facebook. And still … I’m undecided. Our First Quarter KAL Challenge is to knit a sweater. We haven’t had a sweater challenge since we did the Dream in Color Classy one about two years ago. It’s time, again! I have had my yarn picked out for a month. I’m using String Theory DK in Black Cherry. I do love Lisa’s Central Park Hoodie and Melanie’s Chinese Lace Pullover. Both of those caught my eye way back then, and the photos still make me want to knit them. Of course I have queued quite a few more in the meantime. I think the thing with sweaters is that in my mind, they are a much bigger time commitment than a pair of socks. I never stress over sock patterns, because I’ll finish one and start in on another. For some reason, committing to a sweater pattern makes me feel like I can only pick one a year and it makes me indecisive. FPS. For the DC challenge, I knit up a Mr. Greenjeans and I love that sweater. It was very do-able for an inexperienced sweater knitter. So – pick a sweater pattern and come knit with us! Since this is a bit of a longer knit, we’ll leave this open until May 1st. (We will, however, have a new challenge go up in April to coincide with the beginning of the Second Quarter. They’ll just have to overlap a bit.)
We need you to vote on all of the entries from our Fourth Quarter ’09 Challenge, where I asked you to knit a shawl. There are over 100 photos in that gallery for you to look through – wow. You all did such beautiful work. Please take a look at the photos and email to tell us your vote for the “Reader’s Choice” award. We give a Loopy gift certificate to the winner of that, and we also do a random drawing among all entries for a second gift certificate. We’ll take your votes (support AT theloopyewe DOT com) through next Monday and then will announce the winners.
Back to the new challenge – in order to participate, pick any sweater pattern (or vest, or tunic) that you’d like to make. The yarn needs to be a line that we carry here at The Loopy Ewe (although if you actually bought that yarn elsewhere, that’s ok. I know many of you have stashes to work from.) If you do need to purchase yarn for this KAL, we are offering you a 20% discount on the yarn for one sweater project. Just leave us an order note that you’re participating in the KAL Challenge and tell us which yarn in that order you’ll be using for it, and we’ll adjust the price on your invoice. (Note – if you are going for the $75 free shipping level, make sure that this discount won’t put you below $75.) This offer is good on an order placed between 1/18 – 1/31, for those of you who want to participate in the KAL. Don’t forget to leave an order note for us.
Just in time for sweater knitting, we put up a full re-stock on Dream in Color Classy. We also have Malabrigo Worsted, Noro Silk Garden Worsted, Cascade 220, Fiesta Boomerang, Lorna’s Laces Shepherd Worsted, and Madelinetosh Worsted in stock. (We do have more Madelinetosh Worsted shipping out to us next week, but I’m not sure it will be here in time for the discount. No promises, but we’ll do our best. In the meantime, we also have a new Tosh Sock order enroute to us already, and the new Pashmina base coming after that. Fun things to look forward to.) And of course there are lots and lots of DK and fingering weight options for your sweaters as well. There are some really fun sweater patterns in those weights.
In addition to the DC Classy re-stock today, we also added in a re-stock of Dream in Color Smooshy, Lane Borgosesia Cashwool, new Trekking colors (#417-421), a luscious new merino/alpaca/nylon sock yarn from Berroco, new Berroco Sox colors, Lorna’s Laces Pearl, Alpaca With a Twist Fino, and more Atenti bags. (And might I point out, those Atenti bags are perfect for carting around sweater projects. Ask me how I know. Isn’t it helpful that I sprinkled a few photos of them in this blog post?) Also coming soon – our 2010 Valentine Kits – watch for them in a couple of weeks!
Knitting Daughter went back to college today, so the holiday season is officially over. (I like that it lasted a long time.) Zoe came to Loopy with me this afternoon, but she’s not very helpful. She likes to be in front of the computer screen while I’m trying to work. Or maybe she just misses these two kids like I do.
Our January Blog Contest question: Do you have a favorite sweater/vest/tunic pattern? Or are you not a sweater knitter? I’ll use the random number generator to draw a winner from your comments, and I have Wollmeise to give away for the prizes! We’ll announce the winners next Monday.
Sheri sorryforthelonglongblogposttoday.Toomuchtotell!
Haven’t knit a sweater in a while. When I was in grad school, I used to knit Icelandic pullovers and sell them to other students! Very easy patterns…knit circularly from the bottom up, with a Fair Isle yoke. Minimum of finishing…only had to sew up the armpits!
I want to do the Nora’s Sweater from Interweave… http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/noras-sweater
Not a big sweater knitter… Although I do love doing them for friends having babies. The Cabin Fever baby cardigan is a good go-to pattern, along with the Knitting Pure and Simple neck-down raglan. I’ve made my fair share of those two patterns 🙂
I’m not much of a sweater knitter, unless baby sweaters count, but I do have favorites: For grown-up women, it would have to be the “somewhat cowl” (one day, I will finish mine – started in 2004); for babies, it would be the seamless kimono sweater – I’ve made it at least 5 times with different yarns, and each one turned out superb!!
I don’t have a favorite yet, because I’ve only finished one sweater so far (February Lady Sweater). Of the sweaters hanging out in my queue, though, the Tea Leaves Cardigan is my favorite these days.
I have never knit a sweater but I have the yarn waiting to be made into the Cobblestone sweater for my son.
I have knitted quite a few sweaters, but always on the look out for one that I can get to fit just right. Working with a designer now to develop one that I think would be me. Will share a pic when available. Right now working on “The Renaissance Coat” and hope this will be a keeper.
I love cardigans, but don’t have a favorite pattern. I am thinking on it…..
I have a lot of sweaters in progress/planned. I like the Chic Knits patterns as well because they have a flattering fit.
I haven’t knit a sweater yet but it is on my want to learn list for 2010
I love the U-neck back to school vest from Fitted Knits.
I’m a bit of a traditionalist – I like to use Elizabeth Zimmerman’s yoke sweater percentage system to make sweaters customized to my size. It takes a bit of math at first, but once you know your numbers and your gauge, it works like a charm!
I love knitting sweaters for my grandchildren. And as I have 11 of them, it keeps me busy 🙂 Have started on an Alice Starmore sweater for my husbond just a couple of days ago!
Love Vigdis from Norway
No official favorite since I usually don’t knit the same sweater twice, I do Love the EZ Surprise jacket or baby one. But I have about 30 sweaters in my queue and a few I have started but are ZZZZing.
I’m not a sweater knitter but then again I’m not a sweater wearer! 🙂 I can appreciate the beautiful patterns I see out there, though.
I like to knit socks, BUT I think I will try my hand so to speak at knitting a Noro pattern .
I’m working on Mr. GreenJeans too. I cannot wait to see how it comes out.
I do have another sweater in mind for my next knit
My excuse is that I have never had the time to knit any kind of sweater-y thing yet because I have been too busy making sure everyone has hats and gloves and shawls. But I’ve tried to make a bargain with myself that this will be the year to try it!
I love the Central Park Hoodie, it’s a great knit and looks goo on a lot of different people.
The only sweaters that I have ever completed are baby sweaters. They don’t take “forever” and they are extremely portable as a project. The other drawback is the expense of yarn in an xl or xxl size. Socks, gloves, and scarves are much more my “cup of tea”
I keep looking at the February Lady Sweater – that might be a good one to try!
I love the February Fitted Sweater and Coraline. I really want to make the Febuary Fitted in Madelinetosh Worsted but I knit too tightly and know I won’t be able to get gauge. So, I might end up making Coraline instead! I also love the Pinwheel sweater for kids and the DIC Tulips sweater and I have TONS of DIC scraps waiting to be knitted up for my two daughters. I love kid sweaters because they go SO fast!
I have done a couple kid sweaters, and only one adult sweater. Well, I did one little lacy pullover, but it used less than 800 yards, so it can’t count as a sweater, right? I am knitting my first cardigan. So far it’s fun, but we’ll see when I have to assemble it!
I don’t know about favourite, but I have knit Bond by Kim Hargreaves 4 times. Does that count? Of my other sweaters, most of mine are designed by Kim Hargreaves. Does this mean I really love her or that I should branch out a little more? Kidding aside, her patterns are quite basic, classy and easy to wear. I always plan on knitting something more elaborate, but end up dashing off another Kim when it comes down to it.
I’ve made non-baby sweaters in the past, but haven’t mastered the arts of taking measurments and figuring ease, though I’m getting more skilled at adjusting the patterns to measurements I have in mind. My finishing skills are definately one of my weaker areas, so when I do make sweaters, I tend to go for ones that are knit in the round in few pieces. I’d like to learn to take measurements properly and get better at techniques for shaping, and try making sweaters with steeks (though I don’t have a sewing machine, which is a drawback in the steeking department, though I have read of ways to do it which don’t require machine stitching).
I do have some stash contents which include quantities of yarn suitable for making sweaters, and have CPH in my queue, especially since the Interweave Knits site has some very helpful shaping tips for the larger sizes of that sweater.
To my surprise, I find that I like fine gauge knitting and small projects.
So bring on the Wollmeise!
I’d really like to make the Greenjeans sweater. Sheri, what yarn did you use? I love the DIC Classy. Do you think that would work with size 7-8 needles?
Can’t wait to place (another) order and get started!
I know it’s an old pattern, and that everybody has knit it, but I really love Sitcom Chic. It’s easy to knit and I get a million compliments when I wear one (I have 2). It also lends itself to lots of different fibers.
Good Luck!
P.S. Love the kitty photo!
I have never knitted a sweater but the Central Park Hoodie has always looked enticing to knit. I just googled the February Lady sweater and it is beautiful, very feminine. I am afraid it might be too advanced for me but I think my vote goes for February Lady sweater!
I have so many in my queue! I may do the February Lady for the KAL or perhaps the Nimbus with some Peruvia Quick. Not sure. I have only made two sweaters. Usually, I stick to socks, hats, mittens, scarves, and the like.
I am a sweater knitter, but not a sweater finisher. My kids and I were organizing my stash and found 4 sweaters that are essentially all knit, but need to be assembled. Hmmmm.
I don’t have a favorite sweater pattern yet, but I think I may knit the heather hoodie vest from the Fall Knitscene for the Challenge.
I have knit one sweater, but never seamed it up. It has been sitting in pieces for over 3 years. Not only did it turn out funny colors because I ran out of the main color! LOL! But then it was seaming funny and I was afraid. I am afraid of making another sweater, especially since my measurements would definitely require major shaping. I hope to work up the courage.
I liked the Wicked sweater mentioned by several posters that I just ordered Dream in Color to make one for my daughter. I’ve all ready got two sweater started but I tend to get them done if they’re knit in the round. Hopefully the KAL will be good incentive to power through on this one.
My favorite sweater is Zelda by Joan McGowan-Michael. I love the lace and feminine details and I think it looks fantastic on many shapes.
I do not have a favorite sweater pattern, yet. I am working on finding the one but so far it has been somewhat difficult. Cannot imagine why, can you? Thankfully there is time to pursue the difficult task.
Not a sweater maker unless it is for my three-year-old, and somehow I don’t think a little tiny sweater would count in this challenge! I have seen some very nice February Lady Sweaters which makes me almost want to take up the challenge for myself, but the list of things to make for friends and family is too long right now! : )
Hi! I’m a BRAND NEW knitter …..so no sweaters for me yet. But I do love this sleeveless top pattern: Violetta by Ilga Leja (see Rav database)
I don’t have a favorite, as I just finished my second sweater ever. I am in the process of picking the next one, so all the comments were great to read through for good ideas.
I can’t say I have a favorite sweater pattern, but I do love to make sweaters. So I guess my favorite is whatever I’m working on. 🙂
sweaters are a long slog at knitting. Vest seems so much faster, maybe because the sleeves are missing?
Unfortunately, I don’t have patience to knit a sweater. I wish I did! There are so many beautiful patterns out there. Maybe I’ll develop some patience this year. 🙂
I’ve never knit a sweater before so I don’t have any personal favorites, but since your starting this KAL I figure this would be a good oppurtunity for me to try one out!
I have knitted sweaters before, just not lately. I’m completely obsessed with sock knitting at the moment, and I can only be obsessed with one thing at a time. I will try the February Ladies Sweater though if need be. I’m trying to find something else to occupy my time since you can only have so many pairs of socks.
I don’t really have a favorite sweater pattern. I’m sort of a “one and done” knitter, so I rarely repeat anything. Right now I’m knitting Emerald from Knitty in a lovely bulky merino/alpaca blend and loving it. Since the yarn is so thick, the acres of stockinette are flying by. Just as I begin to get bored, I’ve got a new increase or decrease to pay attention to. That’s the best kind of pattern for me!
I’m not a sweater knitter because I can’t knit, I can only crochet! But looking at all the lovely sweater patterns on Rav has made me think about knitting lessons. Will I, won’t I???
I have been in love with retro looking cardigans, so I second many of the other comments and go with Audrey in Unst. Hope this helps!
My favorite easy sweater pattern is the Knitting Pure & Simple Neckdown Cardigan. I have probably made a dozen of these sweaters for various people. It’s good, mindless knitting for when I work at the yarn shop or for bringing along to a meeting. An added bonus is you can try it on as you go along and make sure the body and sleeve lengths are a perfect fit!
There are to many sweater patterns that I love to choose just one. I just wish I had more time to knit because then maybe I would complete more than just the couple that I have. Hopefully, the KAL will get me moving in the right direction.
I’ve knit Zillah from Simply Noro twice and I’m thinking about a 3rd. It’s a sleeveless turtleneck that I wear over a long sleeve T. The pattern is basically 1/2 solid and 1/2 varigated worsted weight, so lots of options outside of Noro and it’s a fast knit. All good things.
I’ve not yet knit a sweater beyond a chunky stockinette stitch monstrosity, but the two that are at the top of my queue are Celtic from Rowan 40 and the Ivy League Vest from Interweave Knits. I’m going to knit both of them this year, come hell or high water!
I love the Updated Old Classic by Wendy Bernard. It’s cute and young, but could definitely be a staple item!