Tuesday, April 30, 2013

FO: Elizabeth Zimmerman Pullover



This is the first Elizabeth Zimmerman pattern I've knit. But when I saw my friend Ann's pullover I knew I wanted one just like hers. I've been dreaming of just a basic stockinette sweater for awhile, something to fly off my fingers on and a cozy pullover to wear through the winter.

I bought a bag of Knit Picks Swish DK, when they discontinued the turmeric color (How could they? Wouldn't everyone want that beautiful yellow??) But it worked out in my favor because I got a whole bag of it super cheap.

For anyone not familiar with Elizabeth Zimmerman patterns many of them are based on percentages and your own personal gauge. I did do a gauge swatch, like a good little knitter, but I really under estimated my own personal preference for negative ease (how tight a garment is). I originally had two inches of negative ease (so it was two inches smaller around then my actually body is) but when I got about half way into the body, I tried it on and I was swimming in it. So when I cast on the second time I took out SIX (6!) inches of negative ease. I was really worried I was being crazy, but luckily I stuck with my gut feeling because it fits just perfectly, exactly how I wanted it to. I'm also a little more on the loose side as a knitter, so I tend to have a lot of stretch to my knitted fabric.


My cousin Kedar was in town last weekend and snapped some photos for me. When I handed it to her folded, I hadn't noticed it was inside out, so a few of my photos feature the purled side of the fabric. But once I got it on I didn't have that problem.


I love how simple and comfy this sweater is, I still plan on adding a small pocket to the front and although it was 75 here yesterday, knowing Minnesota I'll still get plenty of time to wear this.

10 comments:

  1. Cute! If I were to attempt a sweater, it might be this one. Who are we kidding, I will likely never attempt a sweater. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ha! Try a baby sweater, those are smaller and much more easily accomplished.

      Delete
  2. Super cute! I love the idea of a little pocket, too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's really what sold me on needing it - I just loved ann's little pocket so much!

      Delete
  3. so cute!!! But you've made me worry about the ease situation for the cardigan I'm working on....

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. go with your gut! I'm sure it will be fine! I'm a crazy lose knitter so my stuff is always wonky. Are you going to be in Minneapolis anytime soon??

      Delete
  4. yes I am! I'm coming in the end of June for a cousin's wedding and may extend my trip if the Sodd's have a benefit for Joe's scholarship fund.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yay! Let me know when you're here and we'll get together and knit!

      Delete
  5. LOVE! this turned out so great... makes me want to make another one myself!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I keep meaning to do an EZ sweater. She does seem to assume that one wants lots of positive ease in a sweater. If I want to make a pull over (it goes OVER layers) then yes, ease is needed. But in my mind a sweater is worn over your undies, so I want it to be tighter.

    ReplyDelete