Really! A post about KNITTING!

Posted on May 20, 2006 by knittingpatterns4you | 3 Comments

Remember way back when I made the shocking claim that everyone should buy Knitting Nature? Well, I'm putting my money (and knitting time!) where my mouth is and knitting that jacket pattern that was screaming my name. Here's a reminder in case you forgot what it looked like:
As I mentioned before, I've had this idea for a little swing shaped jacket all sketched up in my "someday later" pile of sweater ideas (which, after seeing the fall runways is now twice as tall as it was last month, but that's for another day). Not only is this version already written and sized, but it also had the interesting neckline twist, which adds just enough interest to make it an unusual piece. In case you didn't read the book yet (and why haven't you!?!), this is called the "Ram's Horn Jacket" and the collar is knit in the shape of said horn. See how it's wider on one side than on the other? So ingenious! So subtle! So cute!As you all know, I rarely knit from other's patterns, so falling head-over-heels for this little jacket kind of caught me by surprise. And aparently all the stars were in alignment because I happened to have just ordered the perfect yarn to make this out of: Cascade 220 in a gorgeous navy blue.

I like this thing so much, I already finished the back and one front. See?


The color is very true on my monitor, but needless to say it's hard to photograph such a dark color accurately. I'm actually surprised you can even see the hem's turning row in this photo!The pattern so far is perfect and easy to understand, and I really like the proportions and sizing. I'm knitting the smallest size and am pleased to report that she's got shorter armholes (8" on this size) and narrower sleeves (12") than most knitting patterns, which happily means I don't have to alter a thing! How refreshing!

In my mad love for this little jacket I've also been daydreaming about sewing a lining into it. With maybe a pocket inside one of the fronts, to make it more like a "real" jacket. I'm imagining a slightly-inapropriate fabric choice, like maybe huge 70's polka dots or that sushi fabric I've seen on some websites . . .

Now, I don't sew. Not really, anyway. I own a sewing machine that's been used exactly twice: I made DPN holders and a skirt that never got worn. I know enough about sewing to know that sewing a lining is one of the more advanced things you can do in sewing. Add in that it's sewing a lining into a knitted fabric, and you can see why my coworker looked at me with a "pity the fool" look when I mentioned it to her.

And really, I wouldn't normally consider such a bold move into unknown crafting territory.

BUT. And here's where you can be privy to my ability to rationalize just about anything.

Reasons why this just might work:

  1. It's a swing shape so I don't have to worry much about ease/darts/waist shaping and those sorts of lining issues (I told you I know enough about sewing to know what I'm getting into!)
  2. There are no lapels to worry about, hence no crazy interfacing needs.
  3. There are 3" long hems on all the knit pieces, along every edge. I have rationalized that I can sew the lining to the inside edge of those hems. This will mean both less sewing, because the lined surface area will be smaller, and also that the sewn stitches aren't nearly as visible from the outside.
  4. Normally linings are sewn in something thin and slick, like rayon or silk, but I will only attempt this in a plain cotton. I know my limitations. Cotton will make it easier to make good seams, both because it's easier to sew and because my (very limited) sewing experience is with cotton.
  5. Since it's just the lining, if anything turns out less-than-perfect but still wearable, no one ever has to know.
  6. Since it's just the lining, if I give up completely in failure, I'll still have a kick-ass knit jacket!

Anyone forsee problems I haven't thought of? Or better yet, solutions to problems I haven't thought of?

Oh, and just because this hasn't already broken enough of my "I don't usually's," I joined the KAL for Knitting Nature. Really! I even put it in the sidebar!

Posted in knitting


3 Responses

Karen
Karen

May 25, 2006

I suggest you leave the lower hems of the lining free (you can tack them at the seams with a long tack to control motion but no more) in order to reduce the likelihood that the sweater will sag or roll against the lining and look pretty bad (the lining is not as elastic as the sweater). Generally one leaves at least two-four inches of the lining free. If you plan to wear this sweater over another garment that is not silky, the cotton lining is likely to drag and pull against the underlying garment. If so, this will be obvious from the outside, especially when the lining is closely sewn. You might be happiest all round if you take a knitted piece to a good fabric store and discuss your wants with the salespeople. There are linings available that are not particularly difficult to sew that are more suitable than cotton.

Cheers — it’s a beautiful sweater.

kay
kay

May 27, 2006

just another note on the lining idea… Maybe you should construct the lining on your sewing machine but sew it into the sweater by hand. That way you don’t have to worry about the knitted fabric getting sucked down by where the bobbin is if your sewing needle isn’t absolutely sharp or if your tension is off. It would be especially tragic if this happened near the neckline, where there probably isn’t much room for error. And I second Karen’s comments as far as cotton goes — cotton will make it harder to shrug the jacket on and off in the stylish way you deserve to.

good luck! That jacket is my favorite project (okay, my favorite barely-doable project) in knitting nature. I’ll be on the knitalong to cheer you on!

Diana
Diana

May 24, 2006

This jacket is going to be awesome in navy blue! I am falling for this jacket as well.. looking forward to seeing your progress. Is Cascade 220 the called-for yarn?

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