Friday, September 29, 2006

Serenity Now! A finished object report

As I knit this sweater, I couldn't help thinking about George and Frank from Seinfeld screaming, "Serenity now!" So this is my Serenity Now sweater:

Serenity Now!

Pattern: Serenity from the RYC Classic Style book, second size
Yarn: RYC Silk Wool DK in color #307 Velvet, exactly 15 balls
Needles: US sizes 3 and 6
Comments:
1. I love this sweater. The yarn is soft and cozy and the pattern is attractive.

2. You're not going to see an outdoor photo of this sweater any time soon. It's still in the 80s in Houston. A wooly turtleneck is not my idea of summer-wear. (Yes, I'm wearing shorts in this photo!)

3. I'm not certain that I'm going to keep the turtleneck part. I doubt that it will ever be practical in Houston--it's even a bit much in overactive air conditioning. But because this sweater is going on display at Yarntopia, I knit the collar as written in the pattern. But I also left the collar ends long so that I could pick them out and frog the collar at a later time.

4. I have a 36 inch bust so I knit the size "to fit 36-38 inch bust." Then, I discovered (after all the knitting was done of course) that the finished size is 41 inches. Eep! I probably would have been better off with the smallest size that has a finished size of 37 inches. Next time, I'd better study the schematics BEFORE knitting.

Also note that the sleeves are way too long. Though they are the correct length according to the pattern.

5. According to the pattern, the size I knit requires 17 balls of Silk Wool DK. I stopped knitting the collar when I had used up the 15th ball of yarn. The total length of the collar is about 2 cm shorter than the pattern specifies, but because the collar is doubled over, the collar height is about 1 cm shorter. Not a huge difference and I saved a ball of yarn. Considering that this yarn retails for about $10 a ball, it was a wise decision.

I can't say for sure that the pattern completely overestimated the yarn needed--my row gauge was slightly off so that could have affected my yarn usage. However, if you're going to knit this sweater I suggest knitting quickly so that you still have time to return unused balls of yarn if needed.

20 comments:

amylovie said...

The turtleneck looks pretty on you, even though it is not practical.

Definitely your color too.

Amy

Anonymous said...

Great job! That central cable band is so cool looking.

Valerie said...

It looks great! I hope you have somewhere cold to visit (*cough*NYC*cough*) this winter! :)

It actually doesn't look too large on you, considering that it's got around 5" of ease.

Anonymous said...

It's so beautiful. You do really lovely work.
And it is very flattering on you. :-)

Sarah said...

I LOVE it!

Love the purple, the style, and the fit is good too.

Yeah, maybe not exactly made for Houston weather, but what's a knitter gonna do?

*wishes she could go to Yarntopia to fondle and admire it*

Anonymous said...

The sweater is beautiful! I'm not too thrilled with turtlenecks myself, and I live where it DOES get cold enough for one. I'd much rather have a thick scarf for when I'm outdoors, it's rarely cold enough for a t-neck indoors..

Anonymous said...

Very very nice.

I scream serenity now every now and then just to keep it interesting.

Meredith said...

I totally thought of Seinfeld too. :) It looks great!

Jennifer said...

It's beautiful! I like the turtleneck, but considering where you live, I can understand wanting to take it off.

Elizabeth said...

I love it! Love the color, especially on you. Love the turtleneck (but I understand about Houston). It would almost be worth moving to Wisconsin or the Twin Cities or something, just to wear that sweater. Right?

As for quantity, it's a rather imprecise science estimating the yarn requirements for a sweater. One way to get a handle on it while the work is in progress: do one sleeve and the back and double that, plus whatever you think the neck treatment needs. Or just keep the extra to use for something small.

KNIT A NEW DREAM said...

Absolutely gorgeous and what a great color on you!! Sue

Anonymous said...

That really is a fantastic color, and I'm totally coveting the sweater (it is dipping into the high 40s here tonight). I'm curious, though, what your final verdict is on the bobbles?

I love the way the wool-silk looks, but the price is a little hard to swallow, I must say. Maybe for a special treat someday....

Wow, a whole comment in which I wasn't snarky. Who am I and what have I done with me?

Anonymous said...

Laura, I love your new house and the sweater! Lots of stairs in your new house though! I would be exhausted!

Anonymous said...

Oh, that came out gorgeous and you look lovely in it!

Anonymous said...

Wow! That looks amazing. Of course, I'm a sucker for cables... :D

Anonymous said...

Wow. Your sweater is stunning! I love the intricate cable and that color...simply perfect for you! I'm in OKC and it gets cold enough for a sweater like that maybe three days a year, but Houston? Well, I guess you will have to do some traveling this winter!

Jes said...

It looks great!

Anonymous said...

ouch $170 for the sweater....hmmmmm better be yummy then! Looks great though...will you be shortening the sleeves as well after it has done it's stint as a model?

Anonymous said...

You can send the sweater here. I needed it yesterday. Or, better, please send the 80 degrees...

Seriously, it came out gorgeous, and the color looks great on you.

Jonnie said...

Your sweater is beautiful. I just saw your Instant Gratification scarf. Love it. Is there a pattern for that somewhere?