I used to hate to purl. It just isn’t my favorite thing ever. Especially great swaths of purling like that which is practically the entire body of Vaila.
Vaila is knit from the bottom up, both the sleeves and body. I, of course, couldn’t be hacked to actually follow the directions. So, I knit it top down.
My aunt has accused me of not being very specific when it comes to talking about the mods I make on my knits, which are plentiful and varied. So here are the mods that I made, just for you, AUNTIE M.
- Knit from the top down. I use the 35/15 method: that is, the front and back use 35% of the stitches each and the sleeves use 15% of the stitches each. This means that if you cast on 100 stitches the front will have 35 stitches, the back 35 stitches, the right sleeve 15 stitches, the left sleeve 15 stitches. Place markers at each of these stitches. I can’t quite explain the math because math (especially percentages) breaks my brain, but I can assure you that using this method works. At least for me. I also used the number of stitches at the CAST OFF part of the pattern as a starting point, then knit K2P3 ribbing for an inch. (Should have gone a little longer – and I may carefully rip out the neck ribbing and redo.)
- The top-down knit raglans: To get the same look as the raglans in the pattern, the increases you will need to use are: knit to 3 stitches before the marker, “purl front and back in the stitch” (similar to kfb), knit 1, kfb. With these increases you will get the same look as the pattern, which is knit stitches on a sea of purl.
- I didn’t convert the lace insert at all. I knit it as is, and it looks pretty much the same no matter which direction it’s pointed.
- I knit the sleeves inside out. I couldn’t stomach the thought of all the purl in the round, even though I don’t hate purling anymore. So I knit the sleeves in the round and then turned it right side out and knit the cuffs. If you do this, you should be careful that you make sure to pick up the underarm stitches in the right way so the seem is on the inside of the sweater.
I think that is it in terms of modifications.
Anyway, here are the stats:
Pattern: Vaila from Twist Collective
Yarn: Berroco Vintage (An acrylic/wool blend. I like it.)
Gauge: I dunno
Needles: US 9 29″ circular
Happy Monday (and MARCH, wow), dudes.
So, now I am totally working on another sweater. I don’t know what is wrong with me. I haven’t knit on a sock in three months!
Very cool!! It looks so cozy and comfy and wow, it fits you really well. I especially like the nice sleeve and body length. I’d love to see a close-up of the center panel and the body stitches. I can’t tell it’s purled (cause I’m looking on an iPod maybe?) your percentage system is close to ez’s – I think she goes 40/10, but really 40/5 increase to 40/10. I think. I only made one so far. Great sweater. And you look so cute!!