Purl Soho Lightweight Raglan Sweater

Pattern/Technique: Lightweight Raglan Sweater by Purl Soho in size 48.

Modifications: No mods, but used the following measurements:

Sleeve:

• Cord stitch: picked up purl bumps from above

• Knit until sleeve measured 1” from cast on edge: 7 rows

• Knit until 17 3/4” long: 27 rows

Body:

• Armpit to waist distance - 12”

• Difference between middle & side seam length - 2.5”

• Therefore knit until center is 14.5” from CO edge

Materials: 3 skeins Purl Soho Linen Quill in Green Turquoise

US 4 circular needles

New skills: n/a

Lessons: I started knitting a year+ before I learned about the importance of gauge or intended ease (Jacqui Cieslak’s Sweater & Knitting Math for Curves classes were both fantastic resources) in obtaining a desired fit—I didn’t knit a gauge swatch for this sweater and basically winged it. What I did learn in Jacqui’s class is that row gauge—in particular the ratio between row and stitch gauge—is actually quite important for raglan sweaters due to the diagonal “seam” where the sleeves are joined to the body and decreases create the chest and shoulder shaping.

What I'd do differently: Despite my lack of fitting knowledge I managed to avoid any massive pitfalls (no sleeves 9” too long ;) but the fit ended up being more oversized than I what prefer to wear, and I wasn’t a fan of the curved bottom hemline given that I prefer to wear bottoms that hit me at my natural waist (and tend toward more cropped silhouettes on tops). I also noticed that the hemline construction resulted in a hem that tended to curl upward (something pretty common with stockinette stitch, and why many sweaters have ribbing along the hems).

Given what I’ve learned about sweater fit and my personal style since knitting this, I don’t think I’ll remake this particular pattern (I ended up giving this FO to my mom), but I’m excited to try another raglan sweater (e.g. Cozy Classic Raglan by Jessie Mae) with different hem design elements.

Care: Hand wash, dry flat.

Cocoknits Emma (Frogged)

Pattern/Technique: Cocoknits Emma Sweater, View A

Modifications: Started waist shaping at 2 inches below the underarm CO (at fullest part of but with bra on).

• Waist shaping: Repeated waist decrease round every 4th round (3 times total) to obtain 124 stitches

• Hip increases: Repeated hip increase 3 times (4 times total) every 4th round

Materials: Knit Picks Simply Wool in Winkle & Wanda. Held 2 strands of this worsted yarn together to achieve marling. Purchased 5 skeins of each color for the project.

US11 knitting needle

New skills: Cocoknits sweater method

Lessons: The Cocoknits top-down method for sweaters is great—in particular I like that I can try on the sweater as I'm working on it and make fit adjustments on the fly.

Knit a swatch and check gauge for all sweater projects!! One thing I didn't realize is that row gauge is really important due to the way that the yoke is constructed and mine was slightly off so the fit isn't perfect in that area, but because yarn is stretchy it's pretty forgiving. However, I did a ton of reading about how to adjust row gauge (tl;dr it might be useful to eventually learn Portuguese purling) and in the future I'll be a lot more careful about swatching/checking gauge.

Fit notes: Overall I quite like the silhouette of this sweater and the way it conforms to my body shape without being too boxy (especially since it uses a chunky weight yarn). However, I'm not into the super-low neckline, which is even more pronounced because the seams roll under and the bottom stitches stretch out. I make this again I'd make View B instead.

What I'd do differently: Ultimately I decided to frog this project because even though I like the fit, I don't see myself wearing this regularly due to the overly low neckline and color. I started this project prior to exploring and building awareness of the colors I want to wear, and the creamy marled tones of this sweater don't feel like they fit in my wardrobe, which tends toward higher contrast pieces.

I think my plan will be to use this yarn to make a throw / baby blanket (maybe this: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/2020/03/11/colorblock-jute-stitch-blanket/ as I have enough yardage for the crib size) and try knitting Emma View B using the chunky Knit Picks Heathered Grey yarn I'd previously used for the Purl Soho Big Brioche Turtleneck (also frogged midway). The gauge on both patterns matches, so it should be an easy swap.

Care: n/a