Cropped Sweater Details

I thought I would share a little of my process from the Cropped Sweater.  The pattern came from Bergere de France Tricot Kid 512.  I decided to do a size 8 for Aevyn.  She'll be 7 this fall, so I wanted to make sure she would be able to wear it for a long time!

I used Deborah Norville Serenity yarn, and I loved it.  I will say that it unravels a bit, but that's only after frogging... multiple times.  Which I did!!!  I view it all as good practice, and the more you take out, the faster you become at it!

The pattern used two strands of their yarn on size 8 and 9 needles.  I only used one strand and after testing gauge, used size 10 and 11 needles.  

Here you can see one whole sleeve and the beginning of the body.  I love how it was worked across in one piece like this.  I actually took it back a few rows after this picture because I didn't think the body was right.  It seemed so short, so I added a few stitches to the moss pattern on each side (I think 6 or 8).  I'm sure it would have been fine otherwise, but I like that it adds a little more weight to the bottom half.  

The front and back are worked separately while the other half is on a stitch marker.  This forms the neck and then they join again for the rest of the body and other sleeve.  

The neck is picked up and knit in double rib, and then all that's left is to sew the sleeves and sides together.

Aevyn has already worn the sweater three times, and one of them was for picture day at school.  I am so happy that she loves it!  It makes each stitch worth the effort.

Thanks for reading!

My Favorite Fall Colors!

I've been following Celebrate Color, which is hosted by a few fabulous bloggers this fall.  Very inspiring for bright, cozy projects to beat the rainy days we've been having here!  And not limiting autumn to orange and black, my favorite fall colors are red and purple!

Here are some pictures I took at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, PA.  Longwood belonged to Pierre S. du Pont, who built magnificent gardens, fountains, and a Conservatory, all with the best ingenuity of his time.  I grew up often visiting the gardens with my parents and my best friends family.  It is now our go-to place for inspiration, relaxation, and beauty.  

One thing I love about autumn is the bright pops of color that stand out against their darker contrasts.  The purple plants provide that anchor for the reds to be so vibrant.

How cool are these peppers?

So, to celebrate autumn this year, Aevyn will be wearing her new purple sweater!

We love it paired with bright red pants!

I just can't resist hugging her in this cozy sweater.

This was a project that I loved the whole process of.  It had just the right amount of challenge to keep from being boring, while not crossing over into discouraging.  I did have to call on Kate (my personal expert) several times, as I'm still getting the hang of reading patterns.  But knitting is always more fun with others!

                                         
Today is another rainy day here on the East Coast, so head over and check out all the beautiful images and projects at Celebrate Color!

Getting Ready for Fall

I am knitting a sweater for Aevyn that I think is going to be adorable for school!  My husband bought me a Bergere de France knitting magazine, and I absolutely love the patterns!  First of all, it was very special that he would pick out something so perfect; but second, it's very hard for me to find a collection of patterns that impresses me that much.  I would love to knit several of the sweaters for Aev. 

But, one at a time.... this is the sweater she's getting first.

Bergere de France Cropped Sweater

I've worked across one sleeve so far, and am getting ready to split for the neck.

The top photo doesn't show the color very well, but this next one is not very sharp.  Combine the two, you get the picture!  

I'm using Debbie Norville Serenity yarn.  It's a cheap acrylic, but it will be easy to care for, and I love how plush it is!

I'm looking forward to knitting a lot while we're stuck inside with Hurricane Irene coming up the coast... and the best part is that they have already cancelled the first day of school!  One more day with my girl!

Stay safe and dry this weekend!