And knit, and knit, and knit, the section from shoulder to armhole, 4 times:
The buttons (choice 3) are a little big, but the sweater will mostly be worn unbuttoned:
The pattern is Tenaya, and it is a great pattern, my issues with knitting and reknitting where because I failed to read one simple instruction, over and over.
The sweater is knit from the back shoulders down to the armhole, then the fronts are knit to the same spot and joined. After working to the hem, the sleeves are picked up and knit to the cuff.
The sweater has a lot of detail - like the neck band and waist darts- and beautiful cables, I love the back of it:
I made the size 39 3/4" and shortened the body by about an inch because I have found that I like a cardigan that hits at the top of my hips, rather than at the full of my hips. The sweater fits nicely, but it is roomier than I thought it would be - not a complaint - I think I will wear it a lot.
When I cleaned out the sweater section of my closet, I tried on everything and realized that the heavier me knit a lot of longer sweaters in a futile attempt to cover things up. It was so hard to donate a few of these plus sized sweaters, and I know lots of knitters might have ripped them for the yarn, but I'm trying to keep moving forward and to figure out how to keep the weight off, so holding onto hold disguises won't help.
The yarn was that train wreck MadTosh Sport that I overdyed to even out. Some parts of the sweater are a little uneven in tone, but not enough to risk another dye/heat cycle.
I will knit this one again someday and it will be from solid colored yarn.
In other news, I finished a pullover yesterday and it is blocking. Our weather is going through some changes so it has a few days to dry before it will be cold enough for a worsted weight sweater.
I'm feeling okay, still tired, but I noticed that the metallic taste in my mouth is fading, for the first time in months and that is good since I see the dentist this week.
I was going to stay in today, but we need milk so I'm heading out for errands in a bit and later today, I will start sewing lessons with Miss S. - wish us well!
Oh, I wish I could sit in on those lessons!
Lovely sweater. It's hard to tell on my monitor but I think it looks nice with a little variation.
Posted by: kitten | January 28, 2013 at 08:34 PM
The sweater is lovely, and I love the back too. I don't think the buttons are too big, they seem just right to my taste.
Posted by: Sue B | January 28, 2013 at 09:41 PM
I love the new sweater, and I think your dye job is perfect for it!
It is that time of year with the varying temperatures. We're having the wild weather moods swings here.
The sewing lessons sound wonderful, and I am so excited for you both. xoxo
Posted by: Sarah | January 28, 2013 at 09:51 PM
It wouldn't be so loose if you'd knit the smaller size. :p
Posted by: Cookie | January 28, 2013 at 10:45 PM
I do love the sweater. I find the colorations quite beautiful. And, won't sewing with Miss S be fun. You will be giving her a gift that will last a lifetime. It's good to hear you're feeling okay and that the metallic taste is fading.
Posted by: CindyCindy | January 29, 2013 at 07:52 AM
Lovely sweater! Glad to hear you think it will be well-worn.
Posted by: Cheryl S. | January 29, 2013 at 11:00 AM
The sweater is gorgeous. Well done. Enjoy the respite from the cold for the next few days at least.
Posted by: Natalie | January 29, 2013 at 12:05 PM
What a beautiful sweater! I love your comment about moving forward. . . that's a great direction to travel in! (And so glad the metallic taste is fading.)
Posted by: Kym | January 31, 2013 at 07:39 AM
That is a beautiful, beautiful sweater. I love the color but with the trainwreck/overdye, it cannot be replicated.
I won't ask what sweaters didn't make the cut. Forward! Best thing to do.
Posted by: Carrie#K | February 05, 2013 at 08:51 PM
This is a beautiful sweater!
I'm glad to read that you're doing alright, Joan.
Posted by: Marianne | February 23, 2013 at 03:31 PM