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Tasha Could Make That

Tasha Could Make That

Vintage knitting, sewing, and a lifetime of craftiness

Dragonflies Jumper for fall

October 16, 2013 by Tasha 65 Comments

My latest knitting project is off the needles! And on my back, well, pretty much every single day since I finished it.

dragonflies5

The pattern is Dragonflies Jumper (that’s a link to the pattern on Ravelry) by designer Joji Locatelli. As soon as I saw the dragonfly stitch pattern I fell in love with this sweater. As it happens, the designer was having a fall knit-along in her Ravelry group, so I joined in the fun.

dragonflies4

Here’s a look at the original pattern:

Dragon_04b_medium2_mediumSource: © Copyright Joji Locatelli

I know, pretty big difference from how I knit it up, isn’t it! The pattern is gorgeous and well written, but wasn’t quite the style I wanted, so I gave it a vintage face lift.

The original pattern is a top down raglan, with garter stitch neckline, hem and cuffs, and a long torso. I knit it bottom up with set-in sleeves and ribbing at the neckline, hem and cuffs, and a short torso. For the body I used the pattern’s math for my size and worked out the rest myself.

dragonflies7

You know I’ve talked before about how I sometimes like to tinker with modern patterns to give them a more vintage feel, and this is definitely an example of that!

dragonflies2

As I mentioned, I knit set-in sleeves, but that’s actually not quite true–the sleeves aren’t technically set in. I used a method where you pick up stitches around the armhole, work a short row sleeve cap, and knit the sleeve down to the cuff. It’s a seamless way to get the look of a set-in sleeve. (I’m thinking of talking more about this method a bit in the future, if you’re interested.)

short-row-sleeve-caps

I absolutely loved working the dragonflies stitch pattern. I’m not really a big lace knitter, but it was so much fun it felt like it practically flew off my needles! And in DK weight yarn (I used Wollmeise Merino DK which is scrumptious), it kind of did. I knit this in about twelve days.

dragonflies8

You’ll also notice another thing I did was to block the lace stitch pattern quite aggressively, which opened it up a good deal. It actually looked like this prior to blocking:

in-progress

(In case you’re wondering what the two sets of knitting needles are doing in that photo, I had the stitches for the front above the armhole on a needle just using it as a holder while I worked the back above the armhole, having knit the body up to that point in the round.)

A few other knitters also blocked the lace pretty aggressively in their own versions and I liked the look, so I did the same thing. I went for a black tank top underneath instead of a nude camisole because I thought it would look like I was trying to give you a little peep show otherwise!

dragonflies9

Here’s a funny factoid about this knit… I knit a crew neck as you can see, and when I bound off the neckline, I couldn’t get it over my head! A combination of a big head and a bind off that wasn’t stretchy enough meant I had to unpick the bind off and do it again. The second time I used Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off and let me tell you, that bind off delivers what it promises! It’s as stretchy as you could possibly want and more. Winner! I’ll use it on all my pullover crew necks from now on.

dragonflies10

I can say this with absolute honesty: I have never knit something and then wanted to knit it again. Until now.

It was such a pleasure to knit my Dragonflies Jumper that I’m actually planning to knit a second one at some point this winter. I’ll make a few tweaks to keep it a little different than my original one: I won’t block the lace as open (I’ll need to knit a bigger body size so it will still fit), I’ll knit it slightly less fitted in general, and I’ll add a couple of inches to the length.

dragonflies3

The color of this one couldn’t have been more at home in the woods, with the foliage that’s just beginning to turn here. I’m in love with this bright green. It’s a crazy vibrant, almost acid green. And I love every bit of it.

Hell, I’m in love with everything about this pullover!

dragonflies1

Outfit details

pullover – knit by me
jeans – Freddie’s of Pinewoods
shoes – Minnetonka
vintage watch – a gift

So what color should my Dragonflies Redux be? Anything but bright red, as that’s the color of the pullover I’m knitting for my fitting a 40s pullover series. Any others are fair game. What color would you like to see me knit? Do tell!

You might get lucky–I may go with majority rules and knit it in whatever color is most popular! 😉

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Filed Under: Knitting, Vintage Wardrobe Tagged With: finished projects, vintage knitting

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Emileigh says

    October 16, 2013 at 8:21 am

    It is SO ADORABLE! I’m still working on my first cardigan, so I’m amazing at all the projects you’re finishing! You must knit like lightning! I’m working up to that, and I’m learning a lot from your blog! Thanks Tasha!

    Reply
  2. ThatCleverClementine (aka "mom") says

    October 16, 2013 at 8:22 am

    Something in the orange family, I think. TPK’s Sticky Toffee, or Hazelknit’s Entice?

    Reply
  3. Helen Mae says

    October 16, 2013 at 8:23 am

    It’s so pretty! I think it would look nice in a soft pink, that’s probably the colour I would choose if I were going to knit it for myself.

    Reply
    • Anna says

      October 16, 2013 at 8:40 am

      haha, jinx!

      Reply
  4. Anna says

    October 16, 2013 at 8:35 am

    Oh, that’s so pretty! I think it might look nice in a thirties-ish lilac/purple or maybe a dusky pink? Or navy blue…

    Reply
  5. sewlittletime says

    October 16, 2013 at 8:44 am

    oh this is gorgeous! I can’t believe it’s not a vintage pattern! i love your version far more than the original. great work!

    Reply
  6. ShanniLoves says

    October 16, 2013 at 8:55 am

    I love this!!!!!! The color is great!

    Reply
  7. cindy says

    October 16, 2013 at 9:36 am

    I love your version more! I wish I had your skill in adapting and changing the pattern!

    Reply
  8. Sarah says

    October 16, 2013 at 9:48 am

    Wow! I love this and would rather knit your version than the original pattern! So very pretty and that green is sensational.

    How about a rich purple heather for your next make?

    Reply
  9. kathy says

    October 16, 2013 at 9:52 am

    Love the sweater, makes me wish I could knit, but alas I can not. I vote for a turquiose or teal color. It is my favorite color right now and is also a vintage color.

    Reply
  10. Bonnie says

    October 16, 2013 at 9:59 am

    I love it, and I think a pretty teal color would be nice, something like a dragonfly wing.

    Reply
  11. Sarah Anne says

    October 16, 2013 at 10:13 am

    Gosh, you are so talented!! I just love how you tweaked this and now I can’t stop daydreaming about having my very own in red. I wish I had your talent (and patience) for knitting. I can’t wait to see what you do with the 2nd one.

    bisous,
    http://www.bighipsredlips.com

    Reply
  12. Debbie says

    October 16, 2013 at 10:21 am

    Beautiful! I’m in awe of your knitting pattern altering skills.

    Reply
  13. Rachel says

    October 16, 2013 at 10:37 am

    Oh yes, I love the idea of an orange one- maybe pumpkin? Blue would also be lovely… powder or sky blue (to bring out your eyes 😉 ).

    I am definitely interested in hearing more about the sleeve method!

    Reply
    • Rachel says

      October 16, 2013 at 11:07 am

      I meant to add, that I have had great success with the super stretchy bind off for the head opening. So much so, that I too resolved ALL future ones will use it LOL (And I told my Mum so she could use it!)

      Reply
  14. zilredloh says

    October 16, 2013 at 10:59 am

    As soon as you asked what color I immediately though: Red. heh Since you’re looking to wear more browns – perhaps a color that would coordinate well with that natural color palette?

    I love your mods on this! I have to say – I do like it more than the original. Such a lovely knit and I am still reeling that you knit it up in 12 days!

    Reply
  15. Evie says

    October 16, 2013 at 11:23 am

    You are my knitting idol! Another beautiful sweater. I would love to learn more about that sleeve technique if you don’t mind sharing! I love the look of set in sleeves, but anything that saves me some seaming is A-ok in my book.

    Reply
  16. Jessica Cangiano says

    October 16, 2013 at 11:40 am

    How beautiful! The vibrancy of this colour is just amazing! I really, really love this fun, sweet, classic sweater. Top notch work, honey!

    ♥ Jessica

    Reply
  17. Caitlin says

    October 16, 2013 at 12:00 pm

    That color is scrumptious on you! And, would definitely be interested in your set-in sleeves technique. I’m getting close to sleeve time on my first cardi, so would love to see how you do it. Really remarkable job! And, can’t believe you did it in 12 days! Do you mostly watch TV or listen to something while you knit something like this? I feel like my eyes always have to be on the needles & if I watch TV, it slows my process.

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      October 16, 2013 at 9:34 pm

      I ‘listen’ to a lot of television or movies. 😉 Actually unless it’s a difficult chart or colorwork that I’m staring at the whole time, I am usually able to watch and knit pretty well.

      Reply
  18. Lucy says

    October 16, 2013 at 1:23 pm

    That jumper is stunning! I adore that green. The design is so pretty and you’ve a great job giving it a vintage twist. As to colour on the next one, deep purple would look stunning 🙂

    Reply
  19. Laura says

    October 16, 2013 at 2:34 pm

    I love the idea of a bright navy or royal blue on you. Although brunettes in jewel tones are my favorite, so purple would be great as well!

    Please do show the set in sleeve method, it looks fascinating!

    Reply
  20. Franca says

    October 16, 2013 at 2:54 pm

    it looks wonderful! and for the next one, mustard yellow or orange!

    Reply
  21. Elisha says

    October 16, 2013 at 3:14 pm

    I think you even know more about knitting than my gramma did, and she owned a kyarn shop and was the town go-to for knitting help. I mean, those faux set-in sleeves, I never even seen that but it makes SO MUCH sense!

    Im thinking a vibrant bluish purple like deep indigo or a royalist blue for your next dragonfly sweater.

    Reply
  22. SeamstressErin says

    October 16, 2013 at 4:28 pm

    Gorgeous! That green color really catches my eye, but the lace pattern is really lovely once I start to actually look at the sweater, not just the awesome color 🙂 I love how you’ve updated (or pre-dated) the design of the sweater to make it more vintage. Can’t wait to see more!

    Reply
  23. Katie Emma says

    October 16, 2013 at 4:28 pm

    I think I medium or light gray would be great with the slightly oversized look you’re going for with your second one.

    I kind of forgot about this pattern, but your awesome limey sweater is making me think about it again!

    Reply
  24. Alleraa says

    October 16, 2013 at 6:10 pm

    It’s so beautiful! Love the colour as well.

    Reply
  25. Jenn says

    October 16, 2013 at 7:46 pm

    Some form of purple…either a perriwinkle or a deep plum.

    Beautiful sweater!

    Reply
  26. erin says

    October 16, 2013 at 7:48 pm

    It’s so pretty! Blocking it to open up the lace was a good idea, love the lacey look, I like all the modifications you did, your version looks cuter!

    Reply
  27. Trina says

    October 16, 2013 at 9:52 pm

    Love the jumper. I was so glad to see your link for the stretchy bind off, thank you! As has happened a few times before, in an ‘amazing coincidence’ type way, just when I’m knitting something and realise I need some help or info up it pops on your blog. The way you share your knowledge is so helpful.
    Many thanks:)

    Reply
  28. Honora says

    October 16, 2013 at 10:45 pm

    Color-fabulous! Whole shebang? Absolutely fabulous! You have some serious patience and talent Sistah. Lucky!

    Reply
  29. Rebecca says

    October 17, 2013 at 12:01 am

    Love this jumper! I’l have you know it’s because of you that I signed up for a knitting class! You amaze and inspire me with such beautiful creations. Thank you for sharing. Love blue for your second jumper, any shade really 😉

    Reply
  30. Liz says

    October 17, 2013 at 12:43 am

    Wow, you knitted it in 12 days?! That is crazy fast. I just finished my Miette in 3 months and was happy with that, guess I just need to try harder 😉
    I am following along on your 1940s knitting progress, it is really interesting so far. I have a few patterns that I haven’t got around to trying yet so this might be the push I need (after I finish the Hetty jumper)

    Reply
  31. Erika says

    October 17, 2013 at 1:13 am

    Gorgeous! Your knitting skills are awe-inspiring! Love the changes you did to the original pattern, and the colour is fantastic (and so perfect for the backdrop =) ). Can totally see you knit this one up in a number of different ways.

    Reply
  32. inda says

    October 17, 2013 at 3:12 am

    What a great jumper! The colour suits you nicely, too.
    I’d be very interested to know more about the way you set in the sleeves. Seamless construction with the look of set-in sleeves? Totally I skill I’d like to learn 🙂

    Reply
  33. Emma Jayne says

    October 17, 2013 at 5:23 am

    Ohhh I totally want your version in plum…. sadly my knitting skills won’t stretch further than hats/scarfs/cowls!

    Reply
  34. Siri Andersen says

    October 17, 2013 at 5:48 am

    That color is KA-POW!!! And it looks gorgeous on you!
    Love that lace pattern and the effect it gives, and I too much prefer your version over the original 🙂
    I am currently trying to sew sleeves on a knit pullover, and it kind of sucks… Wish I could do it your way instead. So much easier 🙂

    Reply
  35. Claire says

    October 17, 2013 at 7:02 am

    What a gorgeous jumper! I love everything about it. Please do share how to do sleeves like this as I’m very interested. I’m going to check out your link to the the bind off too.
    As for your next one…. I love blue and I notice you have blue eyes so it’ll be great on you. Happy knitting!

    Reply
  36. Lisa says

    October 17, 2013 at 11:12 am

    I am in love with this sweater! Great job! And the colour looks spectacular on you!

    Lisa.

    Reply
  37. Michelle says

    October 17, 2013 at 11:22 am

    Really, really, REALLY gorgeous sweater! The color is absolutely incredible! It looks amazing with your coloring and hair. I like the mods you made to the length. And, this sleeve is fantastic. I’d for sure be interested in seeing how you went about easing it in and picking up stitches. As for the redux, I vote INDIGO!

    Reply
  38. Lisa Suit says

    October 17, 2013 at 1:14 pm

    I love this!! I love the color and how you made it look vintage-I probably would have completely passed by the original pattern, to be honest. (Pretty-just not my style.) I would love it if you did a post on how you knit the sleeves; I have found that if I can’t knit something seamlessly I’m not going to knit it in this season of my life, & this technique would open up a lot more patterns for me! 🙂

    Reply
  39. kate says

    October 17, 2013 at 1:37 pm

    I love this sweater! And that color…fabulous! Almost makes me want to try and learn to knit, though I’d have to start with something easier, like a pot holder. 🙂

    I am amazed at how someone can take yarn and some knitting needles and turn it into a beautiful sweater — amazing!

    for the next one, I vote either a burnt orange or a deep teal. 🙂

    Reply
  40. Nisse says

    October 17, 2013 at 5:30 pm

    What a beautiful jumper, the lace pattern and colour are amazing. The modifications work out really well. You’ve done a great job!

    Reply
  41. Miss Crayola Creepy says

    October 17, 2013 at 5:40 pm

    Your version is so cute! I wish I could knit this pattern and make it look like yours!

    Reply
  42. lunefantasy says

    October 18, 2013 at 1:06 am

    oh it’s so pretty and the color !!! It’s always to watch your blog to discover all those beautifuls creations !!

    Reply
  43. Kate says

    October 18, 2013 at 4:08 pm

    What a lovely sweater! The lace work looks amazing and I love the vivid green yarn you chose 🙂

    Reply
  44. Gina says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:26 pm

    Wow, I love this! I’m trying to learn to knit right now, and I’m adding this to my favorites on Ravelry so I can make it as soon as I’m ready. I like how you blocked it to emphasize the look of the lace. I can’t wait until I can make some of these beautiful knitted things!

    Reply
  45. mariah says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:32 pm

    plum or purple! that would be gorgeous as well. and i envy your quick and perfect-looking work (12 days is pretty amazing…i can knit a baby sweater in that time)!

    Reply
  46. Moe says

    October 18, 2013 at 6:51 pm

    Oh my goodness, that’s so lovely! I was just catching up on my RSS feed (tedious life drama has made me fall behind) and this post absolutely caught my eye! I love the color. And I’m totally blown away by how vintage you made it look. I love all the waist length sweaters you make. I’m always telling myself that they aren’t flattering on me, but you know, I’m beginning to not care if that’s true or not. You are a master of the vintage sweater!

    Reply
  47. Giusy says

    October 19, 2013 at 8:32 am

    Your skill in knitting is very good!! This sweater is amazing! I used wollmeise wool for shawls and I like it a lot, I am planning a sweater with this yarn too and seeing yours convinced me to put it on the top of my list 🙂

    Reply
  48. Jenn says

    October 21, 2013 at 10:06 am

    Gorgeous sweater! I may have to take the time to check it out more on Ravelry, and knit one for me.

    Reply
  49. Mim says

    October 29, 2013 at 12:23 am

    That’s a lovely jumper – you knit things so quickly, too, you must be a really speedy knitter.

    Reply
  50. MB@YarnUiPhoneApp says

    November 1, 2013 at 11:42 am

    Maybe you could do a blog round-up post of how to knit fast? There must be some secret besides knitting in front of the TV…although it seems like you do a lot of pre-knitting planning, which probably helps plus really reading the pattern, anticipating challenges. Then swatching plus doing the essential math to get the right fit. Does this sound about right?

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      November 6, 2013 at 12:14 pm

      Yes, sounds about right! I do get quite familiar with the pattern ahead of time so that I can anticipate things one step ahead of the pattern. That way I can go for quite some time just knitting, without worrying about what is supposed to be happening upstream in the pattern.

      Reply
  51. Penny says

    November 5, 2013 at 11:50 am

    That’s a beautiful jumper and I admire your skill in adapting the original pattern. I’m sadly not so talented, so would you be able to publish the revised pattern so we can knit your version of the jumper? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      November 6, 2013 at 12:11 pm

      Hi Penny, it’s not my pattern so I wouldn’t be publishing it in any way, however you can see more about the modifications I made on my Ravelry page. 🙂

      http://www.ravelry.com/projects/ByGumByGolly/dragonflies-jumper

      Reply
  52. Melanie says

    February 14, 2014 at 8:15 am

    Those jeans are so cute! Which model are they?

    Reply
    • Tasha says

      February 14, 2014 at 8:43 am

      I’m not sure as they’re a few years old at this point, but probably the Classics.

      Reply
      • Melanie says

        February 14, 2014 at 9:08 am

        Thanks! I have been thinking about getting a pair for a while, but couldn’t decide which ones.

        Reply
  53. jane cairns says

    October 15, 2014 at 11:08 am

    How I happened on this terrific site I have no idea but thank goodness! I’m knitting a vest – Penny Straker “Rigby” – for my husband but realize after completing the back that in the yarn I chose, it will look better as a pullover and as well, he’ll wear it more. So, now for some furious knitting to complete the front and get launched into the set-in sleeves top down! Very exciting (and yes, I did purchase enough yarn). BTW, love the colour of your Dragonflies Jumper, especially in the woodsy setting.

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Fit & knit a 40s pullover series: figuring out the expected finished size | By Gum, By Golly says:
    October 18, 2013 at 7:45 am

    […] for all the lovely comments about my Dragonflies Jumper! ♥ Today is the next installment of my fitting and knitting a 1940s pullover series. When last we […]

    Reply
  2. Fit & knit a 40s pullover series: changing the neckline and a sleeve preview | By Gum, By Golly says:
    October 27, 2013 at 6:32 pm

    […] a good number for a medium round neckline. (For reference, I went with 3 inches down on my last two sweaters for a higher crew neck. But this puts you dangerously close to not being able to get […]

    Reply
  3. How to knit seamless set-in sleeves from the top down | By Gum, By Golly says:
    October 28, 2013 at 11:51 am

    […] don’t mind setting in sleeves and do that more often than not. But I used this method on my Dragonflies Jumper and a lot of you were intrigued and interested in a tutorial. I decided to do it again for the […]

    Reply
  4. Finished projects for a fabulous weekend | By Gum, By Golly says:
    March 10, 2014 at 9:16 am

    […] remember when I knit my Dragonflies Jumper in fall? I polled my readers on what color my eventual-next-one should be and a lot of you said […]

    Reply
  5. Best, Custest and Most Inspiring Vintage Blogs | Rosalyn Lokaline says:
    June 2, 2014 at 8:39 am

    […] beautifully put together outfits, a lot of which she knits herself! One of my favourite knits being this (check it out!) . You can grab a few free knitting patterns too, so make sure to visit Tashas blog, you wont be […]

    Reply

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