I’m back with my second Knit for Victory project! Today is the last day of the challenge, can you believe it?
It was actually a fluke that this project was finished before KFV wrapped up. All last week I was sick, and as I was starting to feel better, I started knitting up Andi Satterlund‘s Hetty cardigan. By the weekend it became apparent I was going to be able to finish it in time, so just under the buzzer I suddenly had a second Knit for Victory project!
This project marks a yarn milestone: have you ever had a yarn in your stash you loved so much that you had a hard time knitting it? I don’t mean actually breaking into it and knitting with it, but turning that knitting into a finished project. The yarn is Mama Blue Troika worsted, in the colorway Lagoon. It was dyed by someone who stopped dyeing a few years ago, and it’s always been just about my most favorite stash yarn. I tried to knit it at least twice, but fizzled out because the projects weren’t quite right. The color is just stunning, and it’s a merino cashmere blend, so it’s soft and cozy beyond belief. (Like, bury your face in it cozy.) You can see why I wanted it to be Just Right!
And finally, I got it right this time! I’m so happy!
I’ve long admired Andi‘s patterns, which all have both a modern and vintage appeal. However, this was the first time I’d actually knit one! And it literally just flew off my needles. I think it was the fact I was finally feeling better (and could do something other than lay around) coupled with a great pattern, worsted weight yarn and the excitement of knowing I finally had the perfect project for this yarn. So I knit this in 6 days. I know I knit fast (I’ve been asked how, but my answer is “I don’t know how, I just do!”) but even that’s pretty crazypants for me. All I can say is this yarn really wanted to be a Hetty!
Sometimes you have to trust yourself, and there’s one area in this cardigan that I didn’t trust myself: the length. And it’s a matter of construction preference that led me to this problem. Here’s why.
I tend to be a bottom up knitter. I measure and compare to my blocked gauge as I go, and use gauge and math only to determine how long to knit the body from the hem to the armholes. There is no “try on as you go” in bottom up knitting. After years of knitting sweaters this doesn’t bother me. If my gauge pre-blocked and post-blocked is ANY different (and it often is), trying on as I go doesn’t do me any good anyway, really, because what I’m looking at on my body is pre-blocked knitting that won’t be the exact same fit or length post-blocked.
Hetty is knit from the top down. And while I wanted the cardigan to hit at my waist, and I knew my yarn was going to grown in length after blocking, I succumbed to the lure of “try on as you go” and second-guessed myself. I was almost to the end of the ribbing, and my knitting was at the length I planned it to be according to how my yarn would react when blocking (i.e it was going to grow like a mofo because it’s a lacy pattern and worsted weight superwash yarn). However, when I tried it on, my brain convinced me it was going to end up way too short (even though I knew it would grow in length). So I ripped all the ribbing back, added 2 more inches to the length of the lace part and then knit the ribbing again.
And what did I get? You guessed it: a sweater that’s longer than I wanted.
Note to self: Self, do not try on as you go. Trust your math.
For those fans of top-down seamless sleeves, Hetty has that, too! I did notice that while blocking my cardigan I was being very careful not to stretch the pieces but accidentally blocked the armhole depth too small, so the sleeves were riding up a bit. However it’s now been re-blocked and all is well.
I love the buttons, too. Because I was knitting this so fast and then suddenly for an unplanned deadline (AKA making it a Knit for Victory project), I had to make do with what I had, so I used these vintage buttons in kind of an interesting dark gray/green/teal. I think they worked out nicely!
The only real way my version diverged from the pattern was that I made the shoulders wider (documented on my Ravelry project page) and used seed stitch for the button bands and neckband. Typically 1940s cardigans have button bands done in one of the following ways: knit as a thin long strap of 1×1 ribbing which is then sewn to the cardigan fronts, knit along with the body in garter stitch or seed stitch, or picked up and crocheted on after. The more common modern technique of picking up along the edge and knitting ribbing didn’t seem to hit the 40s, so I opted not to do it for my Hetty.
Instead, I took a cue from a 40s pattern in my stash that was worsted weight and featured 1×1 ribbing on the hem and cuffs like Hetty, but had seed stitch for the neckband and button bands. While the vintage pattern had the bands knit with the body, I picked up along the edges and knit them after the rest of the cardigan was complete, but before blocking. Since it’s seed stitch you’d never know the difference either way. And I’m really pleased with how it looks! I may have to do this on a future cardigan, too.
Here’s a secret little thing I do whenever I have an extra button, a tip I got from vintage cardigans: sew an extra button at the bottom, in case you lose on in the future!
I love this pattern so much that I may knit another one (that actually hits at my waist like I wanted this one to)! But I’m not going to complain. I love this cardigan so much and I’m going to wear the hell out of it!
And that’s a wrap for Knit for Victory!
Thank you to all the Knit for Victory participants. It’s been a great 3 months, and it all ends today.
100 people in the Flickr group, over 200 in the Ravelry group, and spread out over the world! There’s been so many amazing finished projects and WIPs. (And you still have until midnight in your own time zone to post your finished projects in either location.) Sweaters, accessories, you name it! Some of you were even inspired to finish projects you hadn’t touched in months. And very flattering to me, several of you chose to knit my Victory pattern as your very first fair isle project. This challenge has been a blast. I’m one very proud and happy vintage knitter right now!
Stay tuned in early February for the round-up of finished projects, courtesy of Rochelle. Thanks again everyone, and keep on knitting! ♥
Wonderful Cardigan – thanks for the Knit-A-Long 🙂
You’re most welcome!
Love your version of Hetty! The color is beautiful! I finished up my version about a month ago, and it’s gotten lots of wear since. Did you use anything to stabilize your button band? Maybe it’s just the difference between seed stitch and the ribbed band, but your button band lays so much straighter than mine does when it’s buttoned up 🙂
Thanks Ashley! I think it’s an optical illusion as it doesn’t really lay flat when buttoned because I knit it with at least 2″ of negative ease at the bust. But I rarely wear fitted cardigans buttoned up so it’s not a big deal. It might be fun to stabilize the bands with a really fun printed ribbon sometime though. 🙂
What a lovely sweater! I got stalled on my second knit for victory project due to gauge issues but I finally got started on it yesterday so I should be able to get it done in time to wear it before it gets to warm even if it won’t be done for the knit along.
You and your blog are so helpful and inspiring for a budding knitter so thanks! 🙂
Aw thanks Stephanie! And good luck with your project, at least you’re on track with it now!
oh it’s lovely. the button band is lovely in seed stitch! i’ve finished my hetty but i am tempted to knit another just to do that band!
I’ve never been a big fan of seed stitch bands before but I’m really liking it on this Hetty, so I may have to use them again on a future project too!
Love it all! The sweater! The dress! That collar! So envious of your vintage wardrobe.
Thanks doll,
The Glamorous Housewife
Thanks so much! That’s one of my favorite dresses I must admit. 😀 xo
I love your whole outfit. I really like the colours!
Can’t believe you knit it so quickly, wish I could do that!
I am a pretty unexperienced knitter. Years since I tried my hands on something big like a cardigan or something. – And I don’t feel quite ready to try again.
But liked reading about your beautifull cardigan.
The yarn really does look scrumptious!
Thanks Sofy, it really is just as scrumptious as it looks! lol
I recommend trying something bigger when you feel up to it, you can always take it as slow as you’d like! 🙂
Oh Golly!! That cardigan is sweet!!!
Love the color, and I can see why this yarn has been precious to you 🙂 You also give speed-knitting a new face, 6 days?? Oh my.
Thank you for the KAL, seeing all those fabulous makes is very inspiring, not to mention getting to see new patterns to put in ones stash 😉 I really enjoyed it! The round up-parade will be amazing 😀
Wonderful cardigan!
Thanks Maria!
It’s so pretty!! I truly can’t get over that lovely blue color yarn you used… It makes me want to go swimming in the Caribbean.
Happy Victory knitting, Tasha.
Yes, the colorway was very aptly named Lagoon, wasn’t it?? You can see why I had to get a project just right to make it worth such gorgeous yarn!
That is an absolutely gorgeous sweater. And fwiw, I think it’s more flattering in the slightly longer length than it would have been had it hit exactly at your waist. It fits you beautifully.
Thanks Alexia! This length means I can also wear it with pants which isn’t as easy if it hits at the waist (I always feel that looks a little too short with pants, but looks fab with dresses). But I definitely want a couple of cropped ones in my wardrobe to pair with dresses. 🙂
That yarn is TO DIE FOR GORGEOUS!!! Beautiful sweater!
Thanks Evie!
Even if it’s longer than you wanted, it’s still beautiful. I am in love with that color and your entire outfit! Too cute!
Thank you! 🙂
This looks great! You’re really inspiring me to start knitting more. I want to make a sweater.
Yay for sweater knitting! You should definitely try it out. I’m all for more of that in the world. 🙂
This is a gorgeous pattern! I love the loose knit which makes the piece seem perfect for those summer nights that are a few months away.
Your knitting talk always pushes me just a bit farther to learning. There is one pattern I’m dying to do, but looks so incredibly intimidating.
Thanks Janey! Well the nice thing about knitting is you can take it in chunks, even if it looks intimidating. There’s no harm in trying it out, even if you take it slow! 🙂
Oh my, that color is completely gorgeous! I can see why you waited for just the right project to use it, too.
I hope one day I can knit as well as you… your projects always look incredible. 🙂
Oh thanks so much, I appreciate it!
Dude! I adore your dress! It’s so cute.
Heidi
Thanks Heidi! That’s a favorite vintage dress of mine. It’s perhaps not a coincidence that one of the next cardigans I’m planning will match it, too. lol!
How beautiful, Tasha! I love the colour. I’m really getting into knitting now, and am well on my way to finishing my second Miette. I’ve just bought the Agatha pattern but you’re seriously, seriously tempting me with this Hetty. It might skip the queue!
I can’t wait to see your second Miette! Agatha and Miette are both on my list as well, and I’m pretty sure there will be another Hetty in my future, too. lol It’s such a fun pattern and the lace looks fancy but is easy! Sweater knitting is addictive once you get into it, isn’t it? 🙂
Stunning – just stunning!
WOW!!! that is a perfect beautiful cardigan! And I love the dress!
Beautiful outfit. Your cardigan is lovely, I like the stitch pattern and the colour is fabulous. What a great knit!
Oh yes, I know that special yarn feeling. It just has to have the perfect project to come out as something wonderful! And this cardigan is really a stunner- I love that colour!
I’m actually wearing one of Andi’s patterns right now LOL I made the Miette cardigan a year or so back, because I desperately needed a cardi, and I loved her cropped look. I freely admit, the worsted weight yarn was a big sell for it too -because it meant I could make it FAST!
It’s a beauty Tasha! Well done 🙂
It’s fantastic! I love the colour 🙂 Thanks for organising Knit for Victory, although I only managed your victory hat it gave me the push I needed!
Just gorgeous. A beautiful knit and I love the colour. It goes a treat with your lovely frock.x
This is so pretty! And that colour, boy smokey, it’s gorgeous – and so very upbeat, too, which is something I typically look for in hues myself, too. I love that you partnered it with a cream chiffon/nylon scarf, the two play beautifully together.
♥ Jessica
It’s so pretty! Not to mention the dress is lovely as well. I love the details on the sweater, and even the buttons make an impact. You make me wish I knew how to knit 🙁
Ahhhh dude, I love it! That yarn was totally made for that pattern- they are PERFECT together! I need to get my butt into gear with knitting this pattern; I have the yarn and everything, just been putting it off bc it seemed too springy for January. But now yours is inspiring me haha
That cardigan is just beautiful. The colour and the stitches. You could never buy such a lovely garment. It suits you so well, too 🙂 How I wish I could knit!
I like the length on you! It’s the first thing I said to myself when I saw your gorgeous Hetty. Wow! What a stunning knit!
Absolutely love the Hetty you’ve done. I’m a beginner knitter and am looking forward to someday knitting an Andi Satterlund sweater. The color is gorgeous and you look adorable in it. Terrific!
I admire you knitting skills! You are an inspiration to me. I’ve been knitting about the same amount of time as you and I am amazed by what you make! Skills can be taught but you display a gift beyond skill with your garments!!
That is lovely – the yarn has clearly been waiting for you to find the right project for it!
Ooh lovely. I just finished my Hetty too, although in quite a bit longer than 6 days! I love what you did with the button bands and will totally copy that in the future!
I also really like that length, mine seems super short but maybe I am just not used to that shorter length 🙂
I have had this pattern on my wish list and now I reallyyyyy want to make it, Your version is so beautiful, especially with the modified button band. The button band looks SO good in seed stitch. If I make this can I copy you? 🙂
Of course, you absolutely may copy me!! 🙂
So nice ! And you know, I don’t really love blue colors but your cardigan is so cute !!! Andi Satterlund’models are so beautiful !
I absolutely love the color of this yarn! Beautiful!
I’m really loving this pattern, but I don’t know how to adjust it for the yarn in my stash??? I have fingering weight alpaca (anything heavier and I’d probably spontaneously combust), that I think would work well with the lacy look of this stitch. Any advice on using a much thinner yarn?
Your Hetty is beautiful. You stitches are so perfect and I love the color! I’m knitting this pattern right now and yours is the length I want mine to be. I’m pretty pear shaped though, so I’m thinking I should probably increase again after I get past the waist. Got any tips for me on how I should do that? 🙂