Thursday, September 18, 2008

FO: Opulent Raglan

We interrupt our regularly-scheduled frog-fest to bring you:

The Opulent Raglan!

Pattern: Opulent Raglan by Wendy Bernard, from the Fall 2008 Knitscene.
Size: 34"
Yarn: Elsebeth Lavold Classic Al
Needles: Size 5 and 6 KnitPicks Options circulars

Modifications: Only a few. I increased the length and adjusted the waist shaping to fit. I did a 1x1 ribbing at the bottom instead of a turned hem, because I thought the turned hem looked a little bulky (and ribbing is so much easier, anyway). I lengthened the sleeves a bit, too. The neckline on mine is higher, but this doesn't really count as a mod, since it was the result of my smaller row gauge. I wanted the neck higher, anyway, so the gauge difference just saved me the trouble. Gotta love that!

Thoughts: I love this pattern. The design is elegant in execution, top down, one piece, and yet very shapely and even a bit fancy. The cable is gorgeous; it makes me think of a intricate ribbon, like the kind you get when you have the department store wrap the package for you. It kept the knitting just tricky enough to be interesting, without making me want to stick a dpn in my eye. I even went with the short, belled sleeves, because I decided I liked that feminine, almost old-fashioned touch, and the sweater would lose something if I deleted them. All in all, a satisfying knit, and a very pretty FO!

27 comments:

Tracy Purtscher said...

Agree...a very pretty FO.

sophanne said...

That Wendy Bernard knows how to design a sweater. I think most of her patterns are that way- tricky enough to be interesting, easy enough to be fun. Did you get her new book?

Fibra Artysta said...

Okay, so the Yarn Harlot made me so envious of all her socks that I decided to learn how to knit those. Now you are doing the same thing to me with sweaters! I'm working on my first one (I knit as fast as mud) and have ordered the yarn for a second.

You did a beautiful job on this one, I really like the color too!

Anonymous said...

A very pretty FO indeed, you've done it once again!

Angelika said...

There would have been something missing, if you wouldn't have done the little ruffles on the sleeves.

Anonymous said...

Love it! That's a gorgeous color on you. I love the flared sleeves, although I will admit part of me was hoping you would make them full length so I could see how they would look... I'm just afraid of my arms being cold and never wearing it, but if mine turns out as cute as yours I may just have to suffer!

Jen said...

So pretty! i love the color. :)

marit said...

Very pretty indeed. Love the colour too.

Anonymous said...

It's lovely! The square neckline and bell sleeves suit you.

The A.D.D. Knitter said...

Love the drapiness of it all, one of your best!! (I seem to say that a lot on here, don't I)

Sharon said...

Oh, it's beautiful! I finally found that issue of Knitscene at one of our LYS. The pattern is so enticing!

Patty said...

Ooh, Suzanne! It's gorgeous! I love that cable too - you described it perfectly. You look just like a fancy wrapped parcel from a high end shop yourself in that sweater! Do you think you will get a lot of wear out of it - it looks like you should?!?

Khalila said...

Very beautiful! I just love Wendy Bernard's patterns. I have that issue, I'm putting it in my queue. That color looks great on you too!

Anonymous said...

LOVE it.

At Home Mommy Knits said...

Beautiful! Beautiful! Looks lovely on you. Great color too!

Tammy said...

Looks great! I've been trying to figure out a sub for the yarn on that one.

Maureen said...

Wow, a beautiful sweater! Lovely styling, great colour!

Anonymous said...

very pretty....love the pattern and the yarn. Good Job!

Stephanie B said...

So pretty. I love the color. How did you like th Classic Al? I have some of that in my stash for a sweater.

Anonymous said...

Lovely. I'm still trying to figure out a way to convince you to knit for me. How you whip out these gorgeous knits at the pace you do is beyond my comprehension.

Kim said...

Beautiful! And I love how it looks in green. You're on a roll with gorgeous sweaters.

Lara said...

absolutely gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

A lovely sweater. Great color, great design, great knitting -- well done, you!

It doesn't hurt that you seem to have the body of a model ;-)

Lydee said...

absolutely beautiful!

Karen said...

Very pretty and flattering sweater! I love the front cable And wow that was fast!

crochetgurl said...

it's gorgeous! i've been drooling over that pattern in knitscene and am debating whether to get the issue if only for that pattern...also bought the custom knits book which is on its way...btw, i don't remember if i have ever commented before but i am a fan of your blog :-)

Cyberpenguin said...

Gorgeous sweater! You really have great taste in sweater designs!