Friday, September 18, 2009

done & dusted

My Loppem is finished! You were all right - this was just a wee diversion, not really even a cardigan at all!


I love how quickly things can knit up. Sometimes all the knitting gods just align, don't they?

In this case, the combination of 12ply wool and 5mm needles, along with a garment knit entirely in one piece (hello, no seaming!) and the fact that this wool spit-splices like a champion (yes, no ends to weave in - woot!) meant an all-round stellar knit in the fast category.

However, this is a Norah Gaughan/Berroco pattern, so what's the first things one does?

Check the errata. I don't know who proof reads for Berroco, but bloody hell, why do they always end up with so many errata? Loppem has two pages, one being the charts.

The second thing one must do is read through the pattern to spot the tricky bits. You know, the "Knit in pattern as established until garment measures 14" from beginning, blah blah, etc and etc, and oh yeah, AT THE SAME TIME, decrease 5 stitches every 1 1/2 ", can ya?"

Grrrr

I added an inch to the body length, and I'm glad I did. In hindsight, I probably would have like to have added even another inch still - it's quite short.

I'd read a few people said they moved the buttonholes, and when I was doing them I debated it but ultimately thought they'd be ok. I thought people were talking about the spacing vertically, so couldn't see the problem. Too late I realised it was the horizontal placement that had people curious.

Where they sit now means the garter stitch border flaps around a bit, which I don't like. I think I'm going to move the buttons to the centre of the garter stitch and sew press studs underneath instead.

On the upside, I was rather pleased with my buttons - more from the stash, and a good match I think? I only had two of these, so it did seem a match meant to be...

All in all, I think she is a good knit, though. It's just my sort of garment - good for layers, not too heavy, and I love the colour.

Oh, and I still have 175g of yarn left? How awesome is that?!

13 comments:

Julia said...

Awesome job! I've never knit a berroco / norah gaughan pattern so it's good to know about the errata.

cseneque said...

So cool! Quick, spunky, and perfect for layering. Weird about the buttonband though.

2paw said...

It was so quick and looks very snazzy!! The buttonhole placement is very strange though!!!

Linty said...

Maybe a hat to match with the leftover yarn. Love the colour it will go with anything.

Leonie said...

Wow that was quick! I feel like I'm trawling through projects so slowly at the moment, if only one would end so I could have that sense of accomplishment you have there with your lovely Loppem. The button placement is a little odd though, the Rav pictures have them in the middle of the garter stitch. Obviously the pattern writer and editors didn't bother looking at the pictures! Love your buttons, perfect.

Unknown said...

I love you loppem. Great notes on the pattern too, it's always helpful to see these things.

Quick knits - gotta love em!

home girl said...

wow that sounds like a very satisfying project. looks fab, perfect for this time of year and lovely details

Unknown said...

Interesting that when you look at the pics on the berrocco site the buttonholes are pictured in the middle of the garter stitch band (and do look better that way)- seems that maybe their placement needed to be yet another thing noted on the extensive errata sheet ;)

Donyale said...

Sheeeesh - weren't you just talking about this? And it's done? Double Sheeeeesh.

Me still want.

DrK said...

i wouldnt haven noticed the buttons till you mentioned them but now you have... hmmm...

it is really lovely anyway and suits you perfectly. nice work!

Bells said...

it's fantastic!! Good job. You're right - that combination of big needles, 12ply and seamless is a winner isn't it?!

Rose Red said...

Looks great! I may have just purchased some gorgeous red yarn I could use to make this...must finish something from the wip pile before casting on...Must!

Emma said...

It looks great! Also seems like one of those pieces that's good during Spring and Autumn where it's not quite hot enough to go without a cardi, but not quite cold enough for a full on jumper.