I’m not usually a fan of bottom up sweaters or lacy, frilly designs, but from the moment I saw the Tegna sweater I thought it struck just the right balance. Due to the architectural nature of the lace pattern I was especially keen to use a somewhat rustic texture

The good news is that because of the bottom up structure you are finished with the most challenging part of the sweater first. The Tegna lace section is easy enough that an advanced beginner can tackle it and challenging enough to keep a more experienced knitter’s interest. As suggested in the pattern it’s easy to separate out the lace repeats to keep yourself on track, (or possibly markers for just every 2 or 3 repeats to cut down on the small sections). I didn’t find this necessary and if you can read your knitting you probably won’t either.

This yarn is a joy to work with…it’s pretty soft and pliable as is, and gets even more so with blocking. I’m a little concerned that it may be one of those wools that irritates my sensitive skin, but I’ll find out soon enough. If so, someone will get a lovely holiday gift!

I’m now knitting the body section, which is typically a little boring, but perfect for travel knitting or those little stolen moments as there is no shaping to worry about. I’m also making the body section a little longer than the pattern, (no one wants to see me in a cropped sweater…especially me). The plan is an extra 2 inches, but will try on and see how I feel when I get to 1 inch extra.

September 3, 2017

That bit about the lace coming at the beginning being good news is debatable. This project has languished for a few weeks in my WIP basket mostly because it’s just kinda boring at this stage. With autumn just around the corner, though, I’ve picked it back up because I’ll probably want to wear it in a couple of weeks! Just the upper front, sleeves and neckline to go!

September 12, 2017

Finally in the home stretch. Motivated because I want to take this with me on holiday next week!

Neckline: Used smaller needle to pick up neckline stitches; 5 rounds of k1, p1 rib, knit 2 rounds and then BO knitwise.

On to the sleeves!

September 17, 2017

Just pulled this off the blocking board! It seems to have softened up enough that it won’t irritate my skin, but I’ll have to wear it a bit to know for sure…I really hope I can wear it.

In the end I added about 2” of length, and I’m happy with that. I also did a slight modification to sleeve ribbing, making it the same as the neckline, (see above).

Things I’ll change if I make again:

1) The sleeves are just a bit snug on me so I’ll probably add a couple of stitches when picking up and also a couple of rows before 3 needle bind off. That being said, however, the linen/wool blend probably doesn’t have the give of other fibres, so will have to take fibre content into consideration.
2) Although perfectly wearable, the neckline is a little wide for my personal taste. I’ll be wearing a tank or camisole underneath so this isn’t a huge deal, (and certainly not enough to make me rip back), but I think I’d just go down another needle size for the neck ribbing, pick up a few less stitches and continue for a few more rows -- simple adjustments.

All in all a fun, easy knit, (although that endless stockinette can get a little boring for a “shiny objects” person like me!), and a great fitting result that compliments a lot of body styles, (with the caveat that going with the right body length for you is key). I think you’ll love your finished object if you take the time to make a few easy adjustments for your personal taste and body shape.