May 13, 2005
A successful modification, luckily
So yesterday, Lucky was done. ostensibly. All parts were in place, and it worked as planned.
But something kept bugging me. After taking the photos and going through them, I wished it fit better. The body was loose, but when I tied the inner and outer ties extra tight, the sides wrinkled in an unattractive way. I knew even before starting that I was in-between sizes and had decided to go for this one. But it bugged me now. Was there any way to make it fit closer?
Since the inner ribbon tie was tricky to tie and somewhat bulky, I decided to try modifying the ties so that the inner tie threads through the right side seam and wraps around the back, meeting the other one at the left side. It would eliminate the inner ribbon tie. The Rebecca wrap is done this way, as are some commercially-knit wrap sweaters.
I'm not sure if you'll be able to tell in the photos, but the fit is really improved!
I am picky in this way, but for me this was the difference between an OK sweater and a favorite sweater. It feels more secure. Although it did require more knitting of the 1x1 ribbing!
*now* its done! really. I promise.
Comments (16)
I thought it looked awesome before but it does look a lot sleeker now. I love it with the Pants/belt you are wearing in both pics too! I wasn't too crazy about the pattern but now that I see yours I think I may add it to the never ending list of proejcts. Nice job!
Posted by Alana | May 13, 2005 9:54 AM
Posted on May 13, 2005 09:54
Looks great! I do like the tie going around the back. Congrats on finishing!
Posted by Li | May 13, 2005 10:07 AM
Posted on May 13, 2005 10:07
Well, I'll be... ! I thought for sure the ties wrapped around the back, to me that's quite clever and attractive and stylish. But apparently that's not the intent and happens only for clever knitters who take the time to separate a side seam and knit a longer sash! Yes, it's a snugger fit and looks great. I'm glad you like it, too.
Posted by grumperina | May 13, 2005 10:38 AM
Posted on May 13, 2005 10:38
Good save! It fits you perfectly now. After all those stitches, millions of stitches, you need to be able to love your cardi. :)
Posted by Karma | May 13, 2005 10:39 AM
Posted on May 13, 2005 10:39
You spend so much time knitting something, why wouldn't you be so picky about finishing and fit. Looks great!
Posted by Colleen | May 13, 2005 10:40 AM
Posted on May 13, 2005 10:40
i, too, had thought what you had modified is what the pattern instructed. of course this way makes more sense and it looks perfect! if i do come up with some spare money to buy the yarn (i'm exercising self control for knitting related spendings), i'll be making this cardigan in no time!
love your blog!
Posted by blossom | May 13, 2005 10:44 AM
Posted on May 13, 2005 10:44
You're Lucky looks awesome! I like the tie around the back. I think I'll do that too!
Awesome colour!
Posted by Adele | May 13, 2005 10:49 AM
Posted on May 13, 2005 10:49
I can tell from the pictures that it fits better around your waist. Good for you for fixing it! I hope you wear it tons now! I have the same problem with shirts... I have a larger, achem, chest and a smaller waist, so stuff just hangs a lot. I am hoping that by knitting some stuff for myself, I solve this problem!
Love it love it love it!
Posted by Dani | May 13, 2005 11:26 AM
Posted on May 13, 2005 11:26
I like the modification a lot. It looks like it fits much better and if you like it better, you'll wear it more. And after spending all that time w/ the 4-ply cotton you'd better wear it! :)
Posted by Stephanie | May 13, 2005 11:29 AM
Posted on May 13, 2005 11:29
I thought it looked great before, but I agree, it's looks even better now!!! Good for you for taking the time to fix it. I love it!
Posted by marichan | May 13, 2005 11:48 AM
Posted on May 13, 2005 11:48
ok, much better...this is a problem with mine as well...so what your saying is try this...is that what you are saying...my lucky is not done...is that what you are saying...go back to it....back to lucky....
Posted by carolyn | May 13, 2005 12:06 PM
Posted on May 13, 2005 12:06
I'm with everyone else, I thought it looked good before, but it does fit even better. You have such perseverance.
Posted by Purly Whites | May 13, 2005 12:51 PM
Posted on May 13, 2005 12:51
Terrific idea on the tie to improve the fit - I just completed the rebecca wrap a couple of weeks ago and LOVE it. Just got my yarn to start Lucky today. (In black - yikes!) I think we must have similar sweater taste!
~christy
Posted by Christy | May 13, 2005 3:47 PM
Posted on May 13, 2005 15:47
For some reason my brain is not comprehending this technique at the moment...it is early Saturday morning here and I am about to go househunting. ugghh. But I am putting you on notice that I may be bugging you to explain it too me when my Lucky is at that stage. ie. sometime in the far far distant future!
Posted by jacqueline | May 13, 2005 6:20 PM
Posted on May 13, 2005 18:20
It looks fantastic! Lovely, lovely sweater.
(and I can't wait to see how your orangina turns out. Damn you for pimping that Lara.... even if she is splitty....)
Posted by Ann | May 17, 2005 8:54 AM
Posted on May 17, 2005 08:54
Your Lucky looks fabulous, love the modification you made with the tie ;) I'm definitely going to knit it too someday.
Posted by yuvi | May 20, 2005 11:39 AM
Posted on May 20, 2005 11:39