Recommend a pattern to take my sweater virginity!

[how_german]

I've been looking around on Knitty and I'm considering a few patterns already, particularly Grace. I found a past knitalong and a lot of the girls that worked on it claim the pattern is a bit wonky. Can anyone speak from first-hand experience? I'm a pretty capable knitter of about 2 years but I've never wanted to commit the time to a garment as large as a sweater. I want something simple to start with--no intricate lace or anything like that yet.
I'm not being very particular though...Cardigans, pullovers, shrugs, long-sleeve, short-sleeve, 3/4 sleeve...They're all welcome!

So...What patterns did you guys first attempt as sweater virgins?

[adriennec]

My first, second, and third sweaters are all still in progress, but my recommendation would be to start with something like a top-down raglan.  I'm working on Kyoto, which I believe was written by the same designer as Grace, and I know that I am *dreading* all the finishing and putting together that I'll need to do.  Another sweater in progress is Forecast, which will be much easier to finish, since it's done all in one piece.
Good luck

[zoe84]

I haven't personally worked on Grace, but I do remember reading on LJ knitting that there were some problems with it.  If you decide to go with that pattern I recommend going to LJseek and looking up those past threads in knitting for tips.

My first sweater was Mariah (also from knitty).  I recommend it if you're looking for something w/ cables.  It wasn't a hard knit, and it got me used to reading charts early in my knitting career. Besides the sleeves, most of the rest of the sweater is stockinette, so you have a nice mix of "paying attention" knitting and mindless knitting.

Edit: oops, I just saw that you wanted something simple to start with.  Well, I still think Mariah is a good pattern if you change your mind.  But I think a good simple knit is Viveka from the latest knitty issue.

[knitticle]

My first (wearable  ) sweater was the Hourglass Sweater from Last Minute Knitted Gifts and I cannot reccommend the pattern ENOUGH. Very simple (all st st in the round!) flattering, and not too hefty on the yardage, so you can splash out a little on yarn if you want. But, really, if you're in love with any pattern, I'd say jump right in...knitters are invincible, we can do anything! 

[Just_A_Girl]

I my self havent actually tried a sweater pattern, Im waiting for X-mas vaca where I will actually have time to do so. The raglan by ohmystars has been suggested as a good first try, found here: http://www.ohmystars.net/craft/knitting/pbuttony.html     
Im hoping to tackle this once finals are over.

[happy girl]

ubernatural by stephanie japel. the pattern is at magknits.

[Baigneuse]

I knit the Grace sweater not long after the pattern came out and though it was easy to knit the finishing was a bit tricky. If your the same size or similar to the designer the top looks good but if your more busty the sweater looks like this: http://flickr.com/photos/39549049@N00/16284226/in/set-525671/

I would recommend doing the Kyoto sweater by the same designer. It's easy to knit and easier to put together than Grace was.

Other Knitty patterns for sweaters I'd recommend: Tubey and Lite Brite. Both are simple knits and Tubey has the benefit of less finishing to do. Especially if you knit it all in one color instead of stripes.

[infantkittensyringe]

Tubey! Easy & flattering.

[toothy]

It won't be on Knitty, but, from experience (yea,over 20 years ago now) I can HIGHLY recommend that an Icelandic Sweater be  your first sweater.

Go for a pattern that has you knit in the round up to your armpits, then, each sleeve is knit in the round.  You then put the three peices on one long circular needle and knit your yolk up to your neck.
Voila, about 10 stitches in each armpit and you're done.  Also, for gratification purposes, go for the regular Lopi (or equivalent), not the lite.

If you've not done color work don't be intimidated, it is easy and very satisfying.  It is addictive too - if no one messes with you and you become obsessed enough, you might be able to finish it in a sleepless weekend (that's what happened with my first).

[irish_leeny]

The Big Sack Sweater from SnB (the first one) is really easy and works up quickly!