Ivy Knitalong

Left Front Question #2

2007-11-06T19:32:00.000-05:00

Hey there - I just picked up Ivy after many months and am on the left front. But, I'm confused by the two parts that you do at once under Shape Neckline. The second part says to m1 7 times (for my size) and then continue in stockinette stich until the peice measures 14.5 inches. So I'm done with those increases and the peice measures 13.5 inches, but I'm not done with the first set of directions - in fact, I could be counting wrong, but I have 66 more rows to go to finish the first set.

I don't get it? Should I start shaping the armholes when it reaches 14.5 and continue with the first set of directions under Shape Neckline? I guess that's what it must be huh?

I'm loving working on this right now - I hope there's still people out there!

Dolly

Left Front Question

2007-08-28T11:23:00.000-04:00

I'm working the left front (making the smallest size) and have just passed the cabled part on the bottom. What I'm confused about is this...on the back, I increased for the waist shaping 6 times over 36 rows. It looks to me like I will only increase one time for the left front. I'll work the two rows once (doing the M1 on the first row), then do 4 more rows in the pattern without further shaping. To me that means to not do the M1 again. Then I start to shape the neckline? Is this right? 6 rows after the cabled hem and I start to shape the neckline? I know I should continue doing the k2tog on the inside edge as this is what makes it slant. I'm just loving this pattern so far and am so excited to be working on it again!

I'm done I'm done I'm done!

2007-08-25T21:47:00.000-04:00

Ok, finally FINALLY I am done with my Ivy!
It has been ten months by the calendar since I started. Of course I didn't knit every day and I took breaks in there to work on other projects, but still... 10 months!

So she's done... Check her out!

I'm so happy! I love this pattern and I love the result. I'm already plotting to start work on another Ivy, maybe with some lucious 100% pima cotton yarn I found at my local yarn store, in a yummy cream color.

Anyway... THANK YOU to everyone for their support and thanks especially to Glenna for the great pattern.

Hang in there, you who haven't yet finished... you CAN do it and it's SO worth it!!!

Seaming!

2007-06-26T20:57:00.000-04:00

So after a hiatus, I finally blocked my Ivy. After leaving it blocking for a week or two, I finally upinned it and began to seam. I have done the shoulders and one side so far. The seaming is a little tedious, but made me realize I was an idiot for not finishing this earlier so I could enjoy wearing it sooner! It's beautiful and I can tell it's going to fit well. Just a lot of seaming...

I'm about to go on vacation, so I suspect the seaming won't get done until after I return. I'm tempted to take it with me, but a plane may not be a great place to seam.

The armholes on the body pieces look longer than the armholes on the sleeve pieces. Could that be right? Maybe I just didn't have it laid out right.

Howdy!

2007-06-04T15:09:00.001-04:00

Hello out there, fellow knitsters!

How is everyone progressing with their Ivys? I can imagine, now that summer weather is arriving (at least here in the Northern Hemisphere), that many of us may be putting aside the sweater knitting for cooler projects. But if you still have your Ivy going strong, be sure to post and share an update with us! And if you have questions be sure to ask, we are all here to share and help.

Knit on!

I am moving on

2007-05-14T18:46:00.000-04:00

Ladies, I love your sweaters and admire your knitting abilities. But this pattern was more than I could handle so I gave up. It was too frustrating and life is too short to be driven mad by a pattern. I did find a similar wrap sweater pattern that is more my speed so I am happily working on it now.

All the best!

Sleeve help?

2007-04-15T20:48:00.000-04:00

Hi fellow Ivy knitters!

I'm looking for help, advice, comments, whatever on sleeves.
I have fairly long arms (I'm 5'10") and most sleeves aren't long enough for me.
So, I'm sure I need to add some length to the sleeves, but I've never done this before! How do I measure my arm to make sure I get it the right length? Do I measure right from my armpit to my wrist? Should I just kind of hold my almost-long-enough knitted sleeve up to my arm and see when it looks long enough? Besides the length from wrist to armpit, do I need to adjust anything in the sleeve cap?

Any suggestions would be helpful!

Completed Ivy

2007-04-11T09:09:00.000-04:00

Here's mine, all finished. I really enjoyed making this.

Deadline?

2007-04-09T21:51:00.000-04:00

Hello fellow Ivy-ers!

I have a proposition for y'all to consider. I think this knitalong has been going pretty well at a relaxed pace (several finished Ivys already!), and it is really fantastic to see so many knitters with an interest in the pattern.

I wonder, though, if it would be worthwhile to consider an end-date for the knitalong? I know that at the rate new patterns appear in the online mags and print publications, it can be easy to be swayed by new projects, and sometimes for me a deadline is what helps me finish something. I was going to propose September 30th of this year - since September is the month when the next Fall issue of Knitty will appear, that would essentially close off the knitalong a year after the Ivy pattern first appeared.

Please let me know your thoughts! I am quite happy to be swayed by whatever the majority preference is:
a) Relaxed, hip and groovy - no deadline required! or
b) Deadlines can only help us, man!

I hope everyone's knitting is going well! I know I am still trying to get in a finished sweater (or two) before the summer. ;)

Ivy Update

2007-04-05T03:51:00.000-04:00

Here is my Ivy, all ready for sewing up. I hope to start sewing it today. I'm a little unsure of the fit as I've made it an inch longer & didn't realise til I was nearly done with the first front, that it would make the front decreases narrower across the bust. I wouldn't have known how to fix this anyway, it felt OK when I pinned it & tried it on! I can jiggle it, if needed, when it's on! These pics were taken at night & don't show the true colour!

For anyone pondering on the instructions for the fronts, here's what I did. I had 3 columns on a sheet of A4, headed up - front decreases, front increases, sleeve decreases. I then went through the pattern & wrote down the row numbers under the relevant column, that each inc/dec would appear on. On the same page, I also wrote down the twisted rib instructions for the 10sts, so I had those to hand aswell. That way, I only had to glance across each column to see where I was at, it worked for me!!

I know this makes me sound so newbie, but I am so confused.

2007-03-23T02:03:00.000-04:00

I've never knit a sweater before, so maybe this is easy and I just don't understand it. I just finished the four repeats of the twisted rib pattern, and now I'm here:

First Decrease Row [RS]: K2, p2tog, p1, [k3, p1, k3, p2tog, p1] to last 2 sts, k2. 96[105, 114, 132, 150, 168, 177] sts.

Work 11 rows in patt as set.

Second Decrease Row: K2, p2tog, [k3, p1, k3, p2tog] to last 2 sts, k2.

85[93, 101, 117, 133, 149, 157] sts.

Work 11 rows in patt as set.

Next Row: K1, m1, k to last st, m1, k1.

Work 5 rows in stockinette st.

Repeat these 6 rows 6[7, 9, 7, 5, 4, 5] times more. 99[109, 121, 133, 145, 159, 169] sts.

Cont in stockinette st until work measures 14.5[14.25, 14.25, 14.5, 14.25, 14.75, 14.75] inches, ending with a WS row.

Okay. I don't understand what to do. Do I do the first decrease row then the second decrease row? What does " Work 11 rows in patt as set" mean? What pattern?

Thanks in advance for your time.

Look what I wore to work today!

2007-03-19T18:54:00.000-04:00

Finished Ivy late last night. Wore it to work today to rave reviews. I just posted to my blog all of my notes and changes. Read on here: Truman Knits!

Hello and Welcome! (again) ;)

2007-03-15T08:05:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to say "welcome", since we've had a few more KAL members join up in the last couple of weeks. Feel free to post when ever you feel like it, if you have questions or even if you just have pictures to post! And if you've figured out the answer to someone's question, don't be shy, you might just be the first person able to answer it. If you just need a bit of encouragement, just scroll through the blog archive and you'll see lots of gorgeous finished Ivys.

I'm usually lurking (er, perhaps "procrastinating online" is a better term, heh) and am happy to support my fellow knitters.

Knit on! :)

I need some help

2007-03-14T21:21:00.000-04:00

I am struggling with the directions for the left back. How do I read the pattern at the instruction about the neckline, waist, and armhole shaping being worked at the same time?

My blog is a mess right now, I think it's a sign that I am done w/blogging. But I will post my progress here, when I get to that point.

I was so happy to find this KAL last weekend when I was struggling with "work in pattern as set." It all sounded so simple. But that is always my clue that I am not reading the pattern right. I have all of that figured out now, thanks to some of the pictures posted.

Thanks!

Alpaca advice

2007-03-14T20:11:00.000-04:00

So, I learned how to knit as a kid, then did nothing for 20 years, then knit 3 pretty simple sweaters, then did nothing for 5 more years. This fall, though, I went on a spree and have knit several scarves & hats and started Ivy. I say all this so you will know that I don't quite know what I'm doing. My black wrap sweater was stolen (along with my bag) last summer, so I really wanted to do black (plus I feel fat and it's slimming), and I chose Frog Tree sport weight alpaca - mostly because it was the only thing I could find that was the right gauge on the right needles and I'm not good at adjusting. And I insist that it be excruciatingly soft and non-itchy.

I love the yarn, but it's so fuzzy and dark that it's really hard to see the stitches and I make a lot of mistakes. However, you can barely see the cables at all, so it doesn't matter if I make mistakes. On the other hand, why go through all of that trouble if you can't see the cables really? (it looks like curvy ribbing). I got all the way up to the stockinette section and realized I was knitting the wrong size, and so I started over - but went on a trip for work and lost my place and dropped some stitches when the holder thing fell off and now I can't figure it out, so I'm about to start again.

My question - is knitting this in fuzzy Alpaca totally idiotic? Should I switch to a less fuzzy yarn, and if so, how do I figure out what yarn to use? (And is yarn returnable?) This was the only one in the store that was 6 inches on #4 needles. I do sort of like the alpaca, but it does seem like a lot of trouble to twist the cables when you can barely tell. I'm not in love with cabling (I knit on my very long commute, so it's kind of a pain on a moving bus).

Thanks for your thoughts, for the great pattern, and for the blog!

Victory! Sweet victory!

2007-03-07T12:44:00.000-05:00

It's finally coming together, people. I have had so much trouble with the sleeves. It's not the pattern...you know I have nothing but love for Glenna...it's my arms. The body will fit me fine. What's the opposite of monkey arms? Shrimp arms? Whatever it is, I have them. So in addition to having to make the sleeve generally a little shorter, I've had to shorten the sleeve cap too. Glenna gave me some great advice. I've worked it out and ended with the same 15 stitches, just like you would if you follow the pattern. I've had to put this down and come back to it a few times, I'm not known for my math skills. However, he result is good. I did a mock up of the sweater to try it on and it fits perfectly. Now to unstitch and block it. I start a new job on Monday and I am going to wear this to work. But here's a preview. One with the flash to see the detail, one without to see the color...

New Admin

2007-03-05T00:23:00.000-05:00

I've come to recognize that I'm not likely to finish Ivy as much as I like the design. I've also recently taken on the responsibility of ring admin for the Knitting Blogs ring. As such, I'm not going to be able to continue as admin for this KAL. Is there someone who is interested in stepping up and taking the responsibility? It isn't a lot of work, just basically fielding requests to join and such. Please email me at crazyfiberladyATgmailDOTcom or leave a comment to this post.

Thanks!

Intro!

2007-02-28T21:58:00.000-05:00

It sounds strange to say it, but this is my first KAL! I have lurked around some KALs, and leafed through old ones, but this is my first as a real participant. Right now I am working on Tubey, but Ivy will be my next project. As such, I don't have much to show except yarn, although it is lovely yarn. It's Rowan Cotton Glace (obviously), in the color Dijon, which is a cross between light brown and olive. I am a sucker for the colors most folks think are ugly, the kind you would find adorning '70s kitchen appliances. Yarndex reports gauge should be only one stitch short of the recommended 24 sts per 4 in, so I'm hoping for a no-fuss substitution in yarns. I loved Rowan's 4 Ply Cotton when making Orangina, and am really looking forward to the Cotton Glace. As a vegan I am pretty much in love with Rowan's cotton yarns and usually turn to them for quality subs, and since I'm on the west coast and spring is approaching, a wrap in cotton will be perfect. I'll be making the 44" chest version, meaning 15 balls should be plenty. I purchased the yarn for a great price from the seller Cucumber Patch on ebay. I really am excited about this pattern; I've never owned a wrap, let alone knitted one. I'm kinda endowed in the chestal region and most of my tops are then too loose around my stomach and waist, so a wrap is just what my wardrobe has been lacking, and those cables should pull things in right where I need them to!

Well I look forward to continue seeing everyone else's progress, I hope to have something to report for myself in a couple weeks!

Finished!

2007-02-24T12:04:00.000-05:00

I finished sewing up on Wednesday evening, and wore it to work the very next day!

And it looks great with jeans too!

Sleeve One, Done!

2007-02-22T16:50:00.000-05:00

I've cast off the first sleeve, and will be casting on the second one momentarily. So far, my knitting and the pattern are in fine agreement with one another. One sleeve took 115 grams of Highland Silk, or just over two balls.

I think I am not going to run short, except when I think I might. I have 15 balls...and I'm knitting the 40-inch bust, although my gauge may make it 42. I got closer to gauge on the sleeve than on my swatch, which was a relief. You might remember I decided to go for it with size 2 needles, fearing size 1s too much :)

Check out my blog for the latest picture!

Getting Started

2007-02-19T17:21:00.000-05:00

Hi, all!

Finally, I've gotten started on my own Ivy. Swatching with Highland Silk in a light purple (the flash turned it sky blue), I got down to size 2 (US) needles without getting gauge. I'm at 5.5 stitches to the inch and 7 rows to the inch. As I can't wrap my head around the thought of knitting an entire sweater on size 1 needles, I've heaved a sigh, and cast on a sleeve as an even bigger gauge swatch. Here's two days of knitting time, pictured below. I'm using the stitch counts for the 40" size, and we'll see how far off I am when the sleeve is done. I have altered the cuff of the sleeve to be 7 repeats instead of 8, because I have slightly short arms.

So far? I'm *really* liking the pattern in this wool, and I think my gauge might not be quite as far off as the swatch told me. Stay tuned for further details, and pray I don't need to RRRRIP it. Heh.

Sleeves Completed

2007-02-16T17:54:00.000-05:00

I've got the sleeves finished now, so have started on the ties. I think it won't be long before I can post a picture of the finished article!

Just joined the KAL

2007-02-15T11:19:00.000-05:00

Hello Ivy Knitters. I just joined the knitalong. I have finished the back and left front of my Ivy. I am almost done with the right front. I am using Harrisville Shetland in a discontinued color called american dream which is a bright pink. I picked it up for 75 cents a skein at Harrisville's big sale a couple years ago. With the free pattern and cheap yarn this sweater will cost me about $6.

Before I start the sleeves I would like your input. I have very small wrists and am not all that fond of bell sleeves, so was thinking of casting on just the 61 stitches and do 4 repeats of the cable pattern as if you are past the second decrease. I may even use 1 needle size smaller to make it a bit tighter.

What do you think? Thanks for any input you can provide!

FINISHED!

2007-02-04T19:08:00.000-05:00

I started this Ivy sweater for my sister's birthday present a long, long time ago. Many things went wrong but today I was *finally* able to hand it over to her....only a month & a bit late!

It fits & she looks awesome in it!

I used Nashua worsted in 'nickle'. Although this is a worsted weight yarn, I used a size 6 needle & my gauge was pretty much spot on. I love how it turned out & I'm thinking that *I* need one of these for myself!

Now for the sleeves

2007-02-04T14:31:00.000-05:00

Hi there, I was posting as Carola but now we have switched to New Blogger I'm showing up as Knitbert, just in case anybody got confused! I've finished both the fronts now, and here they are, joined to the back at the shoulders, and blocking.
A closer view of both fronts
I've started the sleeves, I'm knitting both at once and so far that is working well. I tried on the fronts and back before blocking and I think it's going to be a good fit and look great! I'm really looking forward to being able to wear my Ivy!

I'm getting there!

2007-01-25T23:27:00.000-05:00

Here's where I am. I finally finished the second front. The back and first front have been done for sometime now. This yarn is really amazing. It's the KnitPicks Andean Treasure in Embers. I just love how soft it is. I am going to start on the ties tomorrow while I am work. I figure it's more portable than the sleeve and requires less concentration. I am giving myself two weeks to finish. I really can't wait to wear this sweater.

Duelling Ivy fronts

2007-01-21T10:17:00.000-05:00

I wanted to make absolutely sure my gauge is identical on the left front and right front (I'm bad at that), so I decided to at least start knitting them at the same time, on the same needle. I've got about 3 repetitions of the twisted rib pattern down and it's not as much of a pain as I thought it would be. I did have a little "oops" where I realized, about 5 rows too late, that I'd cabled one of the stitches the wrong way. Somehow, I managed to unknit just those stitches and fix it to my satisfaction, without having to rip back 5 rows.

Onward!!!

Making Progress

2007-01-20T18:36:00.000-05:00

I've been getting on well with the left front as I had some unexpected knitting time which you can read about on my blog.

Just joined the KAL!

2007-01-15T19:49:00.000-05:00

Hello! I just thought I'd introduce myself. My name is Beverly and I just cast on for Ivy this weekend. I'm using Knit Picks Telemark and so far, I'm pretty happy with it. There are more details about it on my blog. I didn't exactly get gauge so I'm knitting the smallest size. Think it'll work? I've done the math and it comes out pretty close. Let's hope I'm right!

My First Ivy

2007-01-14T09:33:00.000-05:00

I finally managed to start Ivy just after Christmas, when I had finally finished all the things I was making for other people. I've been wanting to start for a few months and I'm really enjoying it. Here is the back, which I have now finished, I've started on the left front now. I'm using Patons Diploma Gold, which is 55% wool and 45% acrylic, in a colour called Lupin. I'm fairly sure I'm going to wear this A LOT, so I wanted something I could put in the washing machine. I'm thinking I'll probably knit more than one, and I have an idea to knit a variegated one next, but one step at a time! I've been enjoying seeing all the lovely colours and yarns everyone else has used, it is very inspiring.

Hello and check it out!

2007-01-13T21:33:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone! My name is Malia and I've been diligently working on Ivy since the end of October. I just found this KAL and now I'm done with all my x-mas gifts and back to knitting Ivy!

I love this pattern! The yarn I chose is a handspun Peruvian Tweed 100% SuperFine Alpaca. It's got slight thins and thicks as you knit through the hank, since it's handspun. I absolutely adore this yarn, except that it sheds on everything as I'm knitting with it! I was planning to wear Ivy with black pants, but now I'm thinking if I do that, I'll have to carry a lint roller everywhere I go. Hmmmm... just have to finish and see how it does.

I'm getting ready to start the front and I'm thinking about doing both front pieces at once. As long as I can keep everything straight, it should work, right? Keeping things straight will be the hard part. I think I'll try to do the two fronts at the same time at least through the end of the twisted rib section. Then the gauge should be established enough for me to put one of them down for a while.

Anyway... hello! And here's my Ivy so far, the back just completed:

There she is!

Ready for her closeup

My Ivy #2

2007-01-07T16:10:00.000-05:00

I realized I never did post an 'FO' pic of my 2nd Ivy sweater - I'm not sure why. It must be something along the lines of 2nd child syndrome or something like that ;)

Anyhow, here's a quick pic - this one was with Elann Highland Silk (wool/silk blend) in Dusky Lavender. I really enjoyed using this yarn and will definitely plan to use it again in the future! I'm not ruling out a 3rd Ivy, either - something in a dark colour for dressier occasions might be nice. Sometime, sometime...

This is about as striking a pose as I can muster up on my front stoop on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Heh. ;)

I hope you all are doing well with your Ivys-in-progress! You can do it! I'll wave my pom poms for you!

Just to say hello!

2006-12-19T05:46:00.000-05:00

No pic today, the color is so dark that pics are not interesting...
I finished the back, stockinette stitch wasn't so boring finally! ;)
I knitted the last row of the twisted ribbed pattern for the first front yesterday, now I hope to have this front finished very soon (just hope so, lol).
How is everyone doing?? Just curious... ;)

Update

2006-12-08T12:39:00.000-05:00

I'm working on the sleeves. I'm doing both at once, which I find makes it go really slow. I also think that I am better at keeping track when I do one at a time (which is opposite what everyone else says!. One sleeve appears to be a bit longer than the other. I suspect that a few times I turned to go back the other way without finishing the row on both sleeves! Oh well. I'lll figure it out this weekend. I'm probably 6 or 7 inches up the sleeves. I have super long arms and fortunately it looks like I'll have plenty of yarn to lengthen the sleeves.

I started yesterday!

2006-12-04T05:38:00.000-05:00

It is so difficult to take a good pic with such a dark color... you can try to put some more light on your screen if you want to see the Twisted Rib Pattern...This is what I did during the week-end and I'm really happy with the result! It seems that the size is OK (that's always such a problem for me!...) and it's a pleasure to knit with that yarn (Ideal by Bergere de France, 50% wool).

Thanks for looking!

Progress...or lack there of

2006-11-29T20:23:00.000-05:00

So the pictures aren't as good as they could be...first day with a new digital camera and all...however, I wanted to post some progress photos. As I said in earlier posts, I finished the back and left front. I started the right front just after my last post. And this is as far as I have gotten.

The second job...which is turning out to be super cool (I'm a Mac Specialist at the local Apple store. I love it!) and the *real* job, and Christmas shopping and...well, you get it. I am going to focus on this tonight and tomorrow night and should be zipping right along in no time.

New knitter from France

2006-11-27T04:22:00.000-05:00

Hi everyone,
I am new to that KAL, my name is Sylvie and I'm French. I've swatched yesterday, this is not the color I've chosen for Ivy (in fact it will be a dark purple). This is a french yarn, 50% wool, very soft, it's a pleasure to knit with!
I'm now waiting for my yarn to arrive, and I'll start immediately!

Sylvie
Blog: http://croixetmailles.canalblog.com

Back-check. Left front-check.

2006-11-19T10:49:00.000-05:00

I am officially two fifths of the way there. Zipping right along with the help of Mythbusters, Monk and Shaft. Can ya dig it?

Round 2

2006-11-14T22:04:00.000-05:00

Back again, this time from the top (or bottom, since it is knit up....)

My wool arrived today, a lovely light blue, demin-y colour, an alpaca/silk blend (Inca Silk from Ram Wools, China Blue). Nice and soft and probably quite warm (I have a 100% alpaca sweater and honestly it never gets cold enough for that!) But this is not for me it is for my cousin, who is at least 6 inches taller and probably 50lbs lighter than I (honestly she is a bean pole!!) so the girl NEEDS warm.

I will be casting on momentarily and no doubt ramblings, rantings, and sundry ravings will follow.

Cheers!

Progress update

2006-11-14T13:09:00.000-05:00

So I didn't watch as much football this weekend as I thought. But I still finished the bottom ribbing and 3 ivy pattern repeats on the neck shaping on the left front. This is just zipping along now! I'm so glad the waist shaping matches the pattern repeat so I don't have to think about it as much.

I'm a little confused.

2006-11-13T20:07:00.000-05:00

I get the side, neck, etc shaping. No problem. Here's my issue:

Cutting and pasting the pattern here's where I am:
Shape Neckline
Next Row [RS]: K to last 13 sts, k2tog, k1, work to end in patt as set.
Next Row [WS]: Work 10 sts in patt as set, p1, p2tog, p to end.
Repeat these 2 rows 2[3, 4, 9, 12, 11, 10] times more. 6[8, 10, 20, 26, 24, 22] sts decreased.

Okay, got it.

Next Row [RS]: K to last 13 sts, k2tog, k1, work to end in patt as set.
Next Row [WS]: Work 10 sts in patt as set, p to end.
Repeat these 2 rows 29[31, 38, 39, 45, 42, 35] times more. 30[32, 39, 40, 46, 43, 36] sts decreased.

Right, totally there. Here's the issue:

Next Row [RS]: K to last 13 sts, k2tog, k1, work to end in patt as set.
Work 3 rows in patt as set.
Repeat these 4 rows 9[10, 7, 6, 1, 5, 7] times more. 10[11, 8, 7, 2, 6, 8] sts decreased.

Okay, so in this last section, am I reading it right that the "pattern" is now:
[RS] K to last 13 sts, k2tog, k1, work to end in patt as set.
[WS] Work 10 sts in patt as set, p to end.
[RS] K to last 10 sts, work to end in patt as set.
[WS] Work 10 sts in patt as set, p to end.

If I am going to only end up with 7 stitches decreased in this section, then it sounds like I am only decreasing just one stitch in that 4 row repeat. Right? This is what I am thinking. I am not quite there yet, so any sage advice that anyone has would be welcome.

I finished!

2006-11-13T18:19:00.000-05:00

After finishing the back, all the rest of the pieces went quick! I blocked as I went, so all I had to do was seam. Here's a successful completed Ivy!

Now I'm thinking about doing another in a silk blend. :)

Back done!

2006-11-10T12:46:00.000-05:00

I finished the back! It's all curled up on itself so it just looks long and skinny now. I don't want to block it until the other pieces are done though. I started one of the fronts, but didn't make much progress because it was in the pattern stitch and I was watcing "Lost" and you know how that goes.

Blocking question

2006-11-07T15:47:00.000-05:00

Do you block the sweater once it's completed or in pieces then sew it up? And...when you block the bottom ribbed part, do you leave it as is or stretch it out? Thanks!

Progress!

2006-11-06T23:13:00.000-05:00

I feel like I am finally getting somewhere! I just finished the back of the sweater. The other pieces are much smaller so I suspect I'll see it come together much more quickly now. The yarn I picked has a really nice drape to it. I am very pleased.

Hello!

2006-11-06T20:02:00.000-05:00

Hi! I'm am new to the KAL. I started last week and am pretty close to the armhole decreases on the back. I'm using a beautiful alpaca by the Socks That Rocks people in the Rose Quartz colorway. It's shades of pinks mostly with some subtle variation. When I earmarked the yarn and started the sweater, I misremembered the amount of yarn I had. After starting and decided that this yarn and this pattern are the most perfect combination, I realized I only have 1330 yards, and getting more would be difficult. I'm making the 40" size. I'm hoping the yardage is overestimated or I can make some modifications to conserve yarn. Can anyone tell me if they used significantly more or less than the amount called for? Thanks!

Hello hello!

2006-11-01T22:48:00.000-05:00

My first post, I'm Megan, nice to meet ya. I will begin armhole decreases on the back in 2 inches. Just wanted to mention I am using Knitpicks Andean Treasure in Embers. The color is beautiful, the yarn is soft. I am rather pleased. I am hoping that the bottom ribbing section will stretch out with blocking. Right now, it's looking awfully skinny. Anyway, nice to be here. Thanks for having me. Happy knitting!

Finished!

2006-10-29T16:41:00.000-05:00

I just finished Ivy and I'm thrilled! Thank you, Glenna, for such terrific pattern! Hooray! (Details on my blog: Words & Wool).

Victory

2006-10-29T14:39:00.000-05:00

:D I finished. And I even wore it while hunkered down for more knitting. (I don't have any pictures, 'cause I can't find the camera...)

I learned a lot from knitting it. And as soon as the wool arrives and is turned blue I'll be knitting up another one. I'll probably make this next one a bit longer in the body, as this one sits a little higher than I'd like.

Tripped at the finish line

2006-10-23T22:48:00.000-04:00

*splat*

The sound you hear is me doing a face plant at the finish line.

I got it nearly all sewn up and I discovered that I'd knit the sleeve caps too big (how the *ahem* did I manage that?!)

Any way, I've reknit one completely and it appears that it will fit into the armhole. Then I ripped the other one out and am now reknitting the decreases on that one. I am to finish by this weekend.

Ripping it all out was actually a useful experience - not that I'd like to have to do it again.

I've completed the back!

2006-10-18T15:59:00.000-04:00

Here it is drying on my blocking board. I'm knitting it in Quechua in a vibrant red. When I started the back, I found the yarn a little hard to work with, but now my hands are tolerating it better. On to the next piece! You can find my knitting adventures here.

Front pieces - side shaping and neckline shaping "at the same time"

2006-10-18T15:29:00.000-04:00

I've received a few emails and seen inquiries here in the KAL about what the front piece is all about: What does it mean to do the side shaping and the neckline shaping "at the same time?"

Answer: You do exactly that, starting both of these steps at the same time. This is the additional explanation I have provided to a couple of other people:

For the front pieces, the neckline shaping and all shaping at the sides (waist and then armhole) are worked at the same time. They begin at the same time after the ribbing has been completed. It means that, for example, while you are making an increase every 6th row for the side increases, you will still be making the decreases along the neckline (while keeping the single repeat of the twisted ribbing pattern along ne neckline also).

Mostly, it means that you have to remind yourself to be mindful of both of these things, so that you don't end up with a perfectly formed neckline but no side shaping or armhole shaping!

I hope this provides some clarity for any stumped Ivy knitters. Happy knitting!

[EDIT]: In the comments, Alyssa provides additional suggestions for how she kept track of the simultaneous side-increases and neckline-decreases. Thanks, Alyssa!

And, for something extra, here is a photo of my completed 2nd Ivy (finally) assembled and blocking, and waiting to dry:

This one was knitted with Elann's Highland Silk (80% highland wool, 20% silk), which is decidedly plumper at 13 wpi (as compared to the 15 wpi I get for Quechua, despite them both being labelled as DK weight). Nevertheless, it has knitted up to a firm but cozy fabric, and I like the colour quite a bit. I only wish it would dry a bit faster, but given the rain and humidity we've had around my parts the last few days...it'll be a bit longer ;)

Soooo close

2006-10-17T18:05:00.000-04:00

The sashes are done!
The side seams, shoulders, and neckband are - done!

O sleeve seams of knitted blue - you too will be vanquished in due course!

Progress - now comes the hard part!

2006-10-14T15:21:00.000-04:00

I've finished the second sleeve!

Behold visual proof!

I don't block (unless the yarn is just that darn special - or theoretically if it were lace) so no lovely layout of nicely shaped pieces. Instead- layers and detail.

Here is a sleeve, the back and one of the fronts.

And here is the detail of the front and the back patterning.

I'm really quite pleased with the yarn, it is showing the cables nicely and it is really easy to work with (even with my wrist in post-furniture assembly protest).

Now I've just got 52 inches (!!!) of ribbing and the sewing up process. Basically the HARD part.

[edit] - make that 104 inches... helps if one reads the make 2 part of the instructions *sigh*

(So what am I still doing here?! )

See you on the knit side!

Lady O.

First Post - Last Sleeve

2006-10-12T23:09:00.000-04:00

OMG, how cool is this! Why does it always take me so long to find these things?

Today was a good knitting day - I knitted outside the library waiting for it to open, I knitted before class, I knitted waiting at the copy shop, I knitted in various places all over the train station, and I knitted on the train, and then knit some more at home for good measure. I got the first sleeve finished up and have just started my second sleeve so I guess I'm in the home stretch knitting wise. I won't think about the dreaded knitting up stage yet, instead I will revel in the wonder of enjoying the finishing up and thinking about knitting another.

I've got my cousin Amy's name for Christmas... and undergrads always need sweaters... (especially skinny wee things like her...)

um... oh yeah, I 'm working mine in Telemark's Skyline, which is a lovely blue that will go nicely with all the denim in my wardrobe. And despite being 100% wool it feels like cotton - which has excited me inordinately.

I hope to get some pictures this weekend.

Short-rowing in Ivy?

2006-10-12T13:31:00.000-04:00

Should I attempt to add short row shaping when I knit Ivy, or is the wrap shape enough? I'm definitely a larger than average cup size, and I wonder if I will get gapping without short rowing.

Then again, it might be overwhelming to add into the pattern, as I havbe only made Boxy but Good sweaters in the past.

Sigh...any and all input is mightily appreciated...

Am I getting this correct?

2006-10-10T12:53:00.000-04:00

I just started Ivy and it is my first project past hats and scarves. I am very excited!

I have finished the first three rows of the twisted rib pattern and am ready to start the first decrease row. My question is - after the decrease row it says to work 11 rows in pattern as set. Since the pattern is in multiples of 6, does this mean that I will just not work the final row? In it's place, do I work the following decrease row?

Thanks in advance for all the help!

Baby got back...uh, done.

2006-10-09T13:05:00.000-04:00

I finished the back a week ago but haven't had the time to photo/post a picture until now. I haven't started on either of the fronts yet. Right now I am trying to get a pair of fingerless gloves made for my DD before I leave for California.

2 weeks!!!!

Introduction and Ivy Progress

2006-10-05T12:22:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone,
I started Ivy this week and I just love it. I am using Elann Peruvian Highland Silk in Autumn Purple. I got gauge on size 2 KnitPicks circulars and it's creating a dense, beautiful fabric. The cables are really popping! I'm enjoying seeing everyone's different Ivy's - what a pretty pattern:)

Hello!

2006-10-04T13:23:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone!

I started knitting my Ivy about 2 weeks ago. It's going to be a christmas present for my sister. I have the back & both fronts finished. Here they are pinned to my dress form:

I'm using Nashua "Creative Hands" worsted - I'm getting gauge using size 4 needles.
I cast on for the sleeves the other night - I'm knitting both at the same time since I have a bit of a problem with making 2 things the same length :)

I love this pattern!

Back finished!

2006-09-29T10:58:00.000-04:00

Well, I have finished the back. I am too embarrassed to post a picture yet- boy does this yarn (Quechua) need blocking. It feels nice as a finished fabric, and has a lovely fuzziness, but it has absolutely no elasticity in it at all. As a result, you can spot every row where I laid the knitting aside, and the cables look much more uneven than I'd have liked. I am reassured by the photos in the original pattern that it will all be alright in the end, and it's a lovely easy pattern to follow. Do spare a thought for those of us who are unable to order from KnitPicks !

I haven't been slipping stitches purlwise as I had never seen the original Vogue pattern; I slipped them knitwise on knit rows and purlwise on purl rows, but it looks alright as far as I can tell. I will start on the front and maybe I will be brave enough to post a picture soon!

Cathy

A New Ivy knitter!

2006-09-28T13:26:00.000-04:00

Hi all, I'm Rebecca of My Heart Knits and I'm very excited to be joining this KAL! I'm trying to decide on my yarn right now. It's either KP Elegance in Lilac or Merino Style in Pine. Any comments or suggestions from those who've used these yarns?

I love seeing all the different Ivys!! Can't wait to get started on mine.

Which way to slip?

2006-09-26T10:23:00.000-04:00

Hi all! I noticed this question from Robin in one of the earlier comments:

When you slip a stitch with the yarn held to the front or back, do you slip knit-wise or purl-wise? I've tried both and rather than figuring it out, now I am more confused. Please help!

Here I am ashamed to admit that, although I've done this step approximately fifty kafillion times by now, I had to actually stop and think about it. ;) So, I got out my books and double-checked, then got out my own Ivy and double-checked again...

When I do this step, I always slip purlwise, simply shifting the stitch from one needle to the next without changing the way it faces. (This is the way the stitch is instructed in Vogue Knitting, 1989 ed p 126.) If you have been slipping it knitwise, then you'll probably see a slight twist in the way that single cabled stitch lies across the others, but I honestly don't think it will drastically change the integrity of the piece overall.

This is an almost-current picture of my second Ivy, in Elann's Highland Silk. (A little rumpled and blurry, but no less loved.) I'm halfway done the first sleeve and am already experiencing a bit of Second Sleeve Syndrome - not a good sign, right? But I love the way the yarn feels and so I will persevere.

This yarn is providing a more 'plump' knitted fabric, and much stronger stitch definition with the cabling. As a result I think some drape quality will be sacrificed, but it will certainly be warm and cozy and I look forward to wearing it. (I also am very impatient to finish it and get on with the other 4 sweaters I want to knit, oh, before Christmas...but don't tell Ivy ;) )

The Travelin' Ivy Show

2006-09-26T00:29:00.000-04:00

I was in L.A. this past week and did quite a bit of knitting on my Ivy. I am now to the decrease part for the armholes. I am liking this yarn (Trendsetters Linie 135) better and better all the time. It is very soft and has a fantastic drape to it. The rayon/viscose adds just enough shimmer to make it a bit dressier than I had originally planned.

The bad news is that I found a handbag that perfectly matches the sweater.

Knit Picks Elegance

2006-09-24T14:59:00.000-04:00

Knit Picks Elegance is awesome. I just swatched and cast on last night. I haven't used it before, but I got gauge right away! Its really soft and not splitty - lots of color choices too, unlike the Quechua. I only did 4 rows and opted to switch projects so that I did not have to get off the couch to find a cable needle. So hopefully I can do some more tonight and take a picture.

Take Two

2006-09-23T22:59:00.000-04:00

I swatched the Lavold Silky Wool (color 25 which isn't quite as dark as this picture would lead you to believe) last night. It was spot on the first try with US4.

I cast on for the S size and got through the first 3 repeats before calling it a night. This is where I am now. I didn't get much knitting time today, had lots of things to do at home, but have done the first decrease.

I love it! This yarn drapes amazingly. It has the crunch of silk, but the sproing of wool. I couldn't recommend it more. And I don't think there'a trade-off between drape and seeing the details in the cable. The price is probably comparable, especially if you can find it on sale. I bought it for $4.19 a skein at Webs and where I needed 12 skeins of the Quechua, yardage wise only 8 of this. Anyone wanna good deal on 12 skeins of Quechua in Exotic Red? :)

Another hello!

2006-09-22T12:46:00.000-04:00

Hi, I'm Cathy and my yarn just arrived from Elann too. I think this is probably the first garment I have ever knitted where I used the specified yarn, but I wanted the slight fluffiness, and I wanted dark red, so Quechua fitted the bill. It took less than a week even though I'm in the UK- I love Elann!
I won't be starting for a day or two as I must finish at least one more thing before I start....
Look forward to knitting along with you all.

Scratch One

2006-09-22T09:46:00.000-04:00

I did get my Quechua in the Exotic Red and swatched it Sunday night after the kids went to bed. I got gauge on first try with US4 needles. I'm making the 36" size (S?)

Like Tarilyn I find the yarn rather splitty and honestly, a bit itchy. I have to admit, I'm really not loving the yarn. So last night at my SnB, I made the decision to scrap it and start again with my first choice the Lavold Silky Wool. Always go with the first impression right? It has some amazing drape to it and hopefully I won't have gauge issues. I shouldn't as I think it is a close match grist-wise. I did toy with a number of Rowan choices, but in a spirit of fiscal responsibility decided to use stash yarn.

I'll be swatching with the Lavold tonight.

Ivy is in progress

2006-09-20T20:01:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone! I received my yarn from Elann in less than a week and Ivy is officially in progress. I am knitting the size XS (32) in "Smoldering Ember" and have completed the twisted rib section and just finished my 3rd increase row. So far I have made one adjustment to the pattern by adding a set up row - row 6 of the pattern - because I didn't like the way the cast on edge looked on the right side (I used long tail method).

The ribbing section is considerably smaller than the stockinette stitch portion and is shown here blocked to about 16.25" - slightly larger than the finished size called for in the pattern. Although my bust measurement is 34", I am knitting the smaller size because of the proportion of ribbing to the rest of the body and because every wrap sweater I have ever bought stretched out in the bust after wearing. I'm crossing my fingers that this will work out as planned. My other option is to work the ribbing for the size 36 and the rest of the body for the 32.

The yarn is very soft and fuzzy but is splitty and has no give (bounce, stretch whatever you want to call it) even thought it is plied. This is my first experience knitting with alpaca or Tencel, so I'm not sure if this is because of the fiber or the ply. The result is a little stringy - the cables don't !pop! they way I would prefer. It is suitable for this project, the last thing I need is more stash, but I don't think I would use it again.

I've got yarn

2006-09-19T00:48:00.000-04:00

Well I was expecting yarn in the mail today (bad habit) but I was not expecting my order from elann already. I ordered late Friday night and it's already here! It's not even showing up on my bank account yet - that's how fast they were. Maybe it's because I had yarn sitting in my cart for a few days while making the final color decision, so they had it all at the ready. I have these silly mental pictures going through my mind. This girl needs yarn STAT! We have not had an order from her all summer! No wonder we still have some denim yarn left. Hurry up guys she's off the wagon. I ordered Quechua in red (and just one tiny skein of the hemp to try out) and I love it. It's a very nice red with a good touch and smell.

I'm not starting Ivy yet. I too have a few things to clear up, then she'll get the big go ahead with a clear conscience.

I so look forward to seeing how we all do. I love the fact that people can knit the same thing, some can even use the same yarn (and yarn color) yet they all turn out unique. We each put our own personal stamp on it or something.

Also saying hi

2006-09-18T18:45:00.000-04:00

I'm just wanting for the UPS man to show up with my yarn and I can start. I'm itching to start a new project - I'm currently seaming up a sweater for my husband that took me a year to finish (I was sidetracked a lot). I'm going to try using Knit Picks Elegance in a chocolatey brown. I haven't used this yarn before, but it looks pretty similar to the Quechua, as its also an alpaca blend/same weight. I'll swatching it use as soon as it arrives so that we can find out its another suitable yarn substitute. Its raining and cold here. I'm itching for a good mystery movie and my kniting needles.

Chrys

hello out there!

2006-09-18T14:35:00.000-04:00

Hi all! I just joined and am so glad that there is a kal for ivy. I, too, fell in love with it @ first sight, and just like Susie, I had been looking for a nice wrap sweater pattern also. I don't know when I'm going to officially start my Ivy though. I have to figure out what kind of yarn I want to use (thank you glenna for posting on your blog a list of yarn substitutions! That is going to come in handy. I don't have enough of anything in my stash but I also can't purchase anything just yet. So I'm on hold but hopefully I won't be on hold for long! :) Happy knitting everyone.

Ivy is growing on me!

2006-09-16T11:41:00.000-04:00

I swatched for my Ivy with Trendsetters Linie 135 and 3.50mm needles and got the correct gauge the first time! Here is a close-up of my progress so far. I really like this pattern (and yarn!).

Greetings from another IvyKAL-er

2006-09-15T16:50:00.000-04:00

Hello, all - just a shout-out from Susie here in England. As soon as I saw Ivy, I fell in love. I have been looking for just the right wrap sweater pattern, and this one is gorgeous. I am planning to knit Ivy from some great pale purple Highland Silk in my stash (there's a picture on my blog). I have to finish up some socks, make a start on wristwarmers that are urgently needed for my mom's recently healed broken wrists, and then - it's Ivy time!

2006-09-14T07:44:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone! *waves*

It is so amazing that there is an Ivy Knitalong! Wow! I hope everyone has success with the pattern and if you need pom-poms just let me know . (Errr...pom-poms for cheering, that is. I don't know why you'd want to put pom-poms ON ivy, but I suppose you could if the urge strikes.)

I'm working on a 2nd Ivy myself right now, this one out of Elann's Highland Silk, in the Dusky Lavender colour. (I wanted the Dark Raspberry but when I was about to get it someone ordered the last of the Raspberry right out from under me, dagnabit.) This yarn is a smidge plumper than the Quechua, so it will not drape quite as much, but it feels wonderful and I think it will be very comfortable. The other major difference here is that with the mostly-wool silk blend, the stitches in the ribbing and neckline pattern will be a bit crisper.

I've heard people asking around about cooler-weather yarn substitutes, and the first thing I can think of is Shine Sport from Knitpicks, or else Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece which is DK weight, or Rowan Calmer which is also DK - but I must also admit that I don't have first hand experience with these yarns so perhaps someone who has might be able to verify for me whether or not either of them would work. The Shine Sport appeals to me because it is a blend, and so it would maintain some stitch definition along with being machine-washable.

Happy Knitting!

2006-09-13T20:52:00.000-04:00

KAL grows fast!

Welcome to all those that joined. I'm very happy to have company knitting this beautiful sweater and am very proud to announce that the designer, Glenna, has joined us!

Here are a couple of buttons that you can use to link. Please just copy them to your own servers.
If anyone else wants to play with graphics and submit something, go for it.

I'm close to finishing Clapotis and I need to finish up another item or two, but I'll be swatching for Ivy this weekend. The strongest contender yarnwise is the the Elsebeth Lavold Silky Wool in color 11, a milk chocolate brown color. But that yarn at Elann is calling too! No, I failed at the summer of stash, I'll make this one from stash.

Looking forward to working on this with all of you.

Craft on!

Edited to add: Well that resolve to use stasy yarn didn't last very long. I just placed an order with Elann for that yummy looking Peruvian Quechua in the Exotic Red. I'm weak, what can I tell you? :) The Silky Wool can go back to being earmarked for a Lavold Viking sweater!

2006-09-13T16:52:00.000-04:00

Woo hoo! Since I petered out on my last KAL, I need to redeem myself with a success. No time pressure? I am all over that!

Now, I must go yarn shopping...

2006-09-13T12:06:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the KAL for the Ivy pattern from the new knitty. If you would like to join in, please send an email to crazyfiberlady AT gmail DOT com and I'll be happy to invite you.

This should be an informal KAL, with no set schedule, with the hope that no one feels pressured to knit at pace or drop out. I'm notorious myself for not completing KALs. Fingers crossed.

While sorely tempted to buy more yarn for this project, I'm going to be good and use stash yarn. I have either Rowanspun DK or Lavold Silky Wool, either of which would work. Presently I'm leaning towards the Silky Wool in a chocolate-y brown color.