Sunday, December 13, 2009

Shawl collar vintage sweater

If you've been following this blog for a while, you might recognize this vintage placket neck sweater that I talked about last Spring. Well, I'm happy to report that it's finally finished!


I chose a tan color Cascade 220 wool, and knitted it in a size that would allow a somewhat slouchy fit. I think I was inspired in part by the granny-chic look that seems to be everywhere in indie fashion these days.


The collar can be worn up or down. I think I prefer the look of it down, but having it popped up will certainly keep the chill away in the cold. Overall, it's a really warm and cozy sweater--and I can see why Cascade 220 is so popular. The downside to the sweater is that I feel a bit frumpy in it--if I were to do it over, I would have chosen a more vibrant color to balance the plainness of the design.


I think if I had a better sense of how to style clothing, I'd be able to pull this sweater off a little better--but that's nothing new! Despite that, I'm sure I will appreciate the warmth of this new sweater when I head back home to the Midwest for the holidays.

17 comments:

kirsten said...

i think it is fabulous! love the neckline.

Allyson said...

I don't think it looks frumpy at all! It is so cute. I love that neck. You aren't going to add a button to it like in the picture?

Mo said...

It looks great!

thea said...

I think it looks lovely -- but if you do want to make it a little more funky or vintagey, how about a button like in the original?

Something a little big but detailed or very different might do the trick. Fabric covered or maybe one of the very intricate plastics? If you want, pick a color or a look and I can send you something......

Linda said...

Thats lovely, not at all frumpy!

Courtney said...

great sweater! add a brown leather belt to 'style it up!' thin for chic and thick for funky! have fun, i know you will be able to pull that style off! (from a fellow knitter in the midwest!)

Erin said...

I love it! That collar is my favorite style. I have a grey sweater with the same collar and I wear it all the time. So cozy!

Hilary said...

Frumpy? What?! You look fabulous in that sweater!! It is FANTASTIC. And what is this "if I had a better sense of how to style clothing..." nonsense? From what you've shown on your blog, I love how you style clothing!

Wendolene said...

I don't think it's frumpy at all! If you wanted to go bright, you could pair it with a bright skirt or tights--that's the beauty of neutrals. They'll go with everything!

Willemtje said...

It looks really chic and classy i.m.h.o. not at all frumpy! Wonderful pattern.

tantehilde said...

oh that looks so warm and cozy! I wish i had the patience to knit for myself..but i only knit for my littlest one, that fast and easy done...

elise said...

I really love it, nice result

Nishant said...

it is fabulous! love the neckline.
Work from home India

Anonymous said...

It is fab! Do a little silk scarf at the neck and some skinny jeans/ leather boots and you will be hip-o - rama!

Allison said...

wow you knitted that? crafty and sophisticated! i'm just learning by myself....i'd love to know how to create something like this!

nice colour too, it'll get more wear.

Allison

BERMD said...

I just happened upon your blog. As a fellow collector and knitter of these patterns, I also vote for this project's being a big success. Allyson is absolutely correct it is not Frumpy!

Anonymous said...

Not sure where to leave this comment, but I thought I'd put it here with the other sweater stuff. I made your Shalom cardigan. Despite a few problems with my modifications, I enjoyed the process. The vest is cute, you can see it at http://longtallyarn.wordpress.com Thanks for the pattern. Sarah.