She is done, and she is delightful. I wanted to use up my Berroco Recycled Alpaca, and I wanted to knit something that wouldn’t just use up yarn, like another plain stockinette sweater. I was on the fence about Andrea Mowry’s Traveler, because I had never knit a hood before and it made me nervous. The designer tends to make all of her sweaters bottom up, which is not my preference as I like top down so that I can try it on for length. In the end, I decides to go for it anyway.
The Pattern:
This sweater is very deceptive. It not difficult to knit at all. The pattern is very well written with very clear instructions. What I didn’t count on was that it was A LOT of knitting. I didn’t factor in that alternating the rows between knit and purl would cause the fabric to shrink, so it felt like I was knitting forever. The shrinkage also caused some minor issues with the length of the sleeves. And I mean, it isn’t like she didn’t clearly state that the fabric will grow approximately 18% with wear. Honestly, any issue with this pattern was 100% user error.
What went right?
Pretty much everything. The sweater turned out beautifully. The combination of pattern and yarn was a dream. The sweater is lightweight and incredibly warm. The color is a good solid neutral blue, and it goes with anything. I almost jumped to my normal practice of lengthening the torso, but decided to follow the process and I am so glad I did. I love the length, and the 18% growth made it a perfect fit. I really enjoyed learning the hood construction. Andrea’s instructions were super easy to follow and I felt very accomplished when I finished it.
What went wrong?
Again, this was user error, not designer. I knit the sleeves too long, so that when I wore it and the 18% growth kicked in, they are slightly too long. I like long sleeves, so that shouldn’t have been an issue, but these go just beyond my preference. I could rip them back and take out some length, but I won’t. Also, the hood is REALLY big. I didn’t do any modifications to it and followed the pattern exactly, and it is still huge. It looks fine when it is laying flat. Wearing it is where I notice the size. I honestly don’t wear the hood, though, so it doesn’t really matter.
All in all, this is a perfect sweater. I have worn it a lot and received many compliments. It is warm and cozy and very versatile. I have another sport weight yarn in a dusty purple and I am flirting with the idea of knitting another one. I think the pattern is beautifully written and she is accurate in her description of the fabric and how it will behave. I really love this sweater.
Loves,
M
Mrs. Collins Makes Stuff 