The Sweater of Doom is finished.
Hurrah!
I sewed the final seam on Saturday afternoon so it was ready just in time for the Mr’s birthday on Sunday. This was a result…but more good luck than good judgement 😉
He is delighted with the sweater and promptly pronounced it to be cosy and warm, which is a blessing here at the moment because although Spring has sprung, it’s still cold and wet (though nothing like our Canadian and North American cousins have been experiencing, so I’ll shut up). He also declared that it’s his favourite knitted-by-me sweater, which makes all my cursing worth while.
But enough of my waffling…here’s what Larry looks like on him:
Pattern:
Larry by Berrocco Design Team – available free on Ravelry
Yarn:
Twilleys of Stamford Freedom Spirit Chunky in colourway Dignity.
Pattern review:
This is a super, simple pattern that could be knitted by any adventurous beginner. If you can cast on and off, knit, purl, do simple decreases and pick up stitches, you can knit this sweater.
It’s also the perfect thing to knit in front of the TV because of it’s simplicity.
The end result is a rugged, casual sweater that is a great wardrobe basic.
Things I’d do differently next time:
- Make sure I had enough yarn! Having to alternate between old and new yarns because they were different dye lots really slowed me down.
- Not sit on one of my lovely wooden needles halfway through, snapping it and ending up having to dig an old pair of metal needles out of the needle jar so I could crack on and get this finished.
- Realise sooner that this needle change would affect the tension and that was why, even though I’d counted the rows on the sleeves, the second sleeve was shorter than the first. Doh!
- Not use recycled yarn. As this is a loosely spun yarn it was quite keen to stick to itself which made the knitting process less fun.
Would I recommend this pattern:
Absolutely. I can definitely see another one of these being knitted next winter simply because he loves it so much.
It’s lovely
Thank you. I’m really chuffed with how it turned out!
OMG – it’s terrific! It looks just like the Ravelry version and your husband looks awesome in it. Very handsome man…
😀
I can’t argue…he’s a dish! And I love this sweater on him.
It’s lovely- and as K-line has mentioned, your model does it proud.
It makes me want to knit one for my fella now! That pattern is going into my ravelry library.
Thank you…and I do think he looks gorgeous in it.
It’s a really great knit…simple pattern, chunky yarn. You’ll have it done really quickly and your chap will love it too, I’m sure. I’m thinking it would look great in one of the Rowan tweed yarns.
Great pictures and great sweater! You’re really brave for knitting a man’s sweater… It takes so long! I can’t believe switching needles like that can affect length so much.
I love knitting for him because he really appreciates the sweaters and wears them to death. It’s not that bad because it’s a chunky yarn so grows nice and quickly. I was astonished about the needles too. I’d counted the rows for the first sleeve and just copied for the second but it was a good 10 rows shorter. Insane.
This is really lovely and looks great on hubby. How annoying about the needle. Hope it wasn’t painful!
Thank you. I was so miffed about the needle because they are lovely. I should have waited and got a new pair but I was impatient. It wasn’t painful, more Legally Blonde…”bend and snap”!
It’s gorgeous and he looks as “Happy as Larry” in it (sorry, couldn’t resist!) My mum bought me a complete set of bamboo needles (I think she came across them in a charity shop) and they are really lovely to knit with. I am making a “swing cardigan” no, nothing naughty, just a free pattern I found on Ravelry but I don’t think it will be ready until next year. Don’t mind though as I am enjoying the process 🙂
I so nearly went there with the post title so I’m forever indebted to you!
I LOVE bamboo and wooden needles. The are so much nicer to knit with. And quieter. I can’t be doing with clacky needles when I’m watching a film!
I have to admit my mind hadn’t wandered into naughty territory…I was thinking of swing dancing!
You are far more patient than I. I’m all about the product and hang the process. One day I’ll learn patience. 😉
I wish I could knit. I know how to do it but I don’t seem to be able to become good at it. I’d love to make jumpers for my big chap 🙂 he’d love something like this. Of course he would, it’s beautiful!
Oh you’re so sweet. Honestly, it’s just practice. I was super lucky as both my mum and grandmother knitted so I’ve always knitted. But I’ve lots of knitterly friends too that I met through a local knitting group. If you’ve got one of those I can really recommend you go along. Knitters are generous folk and will help you out when you get stuck.
If you’ve got the basics, though, it’s really just a case of get some yarn and some needles and knit. The rest will come. 😀
Gorgeous! I absolutely love it that he adores his new sweater and thinks it’s the best thing you’ve ever made. What a great design – I’m going to keep this in mind for my own hubby!
He’s a sweetheart! It’s a super sweater…and great for borrowing, which I did today. 😉
Your hubby looks better than the model – a real man in a sweater. And what a great sweater. Well done for creating something so lovely despite the problems you had. 🙂
I agree!
I was determined not to be beaten by it and I’m so glad I didn’t just ball it up and throw it in a corner. A good lesson in perseverance!
So sorry about the difference in sleeve length! My mom has beaten it into my head that different types of needles or even different brands of needles will produce a different gauge. She always made me knit both sleeves at the same time, for just this very reason, which works out well because I’m too lazy to record rows. It’s a pain when you get down to one ball of yarn. Either you have to knit from one ball at the same time using either end or guess how much to wind off to make a second ball.
Your husband’s sweater looks amazing on him! Makes me wish mine would wear them.
I have to say I do know better but couldn’t be bothered waiting for new needles to arrive. Patience isn’t really one of my virtues!
I like to knit both sleeves at the same time too, but these were picked up at the shoulder and knit to the cuff so it wasn’t an option. Boo!
Still…I got there in the end! 😉
It looks a fabulous jumper and I agree that it looks much better on your Mr than on the original model. Am rather liking the beard too…..It suits him
I think the beard makes him look disgustingly attractive! And I think he’s a better model too. But then I am biased…
A new career in knitwear modelling awaits! Hope you’re doing ok. The sweater looks fab! Xx
What a lucky hubbie! He looks great in his you-knit sweater.
(Also, isn’t it great when husbands are game to take photos for the blog? Love it!)
Handsome sweater on a very handsome man! Isn’t it the best when the recipient of a handmade gift loves it so much that all the effort is well worth it? Larry looks great on your Mister and you are a great wife, my dear!
Oh thank you. I shall let him know 😉
I do love knitting/sewing for him…he always loves what I do which makes it all the more fun. And he is a good looking man…I’m so very lucky…all the more so because he’s a big sweetie too!
Oh wow I’m not surprised its his fave now Evie. Very very nice indeed.
Thank you. *takes a bow*
I do think I’ll have to knit it again for him.