Ribbed Top from Vogue Knitting Summer 08

[Fraugee728]

So, it took me a while to get around to posting this, but here is my ribbed top!

It is knit from Blue Sky Alpacas Dyed Cotton, which is wonderfully soft and great next to the skin!  I'm not usually a fan of cotton - it can be pretty annoying to knit with, but this is some really great stuff.  I ended up using it for this project because I had wanted to try it for a while, plus it ended up cheaper to buy this from Webs than the bamboo yarn it called for, however, it is thicker, so I had to make some adjustments.

My gauge for this ended up slightly larger than the required yarn called for (because of the aforementioned thicker yarn), so I ended up knitting a small size so I could end up with a medium.  Because the yarn is thicker, it's not exactly the best summer top, but it would be great for spring or mid/early fall.  I'm thinking about crackin' this baby out and wearing it tomorrow (early April).  Seems like it would be appropriate.  Also, because of the thickness of the yarn, this isn't as flattering on me as it could've been, but it's still ok.

As for needles, I really don't remember what size I used - my guess is I either used the recommended size on the yarn label or one size down.

My other mod, besides the change in gauge, include knitting this just a little longer than the pattern called for.  I can't remember if it was 1 or 2 inches, but I always like to make things a little longer when I have enough yarn.

Things that didn't end up like I wanted them to:  the neckline is pretty loose and stretchy - I think if I had this to do over again, I would decrease more around the neckline to make it snugger.  Also, I'm having a problem with the placket in the back gapping.  This will be easy to fix, though - I'll just sew it closed.  Speaking of the buttons, though...I placed them the amount apart that the pattern told me to, but they still didn't end up evenly spaced (mostly the first and second buttons from the top).  My sister even commented on how they weren't even.  Boo!

It was a pretty easy knit, just knitting, purling, increasing, decrease, and cabling to make the ribs travel.

Without further chatter, here's the finished product!

Front Right:


Front Left:


Full Back:


Upper Back:


Thanks for looking!

[KatyPamKnits]

This is beautiful!  With the neckline being so open, are the buttons needed?  Maybe sew it shut so it lays flat?

[Yarn or Fabric]

That is really cool - I love the ribbing on it!  For me I'd have to ditch the buttons on the backside but man that is so sharp!
Super job!

edited to add -
It reminds me of something I'd see on a show set in the future - like Stargate or something.  I really love it... hmm... I need to make friends with making sweaters on my knitting machine - and then taking hand knit patterns and making them on the machine.

I will put that on my shorter to do list..!

[kudrea]

Wow, I think it's beautiful, I like that the color matches your glasses. I admire people that can knit sweaters. I'm still trying to work up the nerve to try one myself. Good work, and I think it's very flattering on you, though I know what you mean with bulky sweaters

[Fraugee728]

This is beautiful!  With the neckline being so open, are the buttons needed?  Maybe sew it shut so it lays flat?

No, the buttons are really just for decoration.  Like I mentioned, I am planning on sewing the placket shut. 

[LittleJoi]

I have that issue of vogue and I really liked that top in it but decided not to make it because I didn't like the button closure in the back. Even though yours didn't come out exactly like you might have thought it would I think it looks great anyway and I like the look of the yarn you used better than the one in the magazine.

[cranberrry2001]

hey! This is so pretty! Great job! What an undertaking! :0) I've been knitting for almost 7 years and only just picked up cable knitting and found out it was a cinch! So having shied away from sweaters - maybe they'll be a cinch for me too. ;0) One can only hope! Great job! :0) Thank you for the post! Inspiration!

[Fraugee728]

hey! This is so pretty! Great job! What an undertaking! :0) I've been knitting for almost 7 years and only just picked up cable knitting and found out it was a cinch! So having shied away from sweaters - maybe they'll be a cinch for me too. ;0) One can only hope! Great job! :0) Thank you for the post! Inspiration!

I've been knitting for about the same amount of time you have!  (if you don't count my learning as a kid and then...forgetting for like 10-15 years )  You can definitely do sweaters...it's just about getting over the fear of sweaters .  They don't always turn out like you hope they will, but most of the time, when you're good and check your gauge, they do.

[kelliz]

This looks great on you!  It's a beautiful sweater and you did a fantastic job!

[everkutz]

This sweater is GORGEOUS!  I love the detailing and the pattern of the stitches--it leads your eyes to the "lady parts!"  It is very feminine.  Fantastic work!