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Done: Unripe Banana aka Cherry


It's been so long since I've written an FO report, I forget how! Yikes. After months of toil on this project, it's finally complete.




UNRIPE BANANA AKA CHERRY
Pattern. Cherry by Anna Bell.
Yarn. Jo Sharp Soho Summer DK Cotton in Freesia. 7 and a smidge balls bought dirt cheap at Webs last spring.
Size. 36
Needles. Size 3 and 6 Addis
Time to Knit. July ?? to October 15. I knit the swatch last summer, though.
Other materials. 5 dark red buttons, chocolate brown velvet ribbon.

Comments on Pattern.
Well written and clear. You have to keep track of the stitch pattern as you decrease and increase, which might cause trouble for beginners. Overall, the stitch pattern keeps things interesting, but not overwhelming. It kept me engaged the duration of the project, which is quite a feat!

If you decide to make this definitely spring for an extra ball of yarn. For the size I made (and the size above, in fact), the pattern calls for 7 balls of yarn and I used a bit of an 1/8. Adn I didn't even make the string belt. You might have better luck, but I prefer to play on the safe side. Especially when it takes me a year to make a project.

The yarn.
Like tons of you out there, I'm a wool kind of girl. This cotton didn't make a full convert out of me, but I definitely enjoyed using it and give it two thumbs up. It's soft and light and makes a beautiful, drapey fabric. The yarn's quite splitty, but it is cotton. Oh, and as it's available in a boatload of colors, too, which makes it a nice go-to cotton.

Mods. I added some extra length. A standard for me. Not really a mod, but I used a tubular cast on.

Final Verdict. I'm loving this sweater. The only way I could love it any more would be if I finished it two months ago when it was still short sleeve cotton cardigan weather. Oh, I'll still wear it. Don't you worry. It fits well and matches the rest of my wardrobe. Destined to be a staple, I'm sure.
I have to admit I'm kicking myself for not casting off using the tubular method. The ribbing / castoff of the button band and collar look homeade to me. Blocking helped, but not enough for my critical eye.



Still to be done, but probably never will be because I'm lazy and there's newer projects out there. The yarn belt. And those little buttons that go between the big buttons to prevent gaping.

Comments

Anonymous said…
It's so beautiful! You look stunning in it. And it is a great color. Worth the long knit? I think so. Lovely.
Acornbud said…
I bought the yarn and the pattern but still have to knit it. Your's is inspiring. It came out great and fits you well. Nice!
Jennie said…
It's gorgeous on you! Great fit. :)
Stacey said…
that is beautiful! I love the color and that stitch pattern. It looks like it fits perfect!
Risa said…
Wow! Beautiful work. It fits you well and the color is great!
Anonymous said…
i love it!! good thing there are still a few more warm days left for you to wear it out :)
alh said…
fabulous job
KODACHROME said…
Oh this is stunning on you, and I love how you have it paired with the red, beaded necklace. Also, the buttons were a great choice.

PS: I hear you on the lag with the finishing details of projects. I too often just want to get moving on to the next project by the time I've gotten to things such as buttons and ties...
Elizabeth said…
It's lovely! You look great in it. And I like how you've paired it with the necklace and skirt... great outfit.
Anonymous said…
This sweater is stunning and it fits you beautifully! Thanks for sharing the FO photos. I love the chocolate brown velvet ribbon you used too.
Anonymous said…
I didn't even notice the buttons on flickr - I love them! I also think the ribbon belt is a good choice, no need to make that yarn belt.
Peacock Chic said…
wow wee zow wee. I love the colors!! The buttons definitely give it even more pop. Excellent job
Veronique said…
Ooooh! It looks great! Yeah, the tubular cast-off takes forever... I do it for the cuff of toe-up socks, but a whole cardigan's edge? I'd really hesitate.
Melissa said…
it is gorgeous! it looks wonderful on you and i love it with that skirt.
lobstah said…
Kelly, that is truly a perfect knit! It looks so cute on you, I'm jealous ;) I especially love the little navy blue ribbon, gives it a bit of quirkiness.
Lolly said…
WOW, this is so great! I love the color. You really got a great fit too. I think it is versatile enough for winter too... maybe you can layer it? worth a try!
craftoholic said…
It looks great, I love it with the necklace!!!
Romi said…
It is stunning! Well done. :)
Christy said…
It looks great. I love the fun color combined with a classic looking design.
eriven said…
What a beautiful colour, nice job! I got about halfway through a front side and realised I hadn't been keeping the pattern correct so I frogged but your FO might just inspire me to pick it up again.

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