November 18, 2005
Hourglass v2.0 complete
The Specs:
Pattern based on: The yarn was always meant to be a variant on the Hourglass from . Add a dash of Elizabeth Zimmermann, one perfect model top from Banana Republic, and the yoke decreases from Ann Budd's Seamless Yoke sweater. Plus I made it to fit my measurements. Can we say that its my own pattern at this point?
Yarn: Noro Cash Iroha in lime (#77), about 9 skeins. Rowan Cotton Glace in Shoot, 1 skein (for edging).
Needles: Size 6 bamboo needles for gauge of 18.5 sts/4". Size 5 and 4 needles used for the edges.
Cash Iroha.
Its cool, but I probably wouldn't use this yarn again for a plain sweater. It kept doing this thick/thin thing, which I understand is all part of its character, but I'd prefer a more even yarn. For example, around the neckline, it got thin for long stretches, which made the yoke decreases more visible.
The sleeves got about 2-3" longer after washing/blocking. The sweater body probably got longer too, but I didn't notice it in particular. Cash Iroha does have wonderful post-blocking drape. I have to give it that.
Making up the pattern.
Totally the way to go. I felt much more invested in this sweater than other projects because I made it to fit. I knew that I had the ability to make it work, and it was just a matter of effort. Plus the fit turned out *perfectly*.
Edges.
I threaded 1/4" flat elastic through the neck and bottom hems. Its not tight enough to be noticable, but hopefully will help those cotton edges keep their shape.
Overall, its a super sucessful sweater. I am really happy with how it turned out.
Updated to add:
Short Row Neck Shaping.
This was so easy to do that I forgot to mention it! By following the instructions in The Knitter's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns, I did two short rows for the back neck. This resulted in 4 extra rows of height for the back neck. I added them at the very end, right before switching to the Cotton Glace. Basically, this is done by working 2 (or more) short rows across the back neck, the second short row a bit narrower than the first. Then, one row knit all the way around, hiding the wraps.
Comments (80)
Wow. That looks fantastic. I've been back and forth on the hourglass and I think you'be pushed me over the edge. The green looks so great and your special variations make it look perfect!
Posted by jessica~ | November 18, 2005 9:20 AM
Posted on November 18, 2005 09:20
Oh my god, that is beautiful. Great job! I absolutely love it. Nice shade of green, too.
Posted by Maritza | November 18, 2005 10:02 AM
Posted on November 18, 2005 10:02
NICE work. its really great to see knitters doing things their own way. i'm actually just about to start a sweater and cash iroha is one of the contenders for it. do you think i should find another option? the sweater will be slim fitting with a shawl neck. ... hmmmm. i have to think about it some more. thanks for the product review and congrats on the product!
Posted by j a r e d | November 18, 2005 10:30 AM
Posted on November 18, 2005 10:30
I'd call it yours. It turned out to be a STUNNER. The fit is amazing.
Posted by eunny | November 18, 2005 10:33 AM
Posted on November 18, 2005 10:33
What an accomplishment! It looks fantastic.
Posted by patricia | November 18, 2005 10:36 AM
Posted on November 18, 2005 10:36
I absolutely love it. The fit is superb and the color, of course, looks great. I really like the yoke and neck and the edging was a good choice - it finishes it perfectly. It seems that this will be a great every day sweater. Score one for Diana!
Posted by Stephanie | November 18, 2005 10:41 AM
Posted on November 18, 2005 10:41
Lovely! I am very impressed and happy to hear your musings on cash iroha. I have a box of it just waiting for the perfect project... Thinking thinking!
I also wanted to say how very impressed I was by your marathon run! I want one of those medals... it may just be enough to inspire me to try for it!!
Posted by Mary | November 18, 2005 10:51 AM
Posted on November 18, 2005 10:51
That looks AMAZING. Great job!!!
Posted by Kristy | November 18, 2005 10:52 AM
Posted on November 18, 2005 10:52
oooolala
Posted by mia | November 18, 2005 11:10 AM
Posted on November 18, 2005 11:10
Super successful, and super gorgeous! Wow, it looks simply fabulous on you, I know you are super happy and proud!!! Keep designing more!
Posted by grumperina | November 18, 2005 11:29 AM
Posted on November 18, 2005 11:29
What a sweet, sweet little sweater - fits beautifully, love the constrasting edge colour... looks like it had a nice weight to it too. What yarn would you use next time (hourglass v.3!!), if not the noro cash?
Posted by Jessica. | November 18, 2005 11:45 AM
Posted on November 18, 2005 11:45
Your HGS v.2.0 is awesome. I really like what you did with the trim...its got me thinking. Which is a good thing! The seamless yoke is also a really neat way to rid yourself of the raglan. I like it!
Posted by lori | November 18, 2005 12:05 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 12:05
Wow- great job! The fit is perfect, you're right. I like the sides (not bulky, you know?)- did you do any short rows for a more shaped fit (I'm not familiar with the Hourglass pattern)? We have a similar build and I always worry about the bulk.
Posted by Lelah | November 18, 2005 12:22 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 12:22
beautifully made sweater! the edging really makes it look special. i'd called it your design! congrats!
Posted by blossom | November 18, 2005 12:33 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 12:33
Wonderful sweater! I can't imagine it coming out any better. You don't know me - I stumbled over from Lori's blog. I'll be starting the Hourglass one of these days, and it'll be my first sweater. You both are an inspiration! That contrast trim is really the way to go.
Posted by Amanda | November 18, 2005 12:57 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 12:57
Wow, all I can say is WOW! That is amazing! You must be pretty damn happy! Congrats! Beautiful job.
Posted by beth | November 18, 2005 1:02 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 13:02
Perfection!
Posted by Lauren | November 18, 2005 1:21 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 13:21
Wow, I love it! Perfect is every way. Great job.
Posted by adele | November 18, 2005 1:30 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 13:30
oh so beautiful! it's absolutely fantastic and it looks great on you. i love, love, love the colours together. happy new sweater weekend!
Posted by kris | November 18, 2005 1:33 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 13:33
Diana, That turned out freaken AWESOME! I love every bit of it! I see now the benefit of a bit of negative ease!
I really want to make one.
Posted by Joelene | November 18, 2005 1:34 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 13:34
Wow. That is one gorgeous sweater. I'd certainly say you can call it your pattern at this point.
Posted by PumpkinMama | November 18, 2005 1:36 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 13:36
Whoohoo! This turned out so perfect! I'm so impressed by your modifications. Congrats and wear it in pride!
Posted by Annie | November 18, 2005 1:38 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 13:38
Absolutely gorgeous and I love how well it fits you. I am impressed with your design-to-your-mesurements-skills.
Posted by Julia | November 18, 2005 1:40 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 13:40
Great job! Who needs patterns now?! I love the slim fit and the neckline on you, this is a great combination of patterns.
Now remember to give up an update in a month or two to see how it wears
Posted by yahaira | November 18, 2005 1:43 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 13:43
Very nice, d, it turned out perfect! I really like the edging that you did, it definitely makes it look more polished.
Posted by Nancy | November 18, 2005 1:48 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 13:48
Gorgeous and a wonderful fit too! Lovely!
Posted by Roxanne | November 18, 2005 1:56 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 13:56
awesome! congrats on a wonderful success! the fit is great. i know the thick n thin is troubling you but i love the homey slubbiness of the yarn in that sweater. your details have really made it that much more special. enjoy it!
Posted by jody | November 18, 2005 2:00 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 14:00
Wow, that sweater is a delight! And even better because you made it your own. Great job! (I wouldn't have noticed the decreases if they hadn't been pointed out =) )
Posted by yarn abuse | November 18, 2005 2:02 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 14:02
Very very beautiful. Looks totally gorgeous on you! Nice shade of green.
Posted by Jade | November 18, 2005 2:05 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 14:05
Everything about this sweater looks terrific! The neckline and edging are perfect, so is the fit.
Posted by lyn | November 18, 2005 2:06 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 14:06
Success! That is one wearable sweater, and the little touches of green are gorgeous! I like the texture of the thick and thin yarn.
Posted by Julia | November 18, 2005 2:09 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 14:09
Beautiful! Nice how some hard work and experimentation worked out! Also, really love how you did the edging in the lighter green. I think I'll have to keep that in mind for unruly hems.
Posted by freecia | November 18, 2005 2:09 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 14:09
Oh Diana, it's absolutely gorgeous! I love love love the green, and the edging is just perfect. Great job!
Posted by terhi | November 18, 2005 2:20 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 14:20
Impressive. The sweater fits you perfectly. And yes - it is your own pattern. Enjoy it.
Posted by Lisa | November 18, 2005 2:23 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 14:23
Love it! So simple, but it has a lot of character. I especially love the texture of the yoke decreases and that great edging!
Posted by Elli | November 18, 2005 2:26 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 14:26
that is one good-looking sweater.
i think the biggest accomplishment is that it fits like a shirt. That's quite an accomplishment in my book, as most hand-knit sweaters fit like...well, sweaters, even when you really want them to fit better than that. well done.
Posted by kelly | November 18, 2005 2:32 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 14:32
My knitting friend without a blog just told me this is one of the nicest sweaters she's seen anyone knit and I have to agree with her. You did such a phenomenal job. The detail work you did is excellent. Fit, excellent, color, excellent! All excellent!
Posted by Purly Whites | November 18, 2005 2:33 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 14:33
Wow, great sweater! The tonal green combo is v. sophisticated. And yes, I would say it _is_ your own pattern! ha ha. Do you have plans to repeat the pattern for a whole stable of eminently wearable sweaters?
Posted by Dana | November 18, 2005 2:35 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 14:35
my my. stunning sweater. would you posting a pattern for it? it is absolutely gorgeous. This is one sweater I would buy in a store in a heartbeat.
Posted by winnie | November 18, 2005 2:39 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 14:39
That's an extremely flattering knit! Great job. You posted about this before, but I especially love the little color detail at the cuffs, neck, and waist.
Posted by Colleen | November 18, 2005 2:41 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 14:41
Very nice! I love how it turned out! Now if only I could get started on my sweater again..
Posted by Angela | November 18, 2005 2:48 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 14:48
Just beautiful! I love the tiny contrast at each edge.
Posted by Jackie | November 18, 2005 3:01 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 15:01
Beautiful! I love the color and the fit is perfect!
Posted by Christie | November 18, 2005 3:24 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 15:24
If you change 10% of a design, then the design is yours. Stunning.
Posted by Christina | November 18, 2005 4:07 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 16:07
I LOVE your sweater! The neckline is completely different from the original Hourglass Sweater, and I like how it turned out. I also like the Glace edgings. But mostly? I love how well it fits you! Perfect. You continue to be A Knitting Goddess in my book!
Posted by Karma | November 18, 2005 4:09 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 16:09
it fits you absolutely perfectly. you have done an amazing job on it diana! and the neckline is just gorgeous. hugh kudos to you!!
Posted by jacqueline | November 18, 2005 4:14 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 16:14
Definitely your sweater design! It's gorgeous, fits perfectly and the color is so pretty. Nice job!
Posted by Laura | November 18, 2005 4:15 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 16:15
I love the neckline, your modifications really worked out well! Awesome job.
Posted by lcord | November 18, 2005 4:21 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 16:21
WOW! It's gorgeous, the colour, the fit, the details, everything.
Posted by Jo | November 18, 2005 4:50 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 16:50
Beautiful sweater! Definitely your design by now. The color is great and the fit is fabulous. Congrats.
Posted by Shirra | November 18, 2005 6:17 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 18:17
You look great in your new sweater! I love all the changes you made, especially the neckline and contrast edging. And the elastic is an excellent idea!
Posted by joy | November 18, 2005 6:32 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 18:32
I love it! Looks great on you and I think the Cash Iroha looks great in such a simple design. I would love to make this sweater, so if you even decide to write up a pattern, please let me know - I'd be the first one in line to buy it!
Posted by marichan | November 18, 2005 6:36 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 18:36
Your sweater is beautiful. Your work is always inspiring!
Posted by Sandy J | November 18, 2005 6:46 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 18:46
Amazing. That's all I can say. I wish I could get a sweater to fit like that! I have some Cash Iroha in my stash and I was always a little afraid to use it for a sweater. Thanks for your insight.
Posted by Wendy | November 18, 2005 7:24 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 19:24
Wow, you really made that edging work for you! I love the way the yoke shaping worked out. Great job!
Posted by Johanna | November 18, 2005 9:52 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 21:52
Beautiful. Your diligence was well worth it. I bet you wear it a lot. As always, thanks for the beautiful pictures.
Posted by Jenny | November 18, 2005 10:37 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 22:37
Looks fantastic! I'd definitely say that pattern is all yours! I guess what we all wanna know is, are you going to share? ;) I have some fabulous red Brooks Farm Duet that is screaming to be made into such a gorgeous, simple yet sophtisticated sweater.
Posted by Lisa | November 18, 2005 11:53 PM
Posted on November 18, 2005 23:53
Oh. Wow. I love it. This really makes me want to try knitting something similar from the top down a la Barbara Walker.
Posted by nikki | November 19, 2005 12:11 AM
Posted on November 19, 2005 00:11
It looks beautiful, I love the colours and think you can call it your own pattern.
Sarah
Posted by Sarah | November 19, 2005 9:52 AM
Posted on November 19, 2005 09:52
Absolutely Gorgeous! That shade of green is beautiful!
Posted by Tara | November 19, 2005 12:53 PM
Posted on November 19, 2005 12:53
that's one spiffy sweater! get to work on the demi!
Posted by SQ | November 19, 2005 4:15 PM
Posted on November 19, 2005 16:15
That sweater is lovely, I've been thinking about making an hourglass sweater for myself(it will have to wait until after christmas though). I really like to contrasting edging, I'm so into that right now for some reason.
Posted by Kristin | November 19, 2005 4:29 PM
Posted on November 19, 2005 16:29
Wow, that is one gorgeous and perfect sweater!! Congrats on such a beautiful FO!!!
Posted by caitlyn | November 19, 2005 9:59 PM
Posted on November 19, 2005 21:59
Can you stand one more comment about how gorgeous that sweater is? Well, too bad, you're getting one. Bee-yu-ti-ful!!!!
Posted by Linda | November 20, 2005 9:38 AM
Posted on November 20, 2005 09:38
Your new sweater in your OWN pattern looks great! I love that green also. I wish I could create one like you did. That's talent!
Posted by Eilene | November 20, 2005 12:00 PM
Posted on November 20, 2005 12:00
It really is beautiful. And, I think we can safely say you designed the sweater!
Posted by Rebecca | November 20, 2005 2:55 PM
Posted on November 20, 2005 14:55
I love your sweater. It looks fantastic! Great colour choices. It fits very nicely. I'm sure you haven't taken it off since the picture! I wouldn't.
Posted by Miss Twiss | November 20, 2005 3:16 PM
Posted on November 20, 2005 15:16
What a lovely sweater - you should be very proud of your work!
Posted by Audrey | November 20, 2005 4:02 PM
Posted on November 20, 2005 16:02
Gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous, I am jealous and feel I should have another go at the hourglass sweater.
Posted by carolyn | November 20, 2005 6:57 PM
Posted on November 20, 2005 18:57
wow- you're an inspiration!
congrats on having it turn out so successfully- it makes so much difference when you do a bit of planning and sensible thinking, and complement it with a bit of experimentation and new techniques. I think you can definitely call it a sweater of your own design!
wear it with pride!
Posted by di | November 20, 2005 7:12 PM
Posted on November 20, 2005 19:12
I'm a behind the times on my reading - but I had to add my voice to the chorus and tell you how great this looks. I fully intend to have an hourglass sweater one of these days and your pictures have convinced me that it should be sooner rather than later. A.x
Posted by Amelia | November 21, 2005 3:12 AM
Posted on November 21, 2005 03:12
I LOVE that sweater! So simple, so elegant, so cool. Just as well I won't have an hourglass shape for a while and pearshape sweater I don't think would be the same...otherwise I'd rush out and buy some cashiroha right now!
Posted by Ingrid | November 21, 2005 9:24 AM
Posted on November 21, 2005 09:24
Love it! Congrats on a fantastic job!
Posted by Kitty | November 21, 2005 11:06 AM
Posted on November 21, 2005 11:06
Congratulations, it looks beautiful! I love those greens too.
Posted by MJ | November 23, 2005 1:05 PM
Posted on November 23, 2005 13:05
It fits you like a glove! I love how it turned out!
Posted by Bear Knits | November 23, 2005 1:53 PM
Posted on November 23, 2005 13:53
I am late to the party, but I just wanted to let you know that I think your Hourglass variation is really beautiful. Nice work.
Posted by Lolly | November 24, 2005 10:05 PM
Posted on November 24, 2005 22:05
It looks fantastic! Really beautiful.
Posted by Iris | November 25, 2005 5:53 AM
Posted on November 25, 2005 05:53
Just beautiful! You can totally call this your own pattern.
Posted by Liz | November 26, 2005 3:08 PM
Posted on November 26, 2005 15:08
Wow, that's stunning! I'm inspired now, since the main thing keeping me from knitting the hourglass sweater was the wide neckline. You're a very talented knitter!
Posted by Kelly | February 15, 2006 1:02 PM
Posted on February 15, 2006 13:02
That's wonderful. Great color and very flattering. Nice!
Posted by Claire | January 31, 2007 9:13 AM
Posted on January 31, 2007 09:13