My Second Handmade Knitwear
I’ve been knitting for four years now but I’ve only just made my second knitwear. If you look at my Ravelry project page, you’ll notice that I have plenty of small knitted and crocheted projects and only one other cardigan – my February Lady Sweater, which I practically lived in this past winter.
I thought it was high time I made myself another cardigan but this time, it’s for summer. I had bought 20 balls of Moda Vera Linen Mode for $1 each during Spotlight’s end of winter clearance sale last year. I tried knitting a Tonia [pattern] jumper with it but it just felt stiff and I was very worried that I would run out of yarn.
I finally dug the yarn out of my stash a fortnight ago and began knitting a Shawl Collar Vest [pattern]. I needed to knit this more than you know. I was strung out (I blame PMS) and desperately needed a project that was just for me. “Me” needed a reward, a pat on the back.
This pattern was just right for my state of mind. The simple ribbing on each end was soothing and the easy chevron pattern in the middle was just enough to pique my interest.
And then, it all came together with a little seaming- from a flat knitted piece to a wearable, almost circular garment.
I came across a small problem though. I used Elizabeth Zimmerman’s sewn bind-off [tutorial] and it made the edge too wide and loose for me. The cotton and linen blend yarn just didn’t bring the bounce back to the edge. However, a button and a crocheted loop made the vest fitted again. I love the way the wooden button floats on the sea of blue.
Am I in love? You bet, I am. I can just see myself wearing it on cooler summer nights, when we’re dining outdoors by the bbq or at a beach side cafe or simply strolling by the waterfront on one of our many summer evening walks.
Free Pattern: Shawl Collar Vest
Yarn: Moda Vera Linen Mode
Needles: 4.5mm
Mods: None
And it only cost me a measly $7 and most importantly, an affirmation from my darling husband that knitting is so cool!
@Ravelry
Related Post:
My first knitted cardigan
30 Responses to “My Second Handmade Knitwear”
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Oh its gorgeous! Great buy on that yarn too!
Tammy´s last blog ..Twirly skirt – Parisian
So cute! Well done. I’ve been umming over a very similar crochet pattern but its made with bulky yarn and doesn’t look as nice as this!
stitchpunk´s last blog ..Tattoos
Thanks ladies! By the way, what’s the name of the pattern you’re umming over, Stitchpunk?
It’s gorgeous Salihan! I’m very impressed that this is only your second knitwear project.
This is beautiful!!! I am going to knit one for myself too!!! I need a pat on my back as you do, ha ha ha
Thank you for the pattern link
Craft Passion´s last blog ..Oct Giveaway Delivery
You’re welcome! Can’t wait to see yours!
Its this one: http://www.anniesattic.com/crochet/detail.html?prod_id=74590 I think the overall shape is kinda similar but it doesn’t have any drape. may look around and see if I can find a crochet one that’s more like yours.
stitchpunk´s last blog ..Tattoos
I saw this cochet pattern which is very similar to mine. http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/circular-shrug-2 Maybe you can find the book at your library.
Well done, it looks great on you. Is the linen yarn nice?
kris´s last blog ..All Hallow’s Eve
I wouldn’t complain for $1 a ball but the yarn is quite loosely plied and has a tendency to split. On the up side, it’s machine washable and has softened after one wash.
Ohhhhhhh. It’s just gorgeous. Or is that just the model? I think some more yarn just got mentally added to my BWM order, so I can make one of these!
lexyjane´s last blog ..Just because it’s Halloween.
That looks fantasic on you! It looks like it’s one of the circular style ones that fit well.
Cath´s last blog ..Nostalgia
Very cool. I am now motivated to do the feb sweater as I am looking for something to knit just for me!
Good job.
Hi Salihan! oooooh i am so green with envy! it’s gorgeous! I have never made something that I could actually wear! I think I am still years away from that… any hoo… I totally love it, you look so cute in it too!
diana G´s last blog ..Crochet Pumpkin Hat
That is an absolutely beautiful cardigan! I’d love to have one but it is so not practical for Singapore’s climate! So I guess I’ll just envy your beautiful creation from this tiny red dot. Great work Salihan! ^_^
Teresa Foo´s last blog ..Recharged
Hi Teresa! The vest is actually knit with a cotton/linen yarn and it would be perfect for chilly S’pore malls and theaters. I think you need to learn to knit.
What a neat vest! You did a really great job on it, and now I suddenly want to hurry and go knit!
Have a very bright, very cheerful day!
Miss Eyebright
Miss Eyebright´s last blog ..The Church in the Wildwood
Salihan,
That is so precious, just perfect for you. You are so blessed with talent and creativity. Thanks for sharing with us.
wow, it’s gorgeous!! It looks so great you. I’m going to go check out that pattern right now!
Julie´s last blog ..Modification Mondays (and my Own FO!): Cotton Candy Boatneck
Fantastic job, Salihan
And it looks so nice on you. That style really suits you. You always do such wonderful work. All of your projects look so professional. You always inspire me 
Here’s a pat on your back Han. Fantastic work! Well done!!
It is gorgeous and so practical as well, as for the price – WOW!!! Could not get anything cheaper that looks anywhere near so beautiful
Maria´s last blog ..All is right with the world
So adorable! I am inspired to make one of my own now, but seaming (of any kind) scares me as I haven’t yet mastered that skill. Anyways your vest is soo adorable, the wooden button is just a lovely finishing touch.
Thanks Tiffany! I used the mattress stitch to seam the edges. Here’s a link to a tutorial that might help you overcome your fears.
http://www.knittingdaily.com/blogs/howto/archive/2009/04/10/mattress-stitch-tutorial-vertical-seams.aspx
Thanks for the link! I’ve honestly been reading & avoiding any patterns with seaming. haha. It’s hard to find patterns all done in the round!
I can’t believe that this is only your second knitwear
It fits so beautifully on you and your knitting is so well done.
Your a great inspiration Salihan!
hugs
sukigirl´s last blog ..We interrupt this program for a short announcement
It’s beautiful!
This is gorgeous Salihan! It is perfect.
This is beautiful! It makes me want one! If only I can finish all my knitted items for others…
Brooke´s last blog ..First Snow
if u dont mind could you please email the directions a to how to do this to me at: thetwirler@live.com except a little bit bigger