I was invited by Brooklyn Tweed to be a Preview Knitter for their upcoming BTWinter18 Collection. Oh. My. Goodness.
Update… Thanks so much BT for the invitation to participate in your inaugural Preview Knitting Program. I hope I represented well. Kuddos on a gorgeous collection!! Love it all.
01-10-2018
Errata
- Page 3 Spec Sheeet - Size B needle states ‘(for Tubular Cast On only)’ - I did longtail and questioned before casting on… all cast on methods use Size B just for the cast on row (smaller needle will keep cast on from flaring out per BT… then switch to larger needle size for rest of project)
- Page 9 ‘Shape Lower Sleeves…’ section - for ‘Lower Sleeve Increase Row (RS) directions are right but it’s noted at the end of the line ‘(2 stitches decreased)’ - it should actually read (2 stitches increased)
01-10-2018
Yarn
This was my first experience with Vale (Nocturne is a dark bluish toned grey). It’s lovely. Very soft and squishy with great stitch definition after blocking. I’m excited to cast on Lucca with another batch of Vale I have in the Klimt colorway.
01-10-2018
Choosing a Size
My gauge was spot on. I made the second size (34.5” hip) which added about 2” of positive ease to my 34” bust. Don’t go up a size! It’s just a tad too big for me so I’m gifting this sweater to my sister who’s a bit more well-endowed than I am. Haha : )
01-10-2018
Blocking
Having not used this yarn before and also knowing how much lacework can bloom when soaked, I chose not to wet block. I pinned each piece to specs and then steamed. Removed from blocking mats when completely dry and the individual pieces held their size perfectly. Highly recommend this method.
01-10-2018
Seaming
I was a bit confused about what type of seam the pattern wanted me to use so I chose to mattress stitch all seams working with right sides facing me. The raglans were a cinch to seam, as were the sleeves. I did all 4 raglan seams first, and then seamed the sleeves from cuff to armpit. The most difficult seam was the side seam since the top and bottom pieces are two different lace patterns but I found that it was a breeze if I laid the sweater flat (see photo). I started at the waistline and seamed up to the armpit. By laying the sweater flat the front and back lay together in the exact spot where each stitch should be since it’s hard to do row by row - I was worried that I wouldn’t finish each side at the same point but this kept me on track.
01-10-2018
Neckline
The bind off edge of each piece is also your final neckline edge just so you’re aware! The original pattern I was given had partial instructions for a neckline that you pick up stitches for and finish from there, but this was deleted in the final version. I may have chosen a different bind off had I known that this was to be my final/finished neckline edge, although I’m not sure. I did do a sewn bind off on all pieces and it does look nice and lets the cowl fall softly forward. Just be aware that your bind off should look how you want your finished edge to appear!