This was the first sweater I ever knitted. Even though it’s kind of ugly, I’m oddly proud of it. Looking back and knowing what I know now, I’m astonished at how good a job I did at this. I managed to make it to fit me exactly, I did an unbelievably good job on the seaming. (I doubt I could do as good a job now that I have developed a complete lack of patience for seaming anything larger than a hat.) Even the yarn I chose is suitable, though ugly and it pills, it’s held up to the test of time and it’s comfortable and warm. This is, in fact, one of the warmest sweaters I own and I
still wear it on the odd rare cold day here in Houston… as long as I’m not likely to go out in public.

Things that I now find hilarious:

1. This sweater is called “Earn Your Stripes” and is supposed to be striped with 3 colors. Part of the “challenge” of making this sweater was supposed to be learning to carry your different colored yarn up the sides so there would be less ends to weave in. Well, the concept totally intimidated me at that time so I made it all one color. Haha!

2. Once I figured out how to do a reverse crochet border I thought it would be a really great idea to edge this sweater with bright pink yarn in reverse sc. I now find that hilarious. What was I thinking?

3. I still love this sweater despite it’s ugliness. I’m even toying with the idea of making another one, due to a new-found appreciation for garter stitch. This time I’ll do the stripes! And more attractive colors.

(btw- The color in these pictures is very muted compared to the actual color of the yarn. It’s a bright pumpkin orange in real life, with a fuchsia border. )