Here it is - the much-anticipated "ice storm sweater"! I actually started knitting this the week between Christmas and New Years, but I made most of my progress during the two weeks of the ice storm. I'm using recycled yarn from the Cutaway sweater I knit last year. It was my first sweater and I didn't do a very good job on it, so I decided to rip it out and try again. This time, I'm doing a basic top-down raglan sweater using this pattern.
A few notes on the pattern so far:
1. When taking measurements, measure a sweater or shirt that fits you well, not your actual body measurements. For some reason, I followed this advice on everything but my neck measurement (maybe because it's hard to measure the neck of a sweater?) But I ended up with a very close-fitting neckline on an otherwise fairly relaxed sweater. I tried to rip back the neck a bit, but I couldn't quite figure it out.
2. The ratios don't add up. It wants you to have 25% of your stitches for each sleeve, plus 33% for the front and 33% for the back, plus 8 stitches for the raglan shaping. Ummm... that's way more than 100%. Maybe I'm just missing something, but I just had to rejigger the figures until it added up, but roughly keep the same proportions.
3. I haven't started the sleeves yet, but I'm afraid they're going to be quite a bit more voluminous than I normally like them. This pattern dates back to the 80's or maybe even earlier, so I think it's just a matter of changing styles.
I've actually gotten a bit farther on this sweater than the picture shows. I finished the body and put on a reverse stockinette edging around the bottom and neck. I'm really happy with the fit except for the puffy sleeve possiblity.
You are my knitting idol! THAT'S only 2 WEEKS of knitting? Quite impressive - and I love the color!
That's sad that you had to take our your Cutaway, but if it wasn't doing it for you, it's the best option. I think this is going to look great, however! Sometimes, you just need an easy, comfortable, simple sweater. This looks like it will fit the bill perfectly.
i think it's wonderful! ... but be careful with their numbers if the pattern is from the 80's ... you could end up with batwings ;)