Hi Knitters,I am measuring, calculating, knitting, trying on, reading various sweater formulas, measuring again, estimating....
Well, you get it. I am working on a top-down raglan from scratch. I considered doing a knitalong on Spud says! but then I thought since it is my first try it might be better to just go it alone. I wouldn't want to be responsible for making anyone rip out a sweater's worth of knitting.
I will share what I find out in the end. This is going to be the simplest of sweaters. Nothing fancy at all just straight forward and plain. In the end I always like and wear the simplest sweaters so that's my goal.
I will share what I find out in the end. This is going to be the simplest of sweaters. Nothing fancy at all just straight forward and plain. In the end I always like and wear the simplest sweaters so that's my goal. Maybe/Possibly if I like the end product I'll knit another one and we can do a knitalong together in steps. Let me know if you'd be interested in something like that. I keep hearing from people who have never made a sweater before and are nervous about it. This would be a perfect first step.
I have some fun and twisty ideas to go along with the sweater that I might just try. They are all in my head and I should write them down before I forget.
So far, so good! It is looking like a sweater. I have lots of notes written in my sketchbook. The yarn is Grape Jelly Spud & Chloë Sweater. I love this color so much, it is really deep and rich. I have no idea how many skeins it will take. I am still on my first skein.
So far, so good! It is looking like a sweater. I have lots of notes written in my sketchbook. The yarn is Grape Jelly Spud & Chloë Sweater. I love this color so much, it is really deep and rich. I have no idea how many skeins it will take. I am still on my first skein. 
There is something exciting about starting from scratch on any design. You never know what might happen...
You have to take a look at Jaime's blog for some sticky summer fun! I want to make some this weekend. She's a fun girl with recipes. Can't beat that.
Yesterday I baked sugar cookies and peanut butter cookies. The kids were so excited and so was I. We had the air conditioning on so I took advantage and fired up the ovens. I miss baking when I don't do it for awhile.
Have a good summer weekend everyone!
best, susie
Susan, I love the neckline on your sweater. I have a raglan pullover made from Rowan Calmer that I love the feel of, but the neck is unflattering. I did use short rows to raise the back at the neck, but either didn't use enough or it just did't work. So I'll be very interested to learn how you decided where to put the front neckline.
ReplyDelete--BlondiKnits
Susan, I love your patterns, and if you did a kal for a sweater, I'd definitely be there! I hope your sweater works out (I'm sure it will!) and that you're up for doing another one with all of us...
ReplyDeleteRobyn
I'd love, love to do a sweater KAL. I have a problem with starting a million projects, so maybe the group pressure would ensure I actually finish one! :)
ReplyDeleteIf you do a KAL for that sweater i will love to join ;o) It could be fun and my first time joining a KAL.
ReplyDelete/ Helle
I would love to do a knitalong for a sweater!
ReplyDeleteIf you do a KAL for that sweater i will love to join ;o) It could be fun and my first time joining a KAL.
ReplyDelete/ Helle
Great idea! Knitting a sweater scares me!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm one of those folks you referenced who is scared of sweaters. But I'm new to knitting so of course I'm overly ambitious and really want to try one asap. A KAL would be perfect! And the beginnings of your sweater look awesome :).
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of you holding our hand while we knit! I'm still a new knitter so this would be a great way to jump into a sweater! Thanks Susan!
ReplyDeleteI've been thinking about knitting my first sweater for a while now. This would be perfect and not too scary! Good luck with your sweater - I love the purple!
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of your top down
ReplyDeletesweater. Simple, just make sure
you include larger sizes like 42-48? They are the best sweaters to
knit with minimal or no seaming!!
Goo luck with your pattern and
instructions. Yes, a KAL would be fun also!
I'm easing into sweater knitting by starting with baby sweaters. I'd be interested in a KAL and/or a list of easy & nice first sweater patterns.
ReplyDeleteOooh that Grape Jelly is lovely!
ReplyDeleteI'm determined to knit a sweater (probably due to the sweatering 90+ degree heat!) but I'm starting smaller with a button-up vest. No Sleeves!
I have, very honestly, been wanting to make a basic, no frills top down raglan sweater for a couple of months now and have been hunting for the perfect pattern. I hope you can figure yours out without too much hassle and then share with us via a knit-a-long.
ReplyDeleteOh, a KAL would be so much fun! Good luck with the sweater. Love that grape colour!
ReplyDeleteLooks great, count me in for a knit a long!!!
ReplyDeleteI would love to do a sweater KAL!
ReplyDeleteBring on the knitalong!! Any excuse to purchase some Spud & Chloe - this colour is amazing
ReplyDeleteAh I was right! it was a sweater. I would love to do another knit along. Just what you have knitted there has my brain storming with ideas of what to do next. Thank you for th inspiration. I will have to write up my ideas so that I can get thm designed later.
ReplyDeleteOhhh I just placed a Spud & Chloe order for the shop today and was picking out a few new colours...Grape Jelly got cut from my list. I am now, officially, kicking myself! It will absolutely, positively be on my next order! And I can't wait to see the sweater :)
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a sweater knit along! Count me in.
ReplyDeleteFor the last 2 days my 3 grandkids & I have played "Cake Boss". We baked @ 11 cakes yesterday & today made 3 batches of buttercream icing & each built & decorated our own cakes!! Lots of messy fun!! Same thing here.....had to crank that air down.
ReplyDeleteI would love to do a sweater KAL. Please have instructions for plus size! I made a sweater once, a few years ago, from the book I taught myself with - Kids Knitting. I was making it for my mom but I switched to a bulky yarn thinking I could make it go faster (I'm more of a finished product person) and it ended up being big enough for a grizzly bear to wear - well, if I had one to put it on. I guess you don't use air conditioning all the time up north. Here in Alabama we would die. The heat index was 112° today!
ReplyDeleteSarah
I'll try to join the KAL, too. I'm just not sure whether I'll get the yarn in time for it, and whether I'll have the time to knit anything at all after I move into my new apartment in a few weeks time.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to see your grape jelly sweater!
Hi Susan, the way you knit your sweater from top till bottom is new for me so I love to yoin a KAL to learn
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm so looking forward to knit in a kal.....hope you will have great fun knitting your sweater.
have a nice day, Marjolein
I would love to do a KAL on a simple sweater! I've been dying to make one for myself.
ReplyDeleteLove the sweater so far! I'm about to jump in and do something similar. I've just finished a little top-down shrug in plain stockinette stitch (from a pattern) and it has made me consider doing another, but this time knitting a lace pattern instead of st st. I'm a relative newby to sweaters, so it's a lot of fun to figure out how it all works. I'd enjoy a knitalong.
ReplyDeleteI do love a good simple sweater - and I also love knitting with Spud & Chloe. So, I would also be quite excited for a KAL.
ReplyDeleteLove that grape jelly color!
Oh please do a kal! Your knitting is just beautiful! How much yarn do you think we'll need and what type is it? Is it outer?
ReplyDeleteTammie
homebody62565@yahoo.com
I'd love to do a KAL...thanks so much. My favorite sweaters are seamless! Kim in Madison
ReplyDeleteSusan,
ReplyDeleteWatching eagerly for this sweater KAL. I admire your work and your enthusiasm...for both knitting and mothering. I know you're super-busy, but would you consider picking up your podcast again?? It would be a hit....
Yes Yes! A KAL with this simple pullover would be inspirational to me! Count me in.... love the grape jelly sweater....I'll probably use that yarn too!
ReplyDeleteYep! Dark yarn, basic, stockinette--you can't beat it; my favorite too! Will be watching your progress :)! Looking forward to a KAL just for the fun of it :)...
ReplyDeletect
Oh, I apologize, Susan. If I'd read closer... I see it's sweater and you don't have any idea how many skeins you'll use. You are tiny and I think I will like my sweater bigger... :) Tammie
ReplyDeletehomebody62565@yahoo.com
Wow, Susan! You've answered my prayers, I was just talking about knitting my first sweater yesterday to my fav. LYS owner. Talk about good timing! When you send 'something' out, it comes back in miraculous ways, doesn't it? Love it :)
ReplyDeleteI'd do a sweater kal with you Susan! Sounds like fun, and who doesn't love a classic raglan?!
ReplyDeleteDear Susan, I love your patterns and works. I'm sure your sweater will works out! I'd love to work a sweather with your help! I've never done one, but I'm new to knitting and I'm sure I'll do your help without be scared. Count me in!
ReplyDeleteI wish you and your family good holidays,
Monica P. (Milan, Italy)
I would love to join a Sweater KAL with you. Your other KALs have been great and I love pretty much any raglan style, top down, seamless sweater.(especially in worsted as it works up quick enough!) Count me in if you decide to do it!
ReplyDeletep.s. LOVE the Grape Jelly!!!!
Hi Susie -
ReplyDeleteCan't find Grape Jelly ANYWHERE!! fuss!
Love the art rocks! I still have some that my kids did... they are now 24 & 27 ( You KNOW how quick THAT happens!)
Can hardly WAIT for this sweater pattern!! I've made but one garment for myself, and it was disappointing. This one looks very promising! KAL rocks!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the new sweater. I would love to knit along with you once you've got it all figured out. I've never done a sweater before, and wonder if I'd last... but maybe in a knit-along?
ReplyDelete