Friday, August 10, 2007

Karate Sweater Finished!

Number of times I ripped out the back, 4
Number of times I ripped out the button band, 3
Number of skeins I over bought, 3
End result, priceless!
Despite all the hang ups, book errors, etc… I LOVE this sweater! Seriously, probably the most favorite thing I ever knit for myself. And the yarn, ooooo the yarn, it feels soooo good against my skin - it's so soft!Even though the pattern called for it, I didn't do the belt and belt loops on this because I didn't think I needed it and I'm not always a big fan of a belt just floppin' around when it's not actually tied. Besides, I think I knit mine a little shorter than the one in the book and if I wanted to I could always put a leather belt on top of this, that might be cool.
The only thing that I'm not completely satisfied with is the button. It's so hard to find a cool button these days. The one I got will do for now, besides I can always change it or take it off and use a cool pin or something for a closure. Oh yeah, if your going to do this pattern I would suggest not knitting in the button hole like the pattern calls for. I didn't because the stitches are so big you can easily push a button through and this way you have more freedom with what you want to use for a closure and where you want it to go.

Now I'm just waiting for the cool weather so I can wear this baby out! For now, I'm snuggling up with it on the coach!

Pattern Source: Karate Sweater from the book Big City Knits
Yarn: Soft Chunky by Wenlan Chia
Size: Small (FYI - the book called for 6 skeins and I only needed 4!)
Notes: This book has a lot of errors, you can find most here but I also found an error in the chart for the pattern repeat on this - the symbol "/" should mean P2tog, not K2tog

20 comments:

a friend to knit with said...

Oh my gosh jill, this is fabulous!
I absolutely love it..........
The fit is perfect, I too love the idea of a cool big leather belt.......I think you should find a really cold restaurant and head to dinner tonight! :)

Terrie D. (StarSpry) said...

Ooooo...I really like that! It looks great on you :)

Anonymous said...

Wow that is one of the best cozy sweaters I've seen in a while. Love it.

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh that is so fabulous!! Love it!! It looks so "snuggly". =)

hook and needle said...

What a cool sweater! I love the sleeve length, too. It looks great!

Liquid Sky Arts said...

It's gorgeous! :)

YarnThing said...

You are so lucky that you have such a great figure and can wear (I am willing to bet) just about anything!

You look Marvelously Darling!

Great Job!

Marly

Anonymous said...

That is so cool! I can see why you like it!

Denise said...

Wow! Well done, it looks gorgeous on you. That's amazing that you only needed 4 skeins and not 6 - Was that cos you didn't do the belt?
what will you make with the other two?

Anonymous said...

Beautiful, absolutely beautiful!! I want one too.. Is a brilliant work and it worth the re-do.

Anonymous said...

Yay, the benefits of chunky yarn: not so painful (or time consuming) to rip out and re-do! It looks fantastic, kudos!

Anonymous said...

That yarn is AMAZING! I love it!

It looks great on you :)

moosie said...

That looks awesome! I love chunky yarn knits, almost instant satisfaction, I probably would of never thought of knitting something like this until I saw yours completed

Galadriel Thompson said...

Yee haw! That looks fabulous! I'm so glad it worked out.

Knitserland said...

Girl that looks fab on you! Great job knitting it.
Do you think you'll knit anything else from that book? There's some great stuff in there.

knittin gin said...

Great sweater and it looks great on you! I'll bet you can't wait for cooler weather!

Bea said...

Wow, cute cute cute, it looks great on you! I bet this sweater will get a lot of wear when fall comes around! I love it!

Anonymous said...

Awesome job, Jill! It looks great on you!

Anonymous said...

Incredible! I simply don't have enough patience or skill to knit any clothing items, so I truly envy you!

Philigry said...

hey there, i know i am being a pain, but i had another wuestion about the sweater. i ordered the book on friday, and it came today! so excited. i just followed your link to the erreta and under karate sweater it doesn't say anything except for how much yarn to use. maybe i am looking in the wrong place?
let know what you think when you get a chance. i know you are busy, no rush! thanks jill!
katie