Friday, September 25, 2009

FO: Mr. Greenjeans


So this is a little embarrassing. This sweater was done back in...March, I think? And not only have I not given it an FO post before now, but in searching the blog, I've realized I never even mentioned it. I did show you the yarn. I was considering using it for Surface at the time, but swatching determined it wouldn't work for that pattern. I loved the yarn so much, though, that I scrapped my plans to knit Surface and instead cast on for Mr. Greenjeans. And that's all she wrote.

One should not take my lack of communication for lack of interest in this project. I loved knitting it, and I love wearing it! You can see by the wrinkles that it has definitely been worn (several times, before the killer death star began its annual assault on my person and my sanity).

The Details

Pattern: Mr. Greenjeans by Amy Swenson

Size: Um. Well, my gauge was different. The finished size is about 36"

Yarn: Some sort of undyed merino/bamboo blend in light worsted weight. I got it in a Rav destash in one giant one pound hank. $20, including shipping, so it was pretty much impossible to pass up. Lovely, lovely yarn, too. This project used about 2/3 of the hank; maybe 800 yards?

Needles: Knit Picks Options, of course, sizes 5, 6, 7, and 8.

Mods: I added length to the body and sleeves. I made the sleeves narrower at the top and changed the fitted cuff to a longer bell shape. I alternated the direction of the cables instead of making them all cross the same way. I shaped the bodice to end just below my bust. Oh, and I increased needle sizes as I worked my way down the cabled section to make a more A-line shape for the body. The result is a generally more drapey and fly-away type sweater that looks great with skirts or jeans.

Thoughts: This is a fantastic pattern. You don't need to change anything to make it work, but it's easy to modify if you're so inclined. It's a top-down raglan, so there is no seaming, and the sleeve stitches are held on waste yarn until the body is finished, then put back on the needles and worked top-down in the round. The stockinette is quick and mindless, and the cable and rib pattern is easy, but still interesting. I think I finished this in about a week and I thoroughly enjoyed knitting it.

11 comments:

At Home Mommy Knits said...

Gorgeous sweater! Again I like yours better than the original pattern. When is your knitting book coming out :)

Renee said...

This is really classic and lovely.
I'd wear it to death. Super knitting!

crochetgurl said...

It's beautiful! I love your mods and it really does look better than the original.

Have you seen Yantarik's version on Ravelry?

marnie said...

I set this one aside because I needed to rip out a sleeve...must get back to it.

Amy is a super designer (and an awesome person too, she use to own my LYS).

Your Mr. Greenjeans is fantastic! I love the way you modify patterns to make them perfect for you.

marit said...

I've been looking at this pattern ever since it came out...now I might have to do something about it! It looks gorgeous! Even better than the original, and I like the A-shape of it.

Unknown said...

Your sweaters come out soooo be-a-youu-tea-ful! I am inspired, time to search the stash for something sweaterful... just as soon as the weather cools down a bit more.

Strickmuse said...

It turned out great. this looks so much better than mine. I should think more out of the box and make mods too. I had been contemplating on unraveling my Greenjeans and using my yarn for something else. (I have done that before on sweaters that I never wear).

Haley said...

i always LOVE to see your FOs. this is another lovely one and looks like one that will be enjoyed and worn A lot!

Wanderingcatstudio said...

It's beautiful! Definitely a very wearable sweater

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

This is the first version of this sweater that looks drapey enough to me--I love it!

Sharon said...

ok, now I'm convinced that I must knit this design! That is, after I finish my Loppem, Cobblestone Pullover and February Lady sweater... :)