'Savannah' Handknit Sweater

As if I weren't busy enough with all of my school work!  I was so excited about this project I managed to squeeze in this knitting project, completed over about 4 weeks of knitting in September and October.  I found the pattern and the yarn during our labor day trip to Asheville/Black Mountain. I mentioned to you that one of my classmates at Penland, Kim Dolce, was a knitware designer - this is one of her patterns.  This is her 'Savannah' sweater, pattern No. 0803.  For more details on the pattern and her collection, check out her website: http://www.dolcehandknits.com/collection_fawi.html

This pattern was listed as 'easy', and I was a bit skeptical.  But it was easy, it was just alot of knitting.  I followed the pattern, which is really hard for me to do, even following her recommendation for yarn selection.  The Yarn is by 'Nashua', 50% linen, 50% cotton.  The gauge on size 7 needles matched the pattern's gauge perfectly, so I didn't have to make any adjustments there.  I used less than the pattern called for, about 5 1/4 skeins at 220 yards per skein.  I did make one adjustment to the pattern:  the whole thing is about an inch or two shorter than she prescribed (I raised the hemline).  I'm a pretty short lady and I think the adjustment worked well for me.

This project was a success because I will wear this sweater.  (I actually wore it to church this morning to celebrate LSU's victory over Florida!).  But I have a couple of comments on the fit.  I think the gathering that subtly indicates the empire waist is a bit high... it does not sit under my bust.  This is probably because I am a little more busty than the typical 'XS' form.  I wish it were an inch lower.  Also, despite lots of blocking, the front edge curls in rather stubbornly.  However, when wearing the sweater neither of these issues really matter that much because it is so casual and the piece has such movement.  I don't think either is really noticeable.

I hate this part the most: being the model for my garments.  Especially when my husband works nights for a week straight, forcing me to set up this photo shoot solo.  The photography is bad, because I had to set a timer, the lighting sucks, ect.  Anyway, don't judge too harshly, but here is an idea about the fit.