First handknit sweater for autumn

It's still too warm to wear this (at least for a full day), but I actually had this finished last month, so I guess I should probably post, eh? 

This was kind of an experimental sweater. (Is it a wildcard if you make it yourself?) I wasn't sure how it would look on me, as designed, but I knit it anyway. And I was right: As designed, I hated it. But then I ripped back, reknit it to add 7 or 8 inches of length to the body, and I think I'll get some wear out of it, this way.

I know everyone's been saying they're over waterfall cardigans, so I feel pretty silly posting a new one (which I think is part of why I've had these photos sitting here for 12 days before actually sharing them here). But I do think there's a place for this sweater in my wardrobe. The sleeve length and lace fabric (not to mention worn open aspect) makes it good transitional season wear, and the flowy, drapey — dare I say flouncy? — fit my aesthetic, I think. 

What do you think? 

Knitterly details: 
Pattern: Hitofude
My Ravelry project page

1
2
3
4
5
This post is also published in the youlookfab forum. You can read and reply to it in either place. All replies will appear in both places.

37 Comments

  • Jenn replied 9 years ago

    How cute are you?! That shape is great for you, and the color is GORGEOUS!

  • Elly replied 9 years ago

    Oh, that is a beautiful sweater -- more swingy than waterfally. You are so talented and chose a great color!

  • Word Lily replied 9 years ago

    Thanks so much, ladies! :D

    Swingy is a good descriptor for it; if you hold up the front bottom corners, it's actually a semi-circle, when viewed from the back.

  • Glory replied 9 years ago

    I think it is lovely and could definitely be your wild card. It will be wonderful for fall and winter. You are very talented!

  • Elle replied 9 years ago

    The lace pattern is beautiful and works well with the swingy shape.  I'm inspired to pick up my dusty knitting needles.  

  • Susie replied 9 years ago

    I am in awe of the knitting talent we see here! That is lovely on you and I think swingy is a great description and the shape is quite flattering on you,

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    WOW. Killer. Well done. 

  • Word Lily replied 9 years ago

    OMG, my first Killer!?!? :D Day made.

    Thanks, Angie and all!

  • Angie replied 9 years ago

    SUCH a great fit, WL. Enjoy. 

  • kimmyg50 replied 9 years ago

    Whoa! that is a GORGEOUS sweater and you look great in it!

  • Diana replied 9 years ago

    It's gorgeous!  I really like it lengthened - one thing I keep thinking with a lot of projects made from this pattern as originally written is that the fronts are so short and awkward looking.  With this length, I think they drape much more nicely and it looks very elegant.

    Love the color for you too. 

    I am impressed you have already finished a fall sweater!  I am just starting to think about starting them, LOL.  (Although I do have one sweater that I finished knitting in spring, and just needs to be sewn together.  Does that count?) 

  • Alassë replied 9 years ago

    Beautiful colour and stitching detail!

  • Word Lily replied 9 years ago

    Diana: Yes, the fronts fell at a very awkward place when I finished it as written (you can see the photos on my project page). 

    My second fall sweater is actually blocking right now, just needs seaming and neck trim. I need to figure out my fourth fall/winter one (3rd needs some maths but I could cast on for the first piece). I've decided that at least for now, I basically always want to have a sweater for myself on the needles, since I have so many socks, so many accessories, already.

    And yes, I think that does count. :)

  • Firecracker (Sharan) replied 9 years ago

    Oh, how pretty! I like the shape and color on you, and I love the look of that lacy intricate knitting. And I'm still wearing drape-front and waterfall cardigans.

  • Maneera replied 9 years ago

    Oh I love this! I still love waterfall cardigans and this one is particularly pretty! Beautiful pattern....great job! You really look BEAUTIFUL in this!

  • Suz replied 9 years ago

    Absolutely stunning!! Wow

    I would not call this waterfall. I'd call it more of a swing style, and to my eye it fits in exactly with the more feminine trends we are seeing. The lace effect is also a nod to the 70s trend, as is the colour. 

    The fit is perfect on you and it is so flattering! 

  • donnat replied 9 years ago

    That sweater is gorgeous and fits you beautifully. I would definately not call it a waterfall. Its a swing.

  • JAileen replied 9 years ago

    Beautiful pattern and great color. Best part: finished before fall. Congrats!

  • BethT replied 9 years ago

    Great sweater and I love that shade of green!!  It looks wonderful on you!

  • replied 9 years ago

    That looks great on you!  The fit is perfect and very flattering.  Enjoy wearing it this fall!

  • amiable replied 9 years ago

    Okay - I love everything about this!  But my favorite is the combination of the color of it and your house in the photo.  Props to either you or P for choosing the location with this color combination.  Now I need to find something minty colored to wear with dark green.

    Terrific fit - I love the lace pattern, and I can't imagine how long that must have taken to knit (even though I know you're super fast)

  • Thistle replied 9 years ago

    Stunning!!  I adore the color, and the fit is perfect.

  • Suzanne (ambergreen) replied 9 years ago

    Love for this from another knitter. :) What a wonderful color too!

  • replied 9 years ago

    Beautiful! The shape is divine and so is the colour. Your photos and poses are fab too!

  • replied 9 years ago

    Perfect on you, and I love the color!

  • kerlyn replied 9 years ago

    Oh wow, just beautiful!  That color is great on you, too!

  • Sara L. replied 9 years ago

    Beautiful sweater!  The detail and color are gorgeous.

  • E replied 9 years ago

    Gorgeous!!! Love that you whipped the pattern into shape. :D I hope you wear it to death. Your glasses are really fun too; is that a hint of cat eye at their corners?

  • kellygirl replied 9 years ago

    Gorgeous color and style! You have some mad knitting skilz! Off to check the deets at Ravelry :)

  • Caro in Oz replied 9 years ago

    Another fantastic knitter on the forum :) YLF & I think it's important to follow your heart when choosing clothing. Others may be over waterfall cardigans but for you they may be a signature piece :) :)

  • Word Lily replied 9 years ago

    Thank you, everyone! I’m glad you like it.

    Suz: This color is part of the '70s thing? I hadn’t made that connection yet, that’s helpful (and interesting).

    Amy: Ha! I think it was Paul who put me in the driveway; the tree gets boring. In my first set of photos of this sweater (before I lengthened it), one of the tops I tried it with was actually mint, though. So I’ll probably pair them again. :) Also chartreuse, and I’m thinking about aqua. Based on my project notes, it took me nearly a month, but that includes letting it dry, photoing it the first time, ripping back, and all the dithering that went on before I got up the nerve to rip and reknit.

    E: Yes, there's a nod to cat-eye, at least; here's another photo (and adding the Find, too) of the frames.

  • Word Lily replied 9 years ago

    Thanks, Caro. That's a good reminder.

  • replied 9 years ago

    This is fab! Talent and style: I love the colour you chose and definitely think the vibe is swing cardi, not waterfall Did you tailor the fit on top as well? It fits you to perfection.

  • Jaime replied 9 years ago

    I don't think this is waterfall, more swing as others have said. The color and crochet effect are fantastic - looks terrific!

  • Allie replied 9 years ago

    Beautiful! Great color, fit, and pattern.

    I love knitting, but live in a warm climate so knitting doesn't love me :(

  • replied 9 years ago

    This is fabulous on you. A perfect fit, and I don't see it as a waterfall cardigan. 

  • lyn67 replied 9 years ago

    Wow, fits and  looks amazing! You are sooooo skilled!!!

You need to be logged in to comment