I don't think I could have gotten a more positive response to good ol' Drake, if I had bribed you guys. So, I've cleaned up the pattern, fixed the typos (I hope) and posted him for sale.
People have made some great suggestions for modifications and variations. One I like in particular was to convert him to a messenger bag. While I no longer have the yarn or even the dyelot numbers to do that, I think it's worth mentioning for anyone who might be considering making one for themselves.
Curses
Next up, a possible exercise in futility. I want to knit Leo a sweater. I do this with a great deal of trepidation. Leo is not a fiber artist of any sort. He switches between calling it "sewing," "crocheting," and "knitting." When I wind, spin or knit yarn, his general thought is "Aren't there machines to do that?" I do not begrudge him this. He takes no end of joy in things that bore me to tears.I have knit Leo a boatload of hats and I've even knit him a sweater before. He is always appreciative, but I have never knit him something he is totally satisfied with. The perfect item will always be lace weight thin and softer than silk, while still being manly in every way. Colors? Sure, as long as it's grey, brown, navy, or black.
So why do I want to knit him a sweater despite the fact that he hasn't asked and I'm pretty sure he won't be entirely content with it? Well, I want to design a few men's garments, to fill out my pattern portfolio, and I think the design is one that marginally less picky men will like, but I also can't help myself. I think he's pretty darned wonderful and knitting is about the most special thing I can do for him, so dammit, he's getting a sweater.
I started with a trip to the LYS where I got 4 skeins of yarn.
All were dubbed "a little thick." But I informed him that it would just have to do and he could wear it when it's colder out. I love him, but I'm not knitting a sweater on needles smaller than US #3.
So he began the feel test.
The top was the finest, but the superwash merino just wasn't soft enough.
The alpaca was soft enough but too thick
The Cathay was dismissed out of hand. No interest there
The last was the Baby Cashmerino. Thin enough to be acceptable, soft enough to pass the test, and if bought in a different color it would do.
So I shopped online for some good colors and prices. I know my LYS doesn't carry the quantity and color selection required. Webs had the best price once the discount was applied and I made my order.
In the mean time, I swatched.
Yup, the whole thing will be in ribbing. May the knitting gods grant me the strength to finish this baby.
Both swatches have been through the washing machine and laid flat to dry so I know the yarn will survive his general MO for washing sweaters. And yesterday, after about a week of waiting, the yarn arrived.
That's 13 skeins of grey/blue Baby Cashmerino.
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Comments (13)
Ug, I have one of those (picky men) at home too!
He wants a sweater but something on very soft very thin yarn and still, as you say, manly in every way.
Marnie, I look forward to seeing what you come up with.
Posted by Jewel of Montreal | April 24, 2006 11:23 AM
Posted on April 24, 2006 11:23
Looks good so far! I think that men [who don't knit] are pickier because they don't realize what actually goes into designing & knitting an item. It's great that you are making a sweater just for him with his spcecifications. So sweet.
Posted by jessica~ | April 24, 2006 8:29 AM
Posted on April 24, 2006 08:29
It seems like guys always get the finest knitwear, doesn't it? Maybe women should start being super-duper picky.
Sorry about your bag not making it. It is really awesome!
Posted by Christina | April 23, 2006 6:11 PM
Posted on April 23, 2006 18:11
Hah, it's always the Baby's stuff that's just right! I think Leo was channeling Goldilocks in his yarn choice, there. Can't wait to see what you come up with. Your designs are inspiring!
Posted by Wendie | April 23, 2006 11:03 AM
Posted on April 23, 2006 11:03
Love that dragon Marnie! Downloaded and ready to knit...mabye a bag for Murray the Chihuahua? :)
Posted by Nikki | April 22, 2006 12:56 PM
Posted on April 22, 2006 12:56
>>snork!
Posted by Kristi Porter | April 22, 2006 7:09 AM
Posted on April 22, 2006 07:09
Phew! That's going to be one heck of a sweater, but I'll be glad to see you do it!
I just bought the Drake pattern and LOVE the way it's formatted. Beautiful! Now I just have to hold off til my son (1 3/4 y.o.) wants a backpack...
Posted by Carrie | April 22, 2006 6:04 AM
Posted on April 22, 2006 06:04
I really like the color of the yarn you got. But, YIKES -- a whole sweater of ribbing on size 3's? You are a glutton for punishment.
Posted by Persnickety Knitter | April 21, 2006 9:35 PM
Posted on April 21, 2006 21:35
I LOVE the little dragon bag. I think I will have to buy that pattern. And probably the cloche too, while I'm at it.
As for the sweater, I must admit I'm jealous; my boyfriend won't wear ANY sweaters! I can't think of anything I'd rather do than knit a sweater for him.
I think the yarn you chose is great! It's what I used for my first pair of gloves... which I then pulled out for a baby sweater... that sits, languishing in a bin due to an error in the pattern that pissed me off. LOL
Posted by Maria | April 21, 2006 8:00 PM
Posted on April 21, 2006 20:00
Glad to hear that Drake is reaching out--he's way to cute to stay home in a closet.
Good luck with the sweater--I find it hard enough to knit things for others that they'll love, but you're definitely starting at a disadvantage! (grin)
Posted by --Deb | April 21, 2006 7:33 PM
Posted on April 21, 2006 19:33
What a brave and loving woman you are!
I have no doubt it will be lovely, but I wouldn't take on that ribbing for love or money!
I will be cheering you on, however!
Posted by Leah | April 21, 2006 4:03 PM
Posted on April 21, 2006 16:03
Oh, Leo and my husband are of the same species in terms of preference of knitwear! I think my husband would love the first grey swatch.
Posted by Agnes | April 21, 2006 3:53 PM
Posted on April 21, 2006 15:53
Will you use the machine at all? Is there a reason you won't?
Posted by Lauren | April 21, 2006 3:24 PM
Posted on April 21, 2006 15:24