"V" Neck Pullover

 Or, My First Top Down Sweaters.

I just finished my “V” neck, FREE PATTERN from Heidi Kirrmaier’s Ravelry site. I visited her site after tracking down her Vitamin D Cardigan Design. I saw the pullover and downloaded it after I purchased the cardigan pattern.

I didn’t read the instructions right first time around, and when I finished my yoke (the hardest part), I wondered where to put the sleeves. Well, I had missed the increases for the sleeves!. Rats! I did go ahead and FROG that and re started.

It was a great experience. I liked the yarn but noticed I had really dry hands and developed some nasty hangnails. I forged ahead with fingers covered in Band Aides.

I fussed around with the sleeves, had fun adding to the length and sleeves (I have really long arms). I tried the finished sweater and it fits, looks great and I am planning to start another pullover. Perfect with my favorite wearing jeans or Tactical pants which I favor for comfort and indestructibility.

I have Heidi’s permission to ‘Slurp” her photo. I will add photos of my 2 “V” necks when they are blocked and hopefully modeled.

Re: yarns:  I don’t recommend Berroco Remix. The ‘mix’ part ruined my hands. The yarn feels soft but does have nylon and chemicals. I laundered the sweater and it bled more than any dark yarn I  have ever seen. The dried garment looks too rustic now. Who knew all these little twigs of fibers would stick out?

I LIKE the idea of re cycling but the chemical process of breaking down the fibers is expensive. One would think that the chemicals would be washed out of the fibers before selling them. It is uncomfortable to wear. I don't recommend using this Berroco Remix at 10.00 a ball for 200 yards, I have a 70.00 sweatshirt.  That is too expensive for such a poor yarn IMHO. Perhaps those of you trying the lighter colors had better luck.  I still don't have a pic of the 1st one but here is "V" neck #2

I used 100% cotton yarns for Pullover #2.  A mix of Organic cotton (sport weight from Elann's ages ago, ) Flora from Art Yarns, Trinity by Jaeger and lastly,  a crinkly cotton from Mission Falls 1824.  I finished  pullover #2 around midnight. My idea to knit stripes.  I have a lot of  odds and ends of cotton. Stripes is one way of burning stash. This sweater is not laundered & blocked.  Just  figured out how to use the gadget to download my photos from my camera and upload them to the computer (or is that the other way around?)  I finished that task around 1:30 AM. Yawn... It works. Too bad the 'V' neck isn't centered in the photo. Oh well. I have to block it and perhaps, it will look a bit better.

This was pieces of leftover cotton yarns. This looks rather short. I am short waisted and not very tall.  It actually fits just fine.  The pullover is a mix of the different sizes.  Longer arms, bigger to compensate for the finer yarn etc. These top down knits are great to try on and adjust. The hems are rolled upward as in Heidi's picture.  I will block it a bit longer when it is wet. This pullover really went fast, considering I am the world's slowest knitter.  I think it took me about 3 weeks to knit. Another one, in some elderly wool in an unfortuante color of kakhi and green is underway. I started it 10/14 and it is about 6 days from being done.

  Make a quick Christmas gift sweater knit up in any fiber. I gave her the Never worn Ginger Snow Flake sweater that I knitted in 2004 or 5.  It is in My Finished Projects category. She really liked it.  The sleeves were long but she likes long sleeves.  I was surprised because it fits me fine and I am 5 inches shorter.  The beige color isn't great for everyone, but with an Irish complexion, it works for me. I think I have some blue stuff lurking around.  Perhaps one more before my eyes and needles turn to Fair Isle and Hillswick Lumber.  

If anyone is interested, visit Heidi’s Ravelry site and see what you think of her designs. Search her name on Ravelry or just visit my Ravelry site - it is SableStasher too and her addy is there.  I recommend this pattern. I counted about 500 others have downloaded the pattern and it is in their queues or knitted.  I like simple designs best. Classic stuff you can't go wrong on. Least I can do is give her a little plug for allowing me to use her picture.  I sure have had fun with this pattern.

Knitting On…  stay tuned for some decent pictures of both pullovers.