This is my second Zipper Sweater, by PetiteKnit. I knit the Zipper Sweater- Man for the Father previously, and this is the standard size pattern. I paired this pattern with my discontinued Shibui Knits, Billow and Lunar, held double. These yarns were incredibly expensive and I purchased them when Shibui was closing and selling off all of their merchandise. These yarns held together create pure bliss. The fabric is soft and fuzzy and just says luxury to me.
What went right?
The sweater is gorgeous. I have nothing but good to say about the end product. Since I had knit the pattern before, there weren’t many surprises. The pattern is very clear and well written. On the Father’s sweater, I had spaced completely and didn’t knit the zipper facing strip down both sides and this created a messy inner-facing on the zipper. The Father said it didn’t bother him and he planned to wear it zipped all the way up anyway. I didn’t make the same mistake on this one. While it was incredibly fiddly I did the strips and encased the zipper as the pattern directed. I am not sure that I used the best quality zipper, but it was in my stash and therefore was used. I also cropped the length and cinched in the waist a bit. I didn’t want the same boxy oversized fit that I have on several of my sweaters. This was a small modification, but it makes a big difference in the way the sweater hangs on me.
What went wrong?
I wasn’t sure I would have enough yarn, and since it was discontinued, I didn’t want to run the risk of running out. I knit the body to below the bust, then put the stitches on a holder and knit the sleeves. There was absolutely no risk of running out of yarn. Good lord, I have one full ball of the Billow left and had three partial balls of the Lunar. It may have been different if I knit the length to pattern, but that wasn’t a deciding factor in the modification. One small error on my part is that the left sleeve is shorter than the right. I don’t know how I let this happen. I used stitch makers at the decreases and (I thought) I knit one sleeve exactly the same as the other. I rarely have issues with gage changes through project, so I doubt that is it. I just made some silly mistake and ended up with different length sleeves. I blocked it out and I barely notices, so I doubt anyone else does either.
I completely love this sweater. The million miles of reverse ribbing is a pain in the fifth point of contact, but the end result is so beautiful. The Female O told me, with no offence meant, that she thought it was a store bought sweater because it looks so professionally finished. No offense was taken at all. I love the sweater and have worn it many times. The fabric is light and warm and turned out to be a very nice dark neutral color. I may make this again, honestly, and if it is for me I will make the same waist modification. Love, love, love!
Loves,
M
Mrs. Collins Makes Stuff 