Thursday, August 14, 2008

FO: Sahara

I'll be honest with you: this project was a disappointment. I love this pattern (Sahara, from stitchdivas). It is beautifully written and fun to knit. And I love the yarn, Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted. I suspect my lack of joy is, once again, the variegated nature of the yarn (this colorway is called Glenwood). I was so excited to get this yarn. The colors are so cheery and pretty. Alas, this finished fabric also looks like colorful tv static to me.

I also ran out of yarn and had to make short sleeves. I generally don't like short sleeves, because my arms are so skinny. In this case, they are particularly unflattering because they are so wide. I would probably like this project better if I could lengthen the sleeves to at least a 3/4 length, but that would require buying more yarn, and I'm not sure it's worth it.

The details, such as they are:
Pattern: Sahara, by stitchdivas
Size: Small (about 1" negative ease--I could have made this smaller)
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted in Glenwood
Needles: Size 6 Knit Picks Options circular
Modifications: None, really. I made mine longer, but that's not really a modification, since the pattern calls for custom length. I also left off the beads on the edging, since the yarn was busy enough.

I suppose I'll have to give this one some thought. Perhaps we'll revisit it later.

12 comments:

Tammy said...

I share your love/hate relationship with variegated yarns. They looks so pretty all wound up, but I have yet to knit a successful sweater with them... actually socks have even given me trouble.

Anyway, I think it works much better with Sahara than the twin set you showed before. Why don't you go back on the sleeves a bit and make more of a cap sleeve? It really is a cute sweater.

Fibra Artysta said...

I have to say, I really do like the detail on this. I think its a pretty design but yeah, I think its the yarn that is making you twitchy.

Just wondering...do you ever sleep? Geez, woman, you are a sweater knitting machine! LOL! :)

Khalila said...

I love the Sahara pattern too. I'm planning on making one and using my handspun as the trim (since I don't have a lot). I kind of like the color, it definitely would brighten a dark room. Which sometimes you need those kinds of things like that around to make you smile. :) I hope you feel comfortable enough to wear it, because it really is beautiful. Maybe if you did buy the extra yarn and make the sleeves longer you would like it better? And be more likely to wear it? It would be a shame to have it just sit in your drawer...

TheBlackSheep said...

Too bad. It's always disappointing when you don't like what you've knit. I still think it looks good though.

Lydee said...

the knitting nymph is at it again. you still look gorgeous in it...

Tracy Purtscher said...

I'm with you on the pretty in the label not so much in the sweater attitude with variegated yarns. I have some LL up in my workroom just begging to be something but I'm worried about it. Is it really that wrong to have 12 skeins of pretty yarn laying around just to look at?

The sweater though is great, very pretty and very flattering on you.

Tracy Purtscher said...

Giggle/snort
I have freckles on my elbows too! :o)

Teresa said...

Your finished objects are beautiful! If you love the yarn but don't like the colors, have you considered dyeing the finished garment? I have seen it done quite a bit on ravelry and the results are usually great.

sophanne said...

variegated looks so fine on the skein- it must take a special sweater to pull it off. At least your not so favorites can be a lesson to us all.

Lori said...

I have to agree with the variegated yarn dismay. I always love them in skeins but then knit up I'm ambivalent. I do think the Sahara looks nice on you but the yarn itself is sort of taking away from how nice the sweater is.

I second the suggestion to over-dye the finished garment. You could pick one of the colors and use it to tone down the overall look.

sheep#100 said...

Looks rather moire from here :o(

a friend to knit with said...

t.v. static. funny you!

i think it looks fantastic. you see things i don't. and truly. it looks lovely on you. but i am still SO digging the gather pullover on you! best.