Extremely Bernadette
Buttons have been sewn!! It only took three weeks. This is my Bernadette Sweater for the Big Bang Theory Knitalong. Tell me this does not look like Bernadette! It may be making my IQ score rise with each button I fasten. If not, I can always fall back on the Penny Vest, right?
Andi Satterlund is the queen of the cropped sweater. It’s not the only thing she designs (she’s got all kinds of variety), but she has certainly perfected it. In fact, I noticed she released a free pattern today for another one. It is a timeless, feminine look that I could use in my oversized, scruffy wardrobe.
My notes: This pattern was well written and stayed interesting to the end. I made no modifications except to cut the ribbing short on the sleeves when I began to run out of yarn.
I got gauge before blocking, but afterward my stitch count was 1/2 stitch less per inch. I changed to size 2 needles and that fixed that. At 33″, it fits perfectly with 1- 2″ of negative ease.
On the lace stitch pattern of the afterthought sleeves, I looked at Andi’s sample to decide how many lace stitch repeats to do every 8 rounds. I did not want my lace near the short row wraps.
For buttons, I just got the cheapest little off-white, pearlized buttons at the hobby store. I didn’t have a lot to choose from, but I actually liked the white. It made me think of sweaters I wore as a girl, and this is such a girlish sweater.
My yarn was three skeins of Gynx organic merino Aran in the bamboo colorway. Can you see it’s subtle, semi- solid nature? Gah! I’ve never knit a whole sweater in indie dyer yarn before. That’s not normally in my crafting budget; but these skeins were on sale, this KAL was happening, and the Hetty pattern was for a cropped sweater with only three quarter length sleeves. Basically, the planets aligned and it was meant to be mine. Totally worth the knot tying.
You can read more about my enthusiasm for this project –here, partway through- here and my near disastrous yarn shortage- here.
i LOVE your sweater
AND
your skirt too,
looks beautiful on you!
http://abutterflyinmyhair.blogspot.no/
Oh my goodness – I am drooling! I seriously love this! Have I got some Aran yarn? No? I might just dash out now and buy some … bye X
Love these photos so much. I found you on the Rav FO radar, you have a new follower! http://Www.dayanaknits.com
Thank you, Vibeke!! I was surprised to find something in my closet that was sort of Bernadette-ish and looked good with the sweater.
You know, this kind of cropped sweater would look really great on you, Libby. I don't see any cropped ones in your projects, so… 🙂
This is why I love Ravelry! I meet all of the coolest people there. You have a new follower, too, Dayana.
It's gorgeous! And how fun to knit a whole sweater with indie dyer yarn – I've never done it before, either!
Thanks, Katie! I did get enough gynx fingering weight on sale for something else three quarter length, too. But, after that, I don't see that happening again anytime soon. It was great, though, like knitting butter.
super cute. and it looks great on you!
You look stunning in that cardigan. Well done! I love the color, the shape and how it fits you. I have this cardigan on hold. The saddest part is that I've used a fancy yarn but that I don't like at all. I should try again with a more lively color like yours!
Thanks, Vanessa! I wan't sure how I'd like a cropped sweater either. But after wearing it, I think it must be a more universally flattering shape for women than the oversized stuff I usually wear. It would probably add length, especially if worn with a high wasted skirt or solid line of color on bottom. I think it's fitted nature makes me more aware of my posture. I had to keep reminding myself to stand up straight for these photos, though 🙂
Hmm, maybe you need to switch yarn for it and find the perfect project for your nice yarn. I know this type of sweater looks fantastic on you. Your Miete is awesome and one of the reasons I decided I needed a cropped sweater.