My first sweater. I taught myself to knit less than a year ago so it was time to try knitting a sweater. …

I really appreciated watching Staci’s (verypinkknit) video tutorial before starting this. Surprised how quickly this knits up.

MODS:

• I really like the kfb instead of the YO, K1.
• I also extended the length of the sweater from what the pattern suggests by increasing the ribbing to 7” so it would be a bit more flattering (seeing what hrcarol did gave me the idea).
• Sleeves: I knit them in the round using magic loop. Also did 10 rows of stockinette before doing the 10 rows of ribbing.
• Button bands: I did them in seed stitch, 18 rows each, final row (19) in all knit stitches, then bound off. (I should have only gone about 12-14 rows, but wasn’t about to try and tink back).

YARN: I really like this yarn. Nice to work with, great stitch definition. Ideal for mittens, hats, sweaters, poncho, etc. Washed up beautifully. Look forward to working with this yarn again. Photos show it more orange than the rust that is actually is -- I’d still do it in a different colour next time anyway.

PATTERN: Overall, I like the pattern especially when replacing the YO’s. I wish the designer would have had the first stitch of every row in the neck/body be a slipped stitch -- it was a pain picking up and knitting from the jagged edge created and does not look nice and clean on the inside (for adding the button band). If I was to make this sweater again, that is something I would definitely do: slip the first stitch on every row to create a nice clean selvedge edge.

UPDATE: Ever since finishing this sweater, I’ve worn it a lot. I likely will make another in a different colour since I’ve been wearing it so much. I also am quite impressed with the yarn with all the wear and washing it gets -- no pilling. Definitely like this yarn.