Knit a basic sweater and personalize it
Lately, my knitting needles have been much more active than my sewing machine. In December, I finished two winter sweaters and I wanted to tell you about my way of knitting sweaters.
Knitting is a discipline that I master much less than sewing. Given that it takes me many weeks to finish a piece, I have a lot of difficulty taking risks and testing new yarns or patterns. To avoid wasting my time and ending up with "ball knits" that I will never finish or that will stay in my closet, I found a solution a few years ago.
It all started with this book by Aurélie, from the blog Une Poule à Petits Pas .
Sweaters and knitted accessories, Aurélie Tixier
Thanks to the "Jeu de matières" pattern, I knitted one of my first wearable sweaters ;) and I discovered Cascade 220 yarn from Cascade Yarns . A revelation. It's a basic pattern, knitted on size 5 needles so it goes up quite quickly. I saw lots of possibilities for customization.
So I started making new versions by slightly adapting the pattern: I reduced its width and increased its length, added decreases to the sleeves. Since Cascade 220 yarn doesn't age very well in the washing machine (and I can't be bothered to wash my sweaters by hand!), I opted for Venezia Worsted yarn from the same brand that I buy at Laine & Tricot , more expensive but much softer, better quality and pleasant to knit.
Then came the customization of the model. I acquired a new book, Le tricot en 300 points , which allows me to learn new techniques and add great details to this basic jersey model. Openwork stitches, cables, bobbles, Irish patterns... It is very complete and super rich.
Since then, I have already knitted six versions of this sweater that I have improved over time. There was the version in the book with the yoke and pocket in mohair yarn; the two versions with the openwork bib on the front; the basic navy with the grid stitch; and lastly, the pretty green one with its bobbles.
Conclusion, I am never disappointed with the result and the fall and I wear all these sweaters very often. I have lots of ideas for customization and color desires. For example, I already have the yarn for the next one, it will be anthracite gray and in rice stitch and I would like to try a version with several colors in stripes or chevrons.
And you, do you have your favorite knitting pattern?
