the blue blog archives: we have cashmere

Before I rip out the rest of my old Banana Republic sweater, I took note of the gauge and actual measurements of the original sweater (as suggested by Kristi's very helpful page on recycling yarn from old sweaters). The boys were happy to oblige when I needed an object for scale.

It is so big, I'm really hoping to have enough yarn to knit an entire sweater. But choosing a pattern for this special yarn is proving just as hard as choosing a pattern and yarn for my sock pal was. Since it's cashmere, I was kinda thinking something classic, simple (no cables or fancy details), and maybe a little vintage. Any suggestsions?

posted by alison at 9:11 am | in fixit , hourglass

Comments

Fitted with a lovely Fair Isle yoke!

Posted by: Cirilia at February 17, 2005 9:19 AM

What about something from Rowan's A Season's Tale?

The raglan pullover in there would be nice in your cashmere.

Posted by: Leigh at February 17, 2005 9:50 AM

I'd suggest a very basic 1950s style cardi :)
Add a poodle skirt and your good to go LOL

Posted by: Carla at February 17, 2005 10:00 AM

There was a cute twinset pattern in the newest IK (or was it Vogue? Don't remember, actually. Oops). Anyhoo, if I recall correctly, it was based on some of the more "classic" 1950's designs. I don't know if you'd have enough yarn, or even if you're a twinset wearing kind of gal, but there's an idea.

Posted by: Cathy at February 17, 2005 10:02 AM

There's a great cropped cardi in the set-in sleeve chapter of Ann Budd's Sweater Pattern Book, AND, there's a great twinset in the latest IK. When I saw that one I thought "cashmere".

Posted by: Colleen at February 17, 2005 10:08 AM

Remember that you didn't think white sweaters were practical! I'd dye it a creamy soft pink or green and make "Grace" from Knitty.com! You'd have some left over, but that's never a problem. Cashmere socks or a hat or a scarf would always be a nice idea!

Posted by: Wendi at February 17, 2005 10:10 AM

I like the "Pinup Queen" sweater in Stitch-n-Bitch. A little funky, a lot classic. I imagine it would be lovely in cashmere...

Posted by: Jenanne at February 17, 2005 10:59 AM

There's a lovely 3/4 length sleeve classic close-fitting cardi in the new IK, with great detail down the front. I bet it would be yummy in cashmere!

Posted by: Shari at February 17, 2005 11:18 AM

I think something with the lines of your striped vest, but with sleeves, would be great. A nice wide ribbed waistband that gathers in a lightly draped body with a v-neck would go wonderfully with a pencil skirt!

Posted by: ro at February 17, 2005 11:22 AM

I don't remember a twinset in IK, but the pink cardigan would be nice in that yarn. As for pinup sweaters.... my all time FAVORITE is the pinup in the Spring 2003 IK. If you want me to, I can scan the picture and email it to you so you can see what I'm talking about. It's more refined and feminie than the S&B one in my opinion. But I like that one too. Let me know.

Also, I still need your address for Miss Finch's Valentine's giveaway. If you're interested in gifties that is. :-). If they're not your thing, that's ok too.

Posted by: LauraA at February 17, 2005 12:06 PM

I wonder how it would look with that Debbie Bliss ballerina sweater?

Posted by: cara at February 17, 2005 12:08 PM

What about the vintage cardigan in the brand new IK?

Posted by: LeAnne at February 17, 2005 12:41 PM

How about Lara from the Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk book? It's got the simplicity that lets the yarn and a nice clasp make it fabulous.

Posted by: Molly at February 17, 2005 1:41 PM

I just finished going through the new Bitch and Knit, National book. She has a whole chapter on creating a sweater. She explains how to use the gauge to plug in the right number of stitches. It seems quite easy to follow.
I might try it, although I must admit I have never unraveled a store bought sweater- interesting idea.

Posted by: knitting maven at February 17, 2005 2:09 PM

Rowan's Vintage Knitting patterns? They seemed pretty cute and lovely.

Posted by: freecia at February 17, 2005 3:56 PM

That's a bunch of cashmere! Surely you'll have enough for something. Sorry to be of no specific help :)

Posted by: Vicki at February 17, 2005 8:12 PM

Cashmere?? I can only dream!! Can't wait to see what you decide on. Vintage would be my vote. What a great idea though. Recycling yarn.

Posted by: Maggie at February 18, 2005 6:53 AM

Oh, cashmere cashmere.... I'm such a cash-ho, you know.... Can't wait to see what you do with it!

Posted by: Rachael at February 18, 2005 9:47 AM

I would suggest a sweater from one of the Adriana Vittadini pattern books. These patterns are well designed and often showcase the yarn with beautiful shaping and details.

Posted by: nona at February 18, 2005 10:40 AM

Such fabulous ideas! I wish I could make them all. Thanks for sending me out to look at all my favorite books and mags again. That Ann Budd sweater is cute! And the SnB sweaters are neat too. Hmmmm....

I love the idea of a little fair isle, but that would mean deciding on colors and pattern, and buying more yarn. I wanna start now!

The most tempting idea is the vintage cardigan from the new IK (link here - scroll down a bit), which is really gorgeous! But I worry that I wouldn't wear it. That beautiful edging would make me feel like I should save the sweater for a fancy occassion (and by the way, my life doesn't include fancy occassions). And as much as I love the little columns of eyelets, I know I'd feel too naked having holes down the front of my sweater. Why must I be so boring?! I also considered the fabulous pinup sweater from IK Spring 2003 (I love the back of it!). I've even seen a beautiful finished one in person by one of the Knitsmiths. But again I don't think I could wear it. See above boring person reasons.

Time to do my own homework and leaf through the dozens of pattern mags sitting on my desk. I am determined to find just the right thing and get started ASAP!

Posted by: alison at February 18, 2005 2:36 PM