Mrs. Darcy KAL

[Rain]

I finished mine about a week ago and just added some more buttons now (half of which look a bit off since they don't have proper button holes). Also, the yarn I ended up using for the sleeves is slightly darker than the body of the sweater. Yeah, lots of cleverness on my part.

I used Phentex Merit in Dusty Rose/Pale Plum and used size 10 needles instead of 9s.

All in all, it's not the most attractive thing I've knit and will probably end up as something I only wear around the house. It was fun to make, though, and I might have a go at making a nicer, all-in-the-same-colour version in the future.

[peps]

Looks good, Rain.  I like all the extra buttons you added - it gives the sweater a completely different look.  And I think a lot of us are planning to knit a second "better" sweater now that we have the hang of it, so welcome to the club. 

I've been working on swap stuff lately, so I've been neglecting my one-armed Mrs. Darcy.  But, yesterday I spent about an hour in the button aisle at Joann's and now I'm totally energized to finish this puppy up.  As for buttons, I picked out about 15 fabulous styles that I liked.... then narrowed to down to 3 styles to show around and get input.  If I can't make a decision, I could always just use one of each, right?? .... lol  They had a lot of really cool military-inspired buttons (like the brass anchor buttons on peacoats) and I kept veering towards those, but I ultimately decided they were too bulky and the sweater is too feminine for them.  But I still included one set in my final three.

[Glaistig]

Rain, the dusty rose color is so pretty! I too like the extra button modification.  Congratulations on finishing!!

Peps, I haven't found any buttons either. I think I want some (leather?) ones like Indieknitter's.

I finished knitting the 2nd sleeve on Monday and hopefully can get it attached tonight. 

[indie-knitter]

I love the look that you got from adding extra buttons, Rain!
Glaistig, I used a card of engraved copper buttons that I found at JoAnns (they're the only good ones that I've ever seen there!) but I'm sure leather would work fine.
As always, I'm eagerly awaiting results or even progress pictures from everyone!

[zknits]

rain - looks great!  i really like the way the extra buttons look...looks like a cut that'd look better on me than the original...hmmm...
z

[knitzalot]

I'm doing a 3/4 sleeve version for the summer out of the new Cotton-Ease in Berry.  I've made it a little longer and made the ribbing a little deeper.  I also made the v-neckline start higher and I changed the shape a little.  I pinned it together this evening and it looked really cute!  I'm excited to finish.

[peps]

I love the summery version, knitzalot!  And the berry color is beautiful - I really think this cardigan begs to be knit in a bold color, no?

Be sure to post pics when you get it all finished!

How is the cotton-ease?  I've been wanting to try it, but I can't find it anywhere.  The wool I used is sooooo warm that I'm sure Mrs. Darcy will be in a drawer until winter. 

[knitzalot]

I like the new Cotton-Ease.  Its pretty much the same as the old, which I absolutely loved.  Its perfect for my climate in southern California. This time around, they've done better on the color palette, although I would like to see a burgundy, an olive green, and some more summery colors that are flattering to my skin tone - something similar to Cotton Fleece's palette.

[indie-knitter]

I really like the Berry color, Knitzalot! Too bad absolutely NONE of the store's I've searched carry that elusive and beautiful looking yarn.
I'm kind of regretting working my original Mrs. Darcy in 90/10 wool & mohair--I tried wearing it yesterday over a plain ribbed tank and it got uncomfortable and gross after less than 5 minutes! I guess we're at the end of wool-sweater season here in the Northwest.

[Glaistig]

Knitzalot, 3/4-sleeves and cotton look perfect for spring/summer.  The Berry version looks like sherbet! Something about a 3/4 sleeve just seems so wonderfully old-fashioned and classic.

Indie-knitter, maybe Lamb's Pride Cotton Fleece would be a good sub for the Cotton Ease for a summer version? It's soft and breathable too.

My goal tonight: weave in ends and try to fix any general wonkiness then bake (block) it. I tried it on last night and, though, more form-fitting than I'm used to, it appears to fit. (Hopefully, though, you gals won't take a look at my pic, shake your head and think of sausage casings.    )