Phildar Swing Jacket Knitalong

Redux

2007-09-27T06:59:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to taking pictures of my "re-worked" swing jacket. I wasn't to happy with the fit, so I tweaked it a bit. Read all about it here!

2007-09-26T07:36:00.000-07:00

Its finished. Ive been naughty as I haven't posted very often, but you should check out my progress on my blog.

I wear it all the time. I had great comments in the school playground the first morning.

Thank God!

2007-09-17T14:06:00.000-07:00

If this had taken a second more I think I would have gone totally crazy. I still have to resew all of the snaps so that the front lies flat.

Started: feels like 1978 but I think it was July
Finished: Today
Yarn: Elann Peruvian Highland Wool in Bisque
Notions: twill tape from ribbonsgalore.com, buttons from buttondrawer.com (thanks Miss Muffy for the suggestion!)

Whistlepea Knits

Sleeve Correction in English Pattern

2007-08-23T12:51:00.001-07:00

I don't know if anyone has posted this yet but I just noticed a mistake in the English sleeve instructions for the 3rd size a little too late :(

Instead of saying "on each edge of foll 10th rows, cast off 1 st 4 times, and on foll 12th rows, inc 1 st 3 times" it should say "on each edge of foll 10th rows, cast off 1 st 4 times and then on each edge of following 12th rows cast of 1 st 3 times"

Notions?

2007-08-09T12:23:00.000-07:00

I'm not even close to being done the first piece but my mind has turned to notions. I've hit just about every fabric and yarn shop in town and I can't find big enough wood buttons or similar bias tape to what Phildar uses. It looks like they use a wool tape. The magazine seems to suggest that these notions are available from Phildar but I see no evidence of that on their website.

Has anyone found the right trimmings online anywhere?

The Swing has Swung

2007-08-09T11:42:00.000-07:00

At long last, pictures of my finished jacket. (I actually finished it a month ago but it was way too hot around here to take pictures in it!)

I can't really put my finger on why I don't love it. It's just something about the fit. See, it looks pretty good if I have my arms out, or my hands on my hips like above. But with my arms down?

I looks a lot more boxy than swingy.

At first I thought maybe the chest was just too wide, and if I took it in, then it would be more bell shaped and therefore, more flattering. But how can the chest be large if I have this:

Boob gapage!

Sigh. I don't think it's really the style - I have another, factory made swing jacket that I love. Is it that the shoulders don't fit? The neckline is too wide? It doesn't flare enough? Not enough drape? I don't know. I'm hoping I'll be able to make some kind of alteration and, BAM! I'll be totally in love with it. Maybe I should block it again? Suggestions welcome!

THE RUNDOWN:

YARN: Elann.com peruvian highland wool

COLOUR: 402

NEEDLES: Denise 4mm

help!

2007-08-04T07:58:00.000-07:00

I'm at the part AFTER you cast off 1 stitch 7 x after the 12th row --

I'm using 2nd size - and need a little confirmation. Am I now knitting 7 rows and casting off 4 stitches each end on row 1; casting off 3 stitches at each end on the next two rows; 2 stitiches on the 4th row and 1 stitch at each end on the 5th, 6th and 7th rows??

I'm done!

2007-07-28T00:54:00.001-07:00

Hey guys, I'm done! I'm very pleased with the results, and rather than re-writing what I've written, here a couple of pics and more comments and pics on my blog

Thank you to everyone who has been involved - especially those who have finished, and who gave great advice along the way! It's been a pleasure ;)

Knitastrophe

2007-06-22T14:06:00.000-07:00

Big massive knitastophe!

I'm SOOO close to completing my jacket. Go read all about it it here.

I can't bear to type it twice

My jacket is finished!

2007-06-10T04:34:00.001-07:00

Hooray! It's finished. I love it. Thank you all for listening to me moan and encouraging me when I was flagging. It was well worth it in the end. Stick with yours and you'll feel the same I'm sure. There are LOADS more photos and information on my blog here. I shall keep an eye on this kal and see how they all turn out. Good luck all of you!

Slow progress

2007-06-07T05:34:00.000-07:00

I have been visiting here and everyone seems to be getting on well. I have been at the stage I dread for a while..the finished knitting, now finishing off stage. I hate it. Today I decided to take myself in hand and make myself try and get it finished and it is now all sewn up, well, except for the collar which is just pinned. I do see what everyone says about having to stretch it to fit the jacket!! I finally found a binding that I liked BUT it's not binding at the moment, so that's another thing to do. Oh, I sound like a real moaner, I'm just impatient and want it done! Check out more pictures here.

Still knitting

2007-06-02T23:03:00.001-07:00

I was just looking at my WIPs the other day and I realized that the Phildar Swing Jacket has probably been my longest-standing WIP at almost 6 months. It certainly hasn't been a laborious process, but in between the frogging and the reworking, it's just taken a very long time to get to where I am.

But with winter coming along and the weather turning cooler everyday, I am now being (almost) monogamous to my jacket and aiming to finish it within a few weeks. I am just about to finish my first sleeve and with the long weekend, am aiming to finish the second by the end of the weekend (eek ? too much pressure?)

Certainly with some finished objects popping up on this KAL, it's been a great source of inspiration - but I wonder whether you are all still making progress or whether it is now sitting in the "loved, but now neglected" bin ?

2007-05-29T14:19:00.000-07:00

I finally finished my back last night! I'll try to get a pic, but it looks pretty much the same as everyone else's (except black!). It looks like the body is going to fit really well, but I'm worried the shoulders might be a little snug. I guess we'll see when I get closer to finishing. I've always kind of suspected I had wide shoulders, and I might need to overcome the denial soon.

So, I cast on for both front sides last night. Has anyone every done this before? I know it's common to do both sleeves at once, and I was thinking I might be more motivated to get it done if I'm working on them both at the same time. I've been thinking about it all day though and wondering if it's feasible to fit both sides on one needle. Any feedback?

Progress? Very little!

2007-05-20T06:46:00.000-07:00

Progress on the Phildar Swing Jacket has been slow. Partly because I've been busy knitting lots of other stuff. Partly because I'm not thrilled with the feel of the Quietude yarn (although the tension square did feel better when it had been washed) but this weekend I realised that the main reason is because I am having sizing / styling doubts.

Here's the back so far:

I still have several rows to do before I reach the shoulders. I've measured it against other jumpers / jackets I own and the back looks about right for a fitted garment. However, I'm worrying that this style might be a really bad idea for someone of my shape, i.e. someone with big baps.

The model looks so beautiful and sophisticated in her jacket. I want to look like her. But as usual the model has no discernable boobage. The jacket just skims a barely hinted at chest and flares gracefully down to her waist. I'm thinking that this won't be the case when I try and squeeze my bazookers into the 34/36 size.

At the back of my mind I always knew it was an issue but I have to admit that reading this excellent blog post by a fellow KAL-er made me think about this problem more thoroughly. I had hitherto been ignoring the boob issue and hoping it would go away. But - unless I resort to rather drastic surgery - it / they won't.

I could try a trick my friend Anne told me about - knit the back of the small size but with the front of a larger size.

However, although that might fit me better it doesn't mean this style is going to suit me any better. Just last week I went through my wardrobe (Trinny and Susannah style) getting rid of all the polo neck and high necked items that make me look like I have one huge matronly shelf like tit. According to them it should be v-necks and scoop necks all the way from now on.

So what on earth am I doing knitting this?

But I still love this design so maybe I should continue knitting the small size and give it away to a deserving and less chest-laden pal?

It would be such a shame not to keep it for myself though. Especially as my friend Alice brought me back the most beautiful vintage buttons from Britex in San Francisco which are perfect for finishing it.

Should I knit and be damned? Or give in gracefully?

*This is a very Libran post isn't it!

Blocking!

2007-05-17T04:03:00.000-07:00

I am finally at the blocking stage! Hooray! I am hoping to sew together over the weekend. Here's a picture of some of it drying...

And here is what I just discovered.
Can I just say, I don't remember this happening at all. As you all know, one stitch out on this pattern and you end up with a st st line......How did I not see it????? And how did it not affect the rest of the rows????? Spooky. I've decided to ignore it and sew it in and forget about it. At least it's on the edge, I'm grateful for that small mercy!

Second sleeve syndrome conquered!

2007-05-16T16:29:00.000-07:00

Take that you nasty syndrome!

And they're almost the same size!

Trust me, I consider that a victory! (I'll adjust for it later in the hem) I do have one other little problem though:

What do you mean you can't see it?! It's a perfectly good blurry photo! Okay, how about now:

Allright, I suppose it's not glaringly obvious, but I mixed up the pattern on one row. I didn't notice until I was almost finished and damned if I was going to rip back! That's what I get for trying to knit something with any kind of pattern at a book launch!

almost done

2007-05-07T14:33:00.000-07:00

just have to sew it all up - any tips?! That collar is giving me the heebie-jeebies, as is the bias binding!

2007-05-06T14:47:00.000-07:00

Voila! After knitting the back, one full sleeve and the hem of the other... I got bored. Don't get me wrong, I'll finish it! I just need a break. Too much grey! I'm knitting a quick pink scarf for a little colour relief and should be back to that sleeve in no time.

I had a little trouble figuring out the decreases for the sleeve cap (damn you "at the same time" directions!) but I'm still digging the pattern. I also made a bit of a boo-boo hem-wise. I knit the 4cm of stockinette, then started measuring from 4cm after that. You follow? I'm pretty sure I've mixed this up, and measurements should be taken from just after the stockinette section. I've never knit anything with a hem like this before so I'll blame it on that. Whatever the reason it's no big deal. I'll either have a jacket 4cm longer than the pattern intended, or I can include that extra 4cm in the hem. How have the rest of you handled the hem? Advice would be appreciated!

Finished!

2007-04-24T13:24:00.000-07:00

Yay!! It is done! I have had a hard time with this jacket. I used two different dye lots for the back and had to re do it, I learned how to do a hem, I did a lining, and i could not find the right button, so I had to PAINT one. But.. IT IS DONE! I still don't know how I feel about it, and you guys can read my rantings and ravings on my blog (I am too lazy to recreate right now :) ) But I am proud of myself for the work I did, which has to count for something - right?

I also want to say this is my first time doing a KAL and I LOVED it. I got inspiration and push to keep trying and going and cannot wait to see more finished results! Thanks ladies!

Making Progress...Slowly

2007-04-20T05:54:00.000-07:00

I seem to be easily distracted from this project. After a few false starts (completely frogged the back and most of a sleeve) due to my gauge being way off, I've finished a sleeve and have begun on the second one. This is part of my strategy to trick myself by tackling the smaller pieces of the jacket first to gain some momentum. Not sure if it will work, but my fingers are crossed.

I'm using Lambs Pride Superwash in Romantic Ruby. The color I chose appears accurate in this photo...finally!

p.s. I'm so impressed by everyone's progress and how great they all look :-)

Update

2007-04-19T03:51:00.001-07:00

Hi Everyone, just a quick update on my jacket....I am almost finished the sleeve and I have finished the back and right front. I think the sleeve looks really wide at the hem end, even though it is the right width according to the pattern. Does anyone else think this of theirs????? My only compensation will be that my arm looks slim, I suppose!! I am wondering also whether to bother with the binding as I quite like the look of it without. Would it still keep the shape do you think? Also, to line or not to line...I can't decide. Questions, questions...help please!x

An update, finally!

2007-04-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

I have finally gotten back into the swing of this jacket (ha ha, get it? I just crack myself up.) ANYWAY, I draped the three finished pieces over my dress form to get a feel for it so far. The size looks ok, but it just looks so frumpy right now. And the left front seems to be looser than the right front. I think my tension is loosening as I go along. I'm hoping the blocking will fix minor issues like that. Let me know what you think - even constructive comments are very welcome. It's my first garment, so I'm definitely open to suggestions/comments! And thanks - you guys are a great bunch!!

More shots on my Flickr page...

newbie alert~

2007-04-17T05:16:00.000-07:00

Ok, long time lurker, first time poster!

I've had the pattern for ages, but have been feeling intimidated about getting started --not to mention having about 5 other projects right now taking precedence! So I figured if I languidly got started it'd be ready to be worn this fall (sweltering humidity where I live will no doubt be a contributing factor this summer as well to any potential knitting lethargy coming my way...).

But in a fit of boredom the other day I decided to actually swatch and get this ball rolling for myself:

And I am hell-bent on doing it on the cheap as much as possible too, so I'm going with Patons Classic 100% merino in a deep olive (though it's looking kinda brown in that picture). Anyone have any suggestions about what would make for a good complimentary piping colour? I was thinking of not going for anything too "contrast-y" like white, but as usual, black seems to be my fall-back colour, though I am definitely not married to that idea (I dunno, maybe another olive colour as well?)

I look forward to seeing everyone's progress, I will probably have lots of questions myself!
Cara

Another new member

2007-04-10T14:35:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

I loved this pattern as soon as I saw it and when I discovered this KAL it inspired, nay, forced me to go to Elann and order me some yarn. I'm so happy to have followed this recommendation from many of you instead of trying to track down the Phildar yarn. I ordered bisque and dusky lavender:

I can't wait to get started although I'm also doing the Clessidra KAL right now!

Brace yourselves... a new member

2007-04-10T11:47:00.000-07:00

HI, Im Estee and I thought I'd better introduce myself as the new member of the KAL.

But firstly, thanks Vanessa for setting up and hosting this knitalong and Kate for leading the way.

Anyway, until only a few days ago I was ticking along with my swing jacket all on my lonesome. There were a couple of problems I stumbled on along the way, but I seem to have sorted those out now. It was the casting off at each end - I guess I have a mental block, but casting off at the end of a row?? Anyway, I did the decreases my little ol' way. You can't cast off at the end of a row... *hesitating* can you?

I've been very boring and used the specified yarn (and colour). One could claim that I have no imagination or too lazy to search through the net for subs... who am I to argue.

Drive by posting

2007-04-09T08:46:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! Sorry for the lack of post and updates about my swing jacket. I know, I begin to feel like I'm the worst host ever. I started the jacket way before everyone esle does, and it's still sitting in my wip's bin as we speak. Ah, what can I say, I have to blame those temptations and knitting detours. Anyways, I just wanna drop a few lines to check on y'all, say hello to all the new KAL'ers and thank you to the rest of you for keeping this blog alive. I shall resume knitting my swing jacket very soon.

Oh! my knitting buddy sent me link of another finished jacket by a japanese knitter. Check it out. By the way, if you have a blog but I don't have you on the side bar. Please email me and I'll add you on. We would love to read your other crafty and knitting adventure. Have a good week, everyone.

Cast away!

2007-04-06T09:25:00.000-07:00

I finally cast on - Whee! I was worried that I wouldn't get gauge with the yarn I ordered but thankfully, it worked out just fine. I didn't even have to change needle sizes! After swatching with two other yarns and knitting FIVE swatches in total, it was a relief to have this yarn work out! If anyone is looking for a yarn sub, so far I highly recommend this Elann Peruvian Highland wool. It's the right weight, comes in lots of colours, and best of all - it's only $2.25 a skein!

Yarn delivery!

2007-04-03T17:17:00.000-07:00

Looky what I got last Friday! I was shocked at the speed of Elann.com's delivery. I did order from them because they're Canadian (as am I) and cheap (as am I), but I didn't think my yarn would come this soon. I thought I'd have a chance to polish off a couple of UFO's before the delivery!
I resisted the urge to cast on immediatly, and actually managed to wait four whole days and finish two whole projects before swatching. Tonight I'll be starting my 5th swatch on my 3rd yarn. Whew! I should really be sainted for all of this self-discipline!

I'm terrified I won't get guage. The yarn is so nice - it has to work! It's Elann.com Peruvian Highland Wool in Oxford Grey Heather and Mister Joe Blanket in Charcoal Heather. Wish me luck!

Finish jacket

2007-04-02T11:34:00.000-07:00

My jacket is now finished, right on time for Spring... what's left from it. This picture is before blocking. My batteries are dead so I can't take a picture of the after blocking jacket now. I added a lining kasha so it's very warm and I changed the finishing. I made the band at collar and center front with the same yarn and I sewn 5 snaps (under)and 3 decorative buttons which belongs to my grand-mother who past away when I was 7... so about 15 years ago. There's back into fashion. hi!hi! I'm wearing my jacket with jeans today and it's very nice.
Sorry for my english, I'm a french speaker ;)
I'm very happy now.. what about yours? I enjoy seeing other version pics.
Enjoy knitting
Birana ;)

New Knitalong Member

2007-03-30T23:09:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. I've just joined the Knitalong and my yarn arrived yesterday so I'm ready to play the 'get the swatch gauge right' game then cast on and get knitting. We're heading into our mild winter down here in Australia and as all the fashion in the shops is grey, I've decided to knit my Swing Jacket in a deep charcoal, slightly felted style yarn.

I'm using NZ Naturally Harmony - 10ply - shade 804. It has the same gauge and the Phildar Quietude and similar fibre twist, however it has this lovely slightly felted finish and is incredibly soft. I was thrilled when the yarn arrived given it was purchased over the internet so I hadn't seen it in person, just studied it well for a few days comparing colours etc. Here is a picture of it and a close up of the fibre.

I'm also thinking to alter the finishing trim. I recently finished 'Mermaid Jacket' by Hanne Falkenberg and loved the I-cord finished edges. I'm considering not sewing on the contrast trim, however, knit on an I-cord trim on the collar and front button facings. Would love to hear anyone else's thoughts on if they'd considered modifying the finish trim too!

New to KAL

2007-03-28T16:28:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
I'am new to this KAL, but I almost finish the jacket. I'm now knitting the last sleeve and I will add a kasha lining to have it warmer as a mid-season jacket. I'm posting you pics of back. I'am using a yarn from Fleece artists called Ottawa and color is ocean. I should get back to you very quickly... I hope, with my jacket finish.

Swatchy swatchy swatchy

2007-03-26T18:04:00.000-07:00

Hello!

I just joined the knit-a-long though I've been lurking for a while (muah-ah-ah-ah-ah!). I present to you, a plethora of swatches:

I was really hoping I would be able to use stash yarn, but alas, the ever elusive guage would not be had. After four, count 'em, FOUR swatches, I finally got guage with some Cascade 220 I had kickin' around. Yippee!

Unfortunately, just when I was ready to buy a big batch 'o' Cascade and get started, I found myself broke. Boo! The swatches got shelved and I knit from stash for a while. Somewhat financially renewed, I've ordered some yarn from Elan that I hope will work (it appears to be the same weight/guage/etc. as the 220). It's a total bargain - I'm crossing my fingers it will work! (I'm such a cheapskate!)

Lomester Update

2007-03-26T10:08:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone!

I just updated my blog lomester.blogspot.com with a Swing Jacket post. It seems that this jacket is consuming everything I do, and I just cannot knit fast enough. I wish I could take a leave of abcence from work and finish it.

Even though I have read the pattern a few times, I woke up in the middle of the night a week ago thinking that I had messed something up because there were no button holes. So sad when knitting takes over your life, but sadder when it takes over your dreams as well :).

Here is a teaser of what I have going on so far, but go to my blog to check out more details.

Sad Tale

2007-03-23T09:09:00.001-07:00

I have knitted the back of the jacket, and was half way up the right front. I kept thinking how it would be quite a snug fit, but that I could make it a little bigger when I blocked it. This morning I had a wave of reality, and decided that it was always going to be a bit snug, so I have frogged the whole lot, and am starting again tonight on the next size up. I think where I went wrong, was, I looked at the size and not the actual measurements of the final garment. I got the guage and didn't even think that the size, being French, would be smaller than average. So, there you go. Live and learn, I suppose! I have so much sympathy with you ladies out there who have had similar problems......x

Here we go again...

2007-03-16T23:19:00.001-07:00

I must admit - my swing jacket had taken a backseat bench role in recent months. Not because I don't love it, but because my sizing and my gauge seemed to want to play games with me. For the past few months, I haven't made any progress on it but this morning, as I was driving back from the library, I decided to treat myself to a little yarn (think it's been months since i bought some- and I wasnt going to buy some still after my holiday!!), and I found a perfect replacement for my swing jacket.

I'm now going to start again using Naturally New Zealand 100% wool in this lovely natural colour, with a few specks in it. The yarn isn't soft - but I think this will be a good thing for this particular project, but I love the colour of it.

[ wound into balls]

Buying new yarn has rekindled my urge to knit this swing jacket, and I'm hoping to start once I've finished my assignment. *hurrah* for new yarn!

Trying to be patient!!!

2007-03-11T11:05:00.000-07:00

I am not the most patient of people, even KNITTING a swatch is frustrating for me. However, my pattern and yarn have now arrived and I was determined to do it all properly. I am a loose knitter, and using Debbie Bliss cashmerino DK, I swatched on 3.5, 3.75. 4 and finally got guage on 4.5. Off I went, very pleased with myself, and also used Pamela's invisible turned hem method. IMAGINE my frustration, when, 10 cm later, I measured the width, to make sure I was on track and instead of being 57cm wide (I am doing the 42/44 size) it is 71 cm wide. GRRRRR! I am tempted to carry on regardless and hope for the best, but I know in my knitty heart I will be starting again on size 4s. How did this happen, and have any of you guys out there had a similar problem?

started.. frogged... started again

2007-03-08T06:38:00.000-08:00

The colours aren't *really* that bright... almost, but not quite!

I'd started doing a contrast hem using the Sirdar but it was too close a colour to the YT Maze so I frogged it and did again using some pure wool of unknown origin that matches the flecks in the Maze.

Anyhow I did the hem using the same technique as Pamela, and I think it worked ok. Am hoping the rumpliness* of it is a because my needles aren't quite long enough for it to be stretched out flat, and that they'll disappear when blocked... but phew! it is heavy already!

*quite possibly a made up word :)

I Restarted - Again...

2007-03-07T16:16:00.000-08:00

I finally restarted this jacket last week. My gauge was different from the pattern and thus I had to re-calculate everything. I went almost half way through the back and realized that it may be too small! I think it may be okay for a fitted sweater, but it is definitely too small for a flare jacket.

Well, I decided to restart, yet again. Hopefully the third time is the charm. Just thought I'd share my progress with you all. Happy knitting!

-Celia

Two sleeves at a time?

2007-03-05T07:49:00.000-08:00

Since I'm new to garment knitting, and knitting in general, I was wondering if anyone could explain the concept of knitting two sleeves at one time. I'm guessing you're knitting two SEPARATE sleeves on one large circular needle, but... at the same time. Is there some trick I'm missing? Like they're... connected and then cut apart? (I'm laughing at my overthinking stupidity, btw.) So, why would you do this? To ensure the same length? Does it just seem to go faster?

Thanks for any insight/comments! And no, I'm not up to the sleeves yet :( Still working on the front.

No pattern, but I have buttons!

2007-02-25T11:04:00.000-08:00

I am still waiting for my pattern to arrive, but have found the buttons. I am intending to knit the jacket in a green Debbie Bliss with darker green binding. When I saw these, I knew they would be perfect.

lining

2007-02-24T08:25:00.000-08:00

there are some good tutorials out on the web that show how to line a jacket. though, i'm thinking that i may want to add some facing to the front sides and the back of the jacket to do it. just thought i'd give others a heads up in case they really want to line their jackets. it'd be way easier to knit the facing right into the jacket rather than add it or to line a jacket without facing.

http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00034.asp

the vogue knitting "bible" had some great advice on creating facings that curve and have mitered corners.

Getting started

2007-02-23T09:35:00.000-08:00

Well, my parcel of yarn and pattern books from Phildar arrived last week. It only took ten days to get here (the UK) so I was fairly happy with that.

Picking colours from the Internet is always a gamble and I'm not sure it's paid of this time!

The colours aren't quite what I envisaged and I'm not as keen on the Quietude as I am on the Lambswool. Bizarrely, given that their fibre content is almost identical, they feel totally different with the Quietude feeling very acrylic-ky to me while the Lambswool feels like a much more natural fibre. Still, I'm hoping that the artificial fibres will have some practical benefits and there's no denying that it was much, much cheaper than I would normally pay for yarn. If it works out well I may make the pattern again in a more expensive yarn.

Despite these grumbles I was really keen to get swatching and after a couple of false starts I found that 3.25mm was going to be the right needle size for the job. I'm a terribly loose knitter so am quite used to going down a few needle sizes to get my tension right although it does feel a little strange to be knitting an almost-aran weight yarn on such tiny needles.

I have to say that seeing such gorgeous finished jackets as those below is a real inspiration, thank you. If mine turns out anywhere near as good as the ones recently posted I'll be delighted. Hope to be back with some progress soon.

Turning a Hem from the Wrong Side

2007-02-22T11:06:00.000-08:00

Hi all! Inspired by all the beautiful work here, I finally cast on for my jacket, using some blue-green wool from my stash.

I decided to knit in the hems as I went along, instead of sewing them up later. I had done this before, but never from the wrong side of the fabric (which I had to do for the jacket because the right-side stitches are in the half-woven pattern).

So here's a photo of the back piece, after I turned and joined the hem. There's a tutorial with LOTS of photos on my blog.

Finally Finished!

2007-02-22T06:51:00.000-08:00

These aren't the greatest photos, but I'm finally done! Love the jacket, love this kal, love you all! My daughter is about to wake up from her nap, so I'll just have to refer you all over to the blog post for more info on my complete jacket.

Happy knitting,
Laura

Swatched!

2007-02-18T12:03:00.001-08:00

And going with the aran weight (thanks Girl Kae!) in Maze. It should arrive later this week so hope to show some progress shots soon.... :)

General thoughts on the yarns; loved the stitch definition in the Sirdar, but would make too loose a fabric, the Cygnet Aran had a nasty Polamide shine even though it was 75% wool, Cotton Jeans would be nice but too pricey, not hugely happy about the way both the Yorkshire and Scottish Tweed seemed to felt even after one wash but hey - they have great colours, and the Aran was on special offer at Jannettes on ebay! :)

geeky yarn stats on my blog here....

Getting there

2007-02-15T16:52:00.000-08:00

Hello fellow swing jacket-KAL-ers, I am finally checking in to show you some progress shot of my jacket. I know it doesn't look like much at the moment, but I'm seriously hoping to get this baby done before the weather gets warmer.The back was done a week ago and it took me longer than it should have. I know, I know...I sucked at staying focus on one project...midway through I got bored and decided to work on that grey sweater. Anyways, it has been great seeing everyone's progress so far! Off to knit the right front now.

yarn choices

2007-02-15T08:23:00.001-08:00

Well, I am still waiting for my pattern to arrive. In the meantime, I have been trying to choose a suitable yarn for the jacket. I don't want anything too stiff, as I think it'll be itchy, on the other hand, something too soft may not be structured enough...I do like the Debbie Bliss cashmerino DK, as well because it comes in some beautiful colours and the Scottish Tweed, which was my other choice, didn't seem to have such lovely colours. Before I go amd order the yarn, does anyone out there have any thoughts on my dilemma?!

yarn choices

2007-02-15T08:23:00.000-08:00

swatch...

2007-02-15T07:16:00.000-08:00

Hiya -

Have got the magazine, so now on to the yarn... am a bit uncertain about finding a substitute, as the guage for the yarn Phildar suggest and the guage for the pattern are different.

Is that cos of the stitch or to make the fabric intentionally stiffer? When you looked for yarn substitutes did you go for something that has the same guage as Quietitude, or the same guage as the pattern?

thanks!
:)

Phildar phone?

2007-02-13T07:43:00.000-08:00

Update: Hurray, Phildar has at last responded to me and they say they will resend the pattern! It's unclear to me if it will this time include my state, but I have my fingers crossed! Thanks for your help.

To anyone who's received their order: Is there a phone number to contact Phildar on the packing receipt? My order has been missing for over three weeks and they are very unresponsive to emails.

Thanks!

Holey Moley!

2007-02-13T06:24:00.000-08:00

I got my pattern so fast!! I ordered the magazine direct from Phildar and it got here in 5 days! and I live in Texas! I was totally expecting it to take two weeks or so. I just ordered my yarn this morning. I'm going to use the Elann Peruvian Highland Wool....it really fits my budget! I noticed the pattern calls for one ball of Phildar Lambswool.....does anyone know what this is used for? I haven't had time to read over the pattern yet and I was just curious.

Just Joined!

2007-02-13T05:43:00.000-08:00

Hi! I saw this KAL and loved it, so I am waiting for the pattern to arrive, but I am in the UK, and the yarn is next to impossible to find here. I am going to try some swatches with some Rowan maybe. Does anyone have any advice for me? I have also been reading comments and they are really helpful...a little scary!
Liz x

Hi!

2007-02-12T14:34:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd drop in and say hi :)
I ordered my copy of the magazine with the pattern in it - just waiting for it to show up and I'll get swatching...

my progress...

2007-02-12T10:58:00.000-08:00

i actually took pictures this weekend of all my latest fo's and wip's. thank god for the second trimester!

anyway, here it is so far:

here's a close up showing the hem which i created by adding a row of twisted stockinette on the wrong side so it would have a neat edge when turned under (a la vogue's ultimate knitting book, one of my fav christmas gifts from my family):

2007-02-10T20:04:00.000-08:00

Hey guys,

This is probably a really stupid question, but I'm so worried I'm going to do something wrong! I'm at the part where it says, "On each edge of foll 12th rows, cast off 1 st 7 times."

Does this mean cast one stitch off every 12 rows (7 times)? I figured out that I'm going to be losing 14 stitches, but I don't really understand how--am I actually binding off two stitches per row every twelve rows? Or does "cast off" mean decrease?

2007-02-09T19:15:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone,

I joined a while back, and just cast on last night. I ordered the recommended yarn from the Phildar website (I just got promoted--it was a gift to myself!). I'm doing it in all black, which I realized this afternoon is kind of boring, but I figure I'll be able to wear it all the time.

I'm only about 6 cm in right now. I'm hoping work doesn't get busy and infringe on my knitting time, because I want to wear this now!

Hello everybody!

2007-02-08T00:10:00.000-08:00

Just popping by to say hello as I have just joined this KAL. I ordered my pattern and yarn from Phildar this week (have had to sell some stash to pay for it!) and am now waiting for the postman. I'm in the UK so am hoping it might not be too long to arrive but who knows. I've already read all your back posts to catch up on swatching details and yarn tips and it's been really helpful. Looking forward to getting to know you all better. Helen x

new member

2007-02-07T12:57:00.000-08:00

well, i signed up in the beginning, but just began knitting. i was bored with my current projects and thought i should start something that i "might" be able to fit into while pregnant. it's depressing knitting stuff for my pre-pregnancy size "hoping" i'll fit into it one day, let alone hard to knit when i can't try it on from time-t0-time for fit. i have a few inches of the back done. i swatched with cascade, but would have to go down to like size 3's to get gauge and that just didn't seem right. i had trouble even finding many light worsted/heavy dk yarns, and the only thing in my stash that met that criteria was this hemp/wool i had:

http://www.hemptraders.com/product_info.php?cPath=23&products_id=70

it's giving the stitch a very rough, uneven look, but i think in the end, it will work out. will post a pic of my progress soon.

Where's my pattern?!

2007-02-04T12:40:00.000-08:00

Hi everybody,

I'm new around here. I love the jacket and think it will be a good chance to both knit and try some garment lining with my very basic sewing skills.

I am considering using yarn from Abbey Yarns, although I have yet to order anything. I want a hearty wool that will stand up to regular wear and abrasion. I have the color cards and they are beautiful!

Did anyone order their pattern from Phildar directly? I live in the States - it is taking f-o-r-e-v-e-r to get here. How long did it take for you?

Thanks!
- Rhea

Eta: Thanks for your comments. I emailed Phildar through their "Contact us" page (apparently the only way to get in touch) and said it had been over two weeks since shipment and my pattern was MIA. They replied several days later that it can take up to two weeks for the pattern to arrive and if it doesn't arrive within that time, to contact them. Didn't I just do that?! So I re-contacted, and I wait. Sigh.

Back done!

2007-01-30T16:01:00.000-08:00

I just finished the back of the jacket! I'm excited that I didn't have any questions regarding the pattern so far. It all seemed fairly straightforward. I am a little upset with my laziness, as I made a boo-boo going across by the start of the armholes. I caught it rows later, and I should have ripped it out. But, I just wanted to get it done, and now I regret it. Oh well. At least it's the back? :(

But, the yarn has completely grown on me. The little gold flecks which you can see in the pic is quite charming. And now I'm thinking of all the big gold buttons I can use!

And, this is my first project that I've knit completely continental style. It's really so much faster!

Finish Line

2007-01-23T14:19:00.000-08:00

These aren't the best photos, so you all have to overlook that. I'm getting so close to finishing this sweater, but I need help making some of the decisions regarding the final touches.

I went to JoAnn today and bought some bias binding or whatever that stuff is called. I went with the lavender like in the photo, but now I'm not so sure about it. Thoughts on color? Maybe I won't be able to tell until I sew it on. Also, do you sew that stuff on by hand or with a machine?

Other problem: the buttons. I thought that I liked this big wooden one when I was in the store, but now that I'm home I'm not sure about it either. Of course, they only had one in stock, so I have to go back either way. Any suggestions about online button stores?

I love this sweater so much and I'm extremely anxious to finish it so that I can wear it! Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

-Laura

Swatches done, ready to go!

2007-01-18T15:58:00.000-08:00

Yarn: Rowan Classic Yarn - Soft Lux
Color: Camel (my first choice Cashmere was out of stock)
Needles used: Size 6/4 mm (Inox circulars)

After knitting this yarn up on Size 7/4.5 mm needles, and getting 19 sts to 10 cm, I tried the Size 6/4 mm needles and it worked out! So, I'm going with this yarn. I'm very excited to finally start. I have to admit, I'm not thrilled about the yarn. It's pretty, but there's something very old looking (not vintage cool-like) about it. Maybe it's the gold flecks? I figure if I don't like it? I'll just knit another one in different yarn :)

Yarn here! Swatching tonight!

2007-01-17T14:34:00.000-08:00

My yarn just arrived! I love the color, and the single ply strand of gold lurex is actually more subtle than I thought (thank goodness!) I'll be swatching tonight - yippee!

Phildar Tendence has arrived

2007-01-17T10:50:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone. My pattern arrived the other day from Knit 'n Tyme and so I'm stash diving to figure out if I can do this from sweater quantities of stash that I have...it's a great way to get reacquainted with my stash too. Enjoying all your progress posts.

-Juls

Intro

2007-01-16T01:14:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to introduce myself to this knit-along after countless attempts between Vanessa and I to get me able to login! :D I'm kae (aka klement for those of you on craftster) and have been knitting for about 6 months.

I started knitting the swing jacket in Bendigo Mills "Aran" wool, but am now starting to rethink my decision because I am not entirely loving the whiteness/creaminess of the yarn! I am loving some of the yarn choices that you have all picked, and am thinking of changing mine to one of yours hehe :)

Anyhoo, I am at the moment on a bit of a knitting break - not because I want to , but because I dont have any suitable yarns for any of my project (silly unusable stash !!). I have just ordered some so hopefully there will be something suitable if I decide to change my yarn selection for this KAL :D

have fun!

my progress

2007-01-13T22:28:00.000-08:00

here's my progress on the jacket...not much but it's slowly getting there. this is the back:

Pattern here, yarn on the way!

2007-01-11T15:11:00.000-08:00

I just got my pattern book from Phildar, and I'm so excited. Not only is that swing jacket beautiful (I think the best one in the book - thx Vanessa), but there's lots of great stuff! I think I'll do the cover sweater after... if all goes well.

So, I hopped online and bought some yarn. I hope it works. I ordered some Rowan Soft Lux - in color Cashmere. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Can't wait to get a swatch up and get started!

Frog or not

2007-01-10T23:40:00.001-08:00

Hi, everyone!
For those that have already cast on, how's the jacket coming along? Are you guys liking the stitch pattern so far? Is anyone still in the mode of searching for the right yarn? First of all, pardon me for haven't been posting about my swing jacket. As you probably noticed, I still owe you guys a progress shot since last November. Well, the truth I'm kinda bummed out because of the sizing issue. You know, after swatching and measuring numerous time, you would think you're on the right track. Anyways, long story short, the back of the jacket came out a tad small. I put it on my regular jacket and I'm afraid by looking at the current size, it's going to be a tight fitting jacket. So, I'm still at the edge of deciding whether I should frog and re-cast on. I just finished armhole shaping and started second ball of yarn. I guess, it won't be as painful if I frog it now. Afterall, a loose fitting jacket is definitely a better to go.

Secondly, I've updated our current blogger status to the supposely new and improved version. So, if you have any problem leaving comment or posting. You might have to update your status or sign up thru google. Sorry for the hassle. I know I shouldnt have done that without consulting everyone. Anyways, if you still have not post or introduce yourself. We would love to hear and see your progress on the jacket.

Back swing

2007-01-09T13:50:00.000-08:00

In the cool that followed the excessively hot weather we've been having in Melbourne, I sat down to knit in comfort, and look, I've completed the back of my Swing!

I have to say, I am loving this pattern.

I've used Heirloom Heatherwood, in a deep charcoal gray. I was a bit concerned that it was throwing off a bit of blue, but it seems to depend on the light. I dare say there is a touch of dark blue in the dye? I really want it to be dark charcoal, so I will live in denial and only stand in certain light!

Gauge was relatively easy to get on 4mm needles (I'm a loose knitter), and I switched to a circular needle after the hem, as I found on the straights, the weight of the piece became too unbalanced toward the end of the row for me, and I was having trouble maintaining rythym.

The only thing I couldn't quite work out from the pattern was the shaping for the underarms and shoulders? After a few attempts of deciphering the instructions, I admitted defeat and had to resort to the unattractive "steps". I will defintiely be practising this for the next pattern I knit from this booklet!

Hello!

2007-01-05T09:23:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to introduce myself and say hello. I ordered my Phildar pattern a couple days ago and will be most likely picking up some Rowan Yorkshire Tweed Aran from jimmybeanswool.com since it's on sale. This will be my first KAL and my first adult garment, so I'm really excited and a bit nervous.

I'll be back on once I get the pattern, make some swatches and decide on a yarn!

I've also got a blog (link below) if you feel like checking it out. I just started knitting several months ago, so there's nothing terribly grand... yet!

Knitting is Kneat-o

a swatch (finally)!

2006-12-29T10:13:00.000-08:00

I finally, barely cast on last night! after washing and blocking my swatch, I managed to get gauge. yay! I'm pretty sure that even if I practice project monogamy (very low chance of that) that I won't get this finished before it warms up around here. I'll be hoping for an extra long winter just so I can wear this! my apologies to the rest of california. ;)

more (and probably not that interesting) info on my blog.

ps. the yarn I'm using is rowan yorkshire tweed aran in color muffin. it's kinda rough to knit with, but it washed up really nice! I'm knitting this on 3.5mm bamboo needles.

Second beginning

2006-12-23T09:38:00.000-08:00

I had knitted half of the back when it became clear that I would run out of yarn. I decided to rip it and began a second version, with another yarn :

This time, I'm using Rowan Yorkshire Tweed DK in Gust. To make sure I would have enough yarn, I knitted the hem with a contrasting yarn :

A bit of a dummy...

2006-12-20T12:33:00.000-08:00

My apologies in advance... this is my 1st KAL and I a bit clueless on what exactly it is we do (other than knit) of course. Where do I find "the" pattern? and how do I get started?

Well, hello!

2006-12-19T01:14:00.000-08:00

I received my pattern book today, and can't wait to get going! I'm thinking of making the jacket in charcoal grey tweed, with black trim and buttons.
I'm planning to go looking for the "right" yarn in the very early New Year (once I get through the festive season!), and I'm very excited to be part of this KAL!
Can't wait to see all the different variations...

Hello!

2006-12-07T10:03:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! I wanted to make sure that I introduced myself.

This is my first KAL, and cannot wait to get this jacket started. I decided to go the cheapo route an am using Patons 100% wool for this one in an olive green color.

Unfortunately the holidays have me a little busy so I have not been able to do much more than a swatch, but as soon as January rolls around (or maybe sooner?) this baby is my first priority.

I cannot wait to see your progress as well!

An introduction

2006-11-30T04:34:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,
My name is Clémence, I'm French (and unfortunately not fluent in English) and I've begun the back of the jacket a few days ago. I made the hem using the No Sew Hem method (I am not able to post photos for the moment) and everything went well.
I'm not using the Quietude which contains too much acrylic for my taste, but a discontinued pure wool from Brown Sheep, Thick and Thin Special Heather American home. I'm a little worried that I might run out of yarn, though... Fingers crossed !

Sleeves and an Introduction

2006-11-22T10:41:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone!
I just wanted to introduce myself and thank Vanessa for starting this KAL. It's going to be fun!

I'm looking forward to knitting this project and hopefully finish for Christmas. I just received my pattern from phildar (thanks for the suggestion, Jenna) this week, but am still deciding on a yarn. I'm between everpopular Highland Wool and Beaverslide (Again, I have to thank Jenna for getting the idea in my head - enabler! :) ) I have yet to use either, but have heard great reviews for both. Decisions, decisions. Whatever I choose, it will be in a dark grey.

So, I was thinking about lengthening the sleeves. Do you think it would look okay? I can just see this beautiful garment collecting dust in the closet because my arms would freeze in the harsh New England winter. That would be tragic, so I'm trying to find a way to guarantee the jacket gets the tons of use it deserves. Any thoughts? Do you think it would cut down on the cuteness?

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Kelly

My YARN is here....

2006-11-22T08:40:00.000-08:00

Hi there, how's everyone doing? Just wanna check in to see if everyone is still alive. Are you guys ready to cast on? My yarn is finally here. I ordered a total of 7 skeins of the New England Highland in Oatmeal. Very pretty light wheat-oatmeal-ty shade. I still haven't decide which size I'm going to make. Generally for sweater, I'll go for size between 32"-36". But since this is going to be worn with layers, I'm thinking if I make size 38/40 would be just right. Anyways, I'm going to be away for thanks giving. Hopefully I'll have plenty of free time to knit. I'll show you some progress shots when I get back. Happy turkey day!!

swatches

2006-11-19T12:33:00.000-08:00

So here are my swatches. I didn't quite get the exact gauge. I don't want to step down to a size 2. I'm using the Phildar Quietude yarn in naturel.

From the left-size 6 (us) I got 18 stitches and 25 rows
Top swatch- size 5 (us) didn't finish swatch because I knew it wasn't going to be right again.
Middle swatch bottom-size 4 (us) I got 19/20 stitches 23/24 rows for 4 inch sqaure...
Right- size 3(us) I got 20 stitches 31 rows - almost close. I wanted to do size 38/40 but if I go down to size 34/36 w/ size 3 needles using the gauge I got, would that be okay? I've never made a sweater for myself only baby and toddler sweaters so not sure if that would work. Any advice?

Done Swatching

2006-11-18T16:21:00.000-08:00

Well, I finally finished swatching. I knitted so many swatches that I felt like I might have finished at least 1/4 of this jacket already! And I still couldn't get gauge. The yarn that I have chosen has similar gauges to Phildar Quietude, but somehow most of them just didn't work out. Here is what I have to report (in the picture from left to right, all swatches were blocked):

Brown Sheep Lambs Pride Superwash: This is my favorite and the closest to gauge. I started with size 6 needles, and went down to size 4, hoping to get gauge. But size 5 produced the best look. The size 4 swatch somehow looked "knotty" and uneven, and still not on gauge.
Yarn Gauge: 20 sts = 4" on 4.5 mm needles
Needles attempted (US sizes): #4 (3.5mm), #5 (3.75 mm), #6 (4 mm)
Sample Shown: Color SW60 Sandy Beach, needles #5 (3.75 mm), 22 sts = 4 3/8" and 36 rows = 4 1/4"

Rowan Scottish Tweed DK: I thought I would end up choosing this one when I started swatching, since this yarn looks very nice. Although it knit up beautifully, the gauge is way off.
Yarn Gauge: 20-22 sts & 28-30 rows on 4 mm needles
Needles attempted (US sizes): #4 (3.5mm), #5 (3.75 mm)
Sample Shown: Color 025 Oatmeal, needles #4 (3.5 mm), 22 sts = 5 1/2" and 36 rows = 4"

Rowan Felted Tweed: Since Scottish Tweed DK was too chunky, I thought I'd try Felted Tweed. The swatch is the lightest of all. I think it may be a bit too light for a jacket.
Yarn Gauge: 22-24 sts & 30-32 rows on 3.75-4 mm needles
Needles attempted (US sizes): #4 (3.5mm), #5 (3.75 mm)
Sample Shown: Color 156 Wheat, needles #4 (3.5 mm), 22 sts = 4 3/4" and 36 rows = 3 1/2"

Queensland Kathmandu Aran (similar to Jo Sharp Silkroad Aran Tweed): Too chunky for me, the gauge is way off.
Yarn Gauge: 18 sts & 24 rows on 5 mm needles
Needles attempted (US sizes): #5 (3.75mm), #6 (4 mm)
Sample Shown: Color 134, needles #6 (4 mm), 22 sts = 5 1/2" and 36 rows = 4 1/4"

I have not figured out what to use in place of Phildar Lambswool. I will worry about that later. BTW, I ordered the pattern 20 days ago, I am still waiting...

Swatch!

2006-11-14T05:52:00.000-08:00

My yarn arrived yesterday, whoo! It's elann's Highland Wool in light gray heather (almost exactly the same shade as the Beaverslide I wanted to get, but tons cheaper). So here's my little swatch - it's been washed but not pressed or blocked, really, since I wanted to see what the yarn would do on its own. I'm getting exactly 24 stitches over 4 inches. I don't really want to go up a needle size because I really like the look and feel of the swatch at this gauge.

So, what to do. I could try blocking the swatch to see if I can make up that extra half stitch per inch, but that can get a little tricky (and it would distort the stitch pattern - have I mentioned how much I love my swatch as is?) So I've done some calculations and I think if I knit the next size up (42/44 instead of 38/40) I should end up with the right measurements. It's working almost exactly, based on the stitch counts and schematics. Awesome!

Oh, and that green alpaca in the above picture? I'm thinking about using it (doubled) to knit the hems, and maybe the pocket backings too. It's lighter in person. I'd get buttons and bias tape to match, of course. Thoughts?

Stitch Pattern

2006-11-06T09:29:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone,

The answer might be obvious, but - what is the stitch pattern for this jacket? I am still waiting for the pattern, but would like to start swatching so at least I can try to get the yarn ready. Thanks! ^_^

2006-11-05T21:55:00.000-08:00

It's here!

Hi everyone.

The mag arrived this morning and jacket is stunning! I'm thinking to go as close to the original colours as possible - even the mauve bias binding appeals.

That said, the yarn selection in AU is somewhat... limited (to say the least).
So far, my choices are:
1. Jo Sharp Alpaca Kid Lustre in Cork - knit tog with a very fine silk in creme
2. Jo Sharp Silkroad DK Tweed in Iceberg
Yup, that's it.
Of course, I'm open to suggestion...

BTW: Does anyone know how to put our KAL button in a blogger sidebar?

Swatches

2006-11-05T14:05:00.000-08:00

Hi there, how's everyone weekend coming along? Finished swatching? Still waiting for pattern or yarn? I picked out three different wool from my stash and did a little swatch sampling based on 22sts & 34rows half-wooven stitch pattern.

From left to right
New England Highland
Needle : 4mm
Gauge : Spot on, measured 4"x4"
comment: This is my favorite of all three swatch samples. The stitches came out sturdy and well defined. The only thing I'm not sure is how it will behave after a good wash. It reminds me of Beaverslide worsted weight, very pretty and comes in many shades.

Patons Classic Wool (washed & blocked)
Needle : 3.75mm
Gauge : 1/2" shy from 4"x4"
Comment : Same as the Lambs Pride, I think it might work if you increase a needle size. Patons Classic Wool is very economical consider of its price and yardage. The washed and blocked swatch is the lightest amongst all three samples.

Lambs Pride Worsted (washed & blocked)
Needle: 3.75mm
Gauge : 1/4" shy from 4"x4".
Comments : The stitches came out pretty stiff as I was knitting it, but it soften up after a light wash and blocking. Lambs pride feels good on the skin and I think it will work just fine with a slightly bigger needle.

So, here's some of my thoughts and investigation, hope it helps with your yarn search. Please post your knit up swatch if you get the chance. Have a great weekend!

2006-11-04T12:34:00.000-08:00

Waiting...

I'm still waiting on the magazine (ordered 3 weeks ago)... perhaps it'll arrive this week.
Then, I'll have to order and wait for the yarn...

BTW: Thank you Vanessa for hosting this KAL. I can't wait to get started. x

just waiting on the yarn...

2006-11-02T09:15:00.000-08:00

I got my pattern! knitntyme was actually really fast. I ordered it last thursday afternoon and got it in the mail yesterday.

as for my yarn, I ordered some rowan yorkshire tweed aran from janette's rare yarns on ebay. I hear it's being discontinued, so she's got some really great prices. it seems to be a little bit heavier than the quietude, but I'm a tight knitter, so hopefully I'll be able to get gauge. I'd originally been considering using cascade 220, but I wanted something tweedier (if that's a word). what other yarns are you considering?

also, this might make me see kind of dumb, but I couldn't figure out on the pattern how the contrast edging was done. maybe I just didn't read it correctly, but I didn't see any directions for that part. those with the pattern already, can you tell me where it's written?

Yes..me like wool

2006-10-30T08:38:00.000-08:00

Me too! I'm going to opt for 100% wool. Quietude is a bit expensive and with that price I think I can find something better. Someone suggested to me that the Rowan Scottish Tweed line might be a good sub but I haven't had the chance to check it out. Any thoughts, anyone? Anyways, I'll definitely take my time to swatch and make sure I find the right yarn for the jacket. I also agree with Jenna, a tighter pattern stitch might be a better way to go since it's such a structured jacket. I even thought about lining it with some pretty fabric.

Question for those who have the pattern

2006-10-29T11:53:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! I'm in the process of picking out my yarn. I almost wanted to use the Quietude, but I'm more of a 100% wool kind of girl. Anyway, I think I know what I want to use in place of the Quietude, but here's my question: what is the Lambswool 51 used for in the pattern? Hems that are turned under?

Thanks in advance. Looking forward to getting started!

Gauge

2006-10-26T13:36:00.000-07:00

Hi ladies,

I can't wait to get started on this jacket! Big thanks to Vanessa for starting the KAL, so that I can get myself moving on this project! I'm going to be subbing in a different yarn because it's just too darn hard to find the Quietude w/out spending a fortune on shipping (unless any of you have any suggestions I'm overlooking). So, since I already have my pattern, I wanted to post the gauge for anyone else who might be looking for substitute yarns:

Quietude knits up at 19 sts x 27 rows = 10cm square on US6 (UK8, 4mm) needles and a 50g ball has ~90m.

In pattern: a 10cm square on US6 (UK8, 4mm) needles should have 22 stitches and 34 rows.

Happy knitting,
Laura

Project Details

2006-10-25T13:05:00.000-07:00

Hi there! Welcome to my first KAL. I've been obsessed with this jacket for awhile and thanks to all your generous info, I was able to find this very cute pattern from Phildar. So, I still haven't decide when is the starting date for the KAL. I know a lot of you might still need to order or wait for the pattern to arrive. So what about November 18. Sounds good to everyone? Leave me a comment or write me if you have any suggestion.

To fit
34/36 (38/40,42,44, 46/48, 50/52)

Yarn
Phildar Quietude 13 (12,15,16,17) balls of Naturel (50% Wool, 50% acrylic)
Phildar Lambswool 1 ball of Chanvre (51% Wool, 49% Acrylic)

Knitting Needles
3mm (UK11-US3)
3mm (UK8-US6

Other Supplies
Stitch markers, 2.4m of bias binding tape, 3 x 50mm round buttons and 3 x snap button.