The Big Swan is knit from the top down. The yoke is knit in the round, then stitches are divided for sleeves, front and back. In the original design the parts are knitted flat and then seamed together. I will knit the sweater totally in the round.
I have started Big Swan with a provisional cast on of 180 stitches. The design calls for a neckband of ribbing, that is folded under the stranded design. I will decide later, how I will finish the neck. I am considering just a simple rolled edge.
Besides white and black, there are three other grays used in the yoke.
Knitting the yoke, went very well. I did not have to rip back. The finished yoke has 408 stitches. I will now start short rows, so the neck moves a bit higher in the back.
I have knitted the short rows and have added about 2 inches to the back and sleeves of the sweater. It has dipped the front neck line. My gauge was slightly tighter, due to the back and forth knitting.
I am getting gauge knitting in the round.
After knitting about 1 1/2 inches, I reduced one stitch on each side of the fake seam. I repeated this every 10th row. I tried it on in between and it seemed to fit. But about 8 inches down, it became apparent, the back was too wide. So, I have ripped back up to the under arms. (My first rip on this sweater) I have redistributed the number of stitches, 90 stitches for each sleeve , and 146 stitches for each front and back. I need 37.5 inches for my bust.
I have reduced 4 stitches every 10th row 9times and have arrived at the waist.
Now, I am increasing every 12 row, 4 stitches 4 times.After the 4th increase, I knitted 2 more inches.
The sweater measures 22 1/2 inches from the shoulder. This is long enough for me.( I am short)
The bottom will end with a hem instead of ribbing.
I am using Sidna Farley`s "lace" facing, which is knit, by using a turn row of purl stitches and reducing the number of stitches in half by K2tog. across the next row. The facing is knit for about 1-1/2" on needles that are two sizes larger! This makes the facing less bulky and more flexible. For the bind off, I use an even larger sized needle. You can of course put the stitches on a string and sew each stitch to every other hemline stitch. I have attached the facing very loosely and have started the sleeves. I am starting out with 90 stitches. I am reducing one stitch on each side of the fake seam( purl stitch) on every 7th row. I have decided to knit the sleeves with out any patterning at the cuffs. They will end with a seam, just like the bottom of the sweater and I am using the same method that I used for the bottom seam. I am ending with 60 stitches for the cuff, which is perfect. It is snug but not tight. I did the bind off with US 8 needles. Now, I only have to sew on the inside fold. I put a thin elastic ( hat ) into the double fold of the neck opening to keep its size. After blocking, I will post pictures. I am very pleased with The Big Swan. It is very elegant and fit for special occasions. I have a leftover of 150 grams of the white! I am thinking: hat. My 11th project of 2013