My first knitted sweater

Green sweater
Woodsmoke Sweater made by me / Pattern by Jessica McDonald

After knitting endless socks for the whole family I felt that it is time for a challenge. That challenge had to be knitting a sweater. Any sweater. However, I simply did not know where to start as I have never knitted anything that complicated. I browsed a few patterns and videos of people knitting but was left wondering where do I start?

This is when I came to a YouTube video by Jessica McDonald who just released a video with a title How to Knit Your First Sweater. Bingo! I have found a four hour long video tutorial on knitting the whole sweater from start to finish. It was exactly what I needed. I promptly purchased her pattern and some yarn and started knitting.

Green merino sweater

I ran into problems almost immediately. My knitting tension is generally tighter than what patterns call for, so my gauge was quite far from the intended for the pattern. Luckily, the pattern is very accommodating and has a lot of sizes available. The sweater was intended for my son, so I decided to knit one size up in order to keep the yarn I purchased and not to complicate things too much.

I am happy to report that the decision was right and the garment fits him quite well. I, on the other hand, is delighted that I am capable of knitting such a large item which does not look too rustic. The recipient was also happy to receive an item made specifically for him.

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Knitting socks for the whole family

I embarked on yet another tapestry, but more on it later as it is still in progress.

Still, a holiday in Spain was scheduled and I wanted to take something with me. I was envisioning some down time and wanted to spend it on something useful yet enjoyable for myself.

Yarn and Sock

Pink Socks

My daughter needed some proper winter socks in order to keep her feet warm. However, the latter is a challenge as she never wears slippers no matter how many I have purchased over the years.

I thought that knitting socks is a good idea as taking the supplies with me will not require a lot of space in luggage. Also, it did not stop me that outside was 35+ C every day. I bought some lovely sock yarn, Drops Nord in colour Blush(20). It is a lovely pink colour, robust yet feminine and delicate enough to look good on smaller feet.

Knitted blush socks

While every yarn shop in the area was shut for summer break which prevented me from exploring the local yarns, I brought enough with me to make a pair of socks. Now I know that summer holidays are perfect time for sock knitting!

When we returned I promptly knitted a pair of socks for myself using the same pattern and yarn, yet in different colour. This time it was Drops Nord Deep Ocean Mix (09), another beautiful colour.

Deep Ocean Colour Knitted Socks

After such a success my husband approached me to say he needs a pair as well. So, I had to knit a pair number three (though with his “flipper” size it took a lot longer).

It has got significantly colder and with working from home, he quickly realised the benefit of the warm woollen socks. Hence, the socks get a lot of use.

I, on the other hand, decided that it is time to upgrade my knitting skills to a new level…and knit my first sweater.

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