Okay, so this is my first time doing a proper grown-up sweater for myself - by which I mean with swatching, conscientious measuring of myself, and a pattern to match both.

The CustomFit system really is amazing. This was my test run to see if I liked it, and I have to say I’m convinced. As far as making wardrobe staples and extremely wearable garments, this will be my go-to method. Even though $10 seemed a lot to pay for a pattern, it was worth it to have a product that fit at the end. I’m not exactly a standard size, so having something fit my large bust and long waist measurements is a miracle.

However, this is not the sweater I set out to knit. Don’t get me wrong now, I do love the outcome of my pattern, but the one generated doesn’t resemble the one I created (or tried to, at any rate - I must have gone wrong somewhere). I know I got the gauge right, and I blocked all the parts to the right length, but this is more mid-thigh than the mid-hip length I’d programmed in. The other mystery is that the neckline is supposed to be a crew neck, and yet it’s more scoop-neck. Go figure.

But like I said, I’m actually really happy with the outcome. I wouldn’t have thought to make something like this for myself, but it fits nicely and is warm and cosy and a perfect lounge about the house sweater. I’m tossed up about whether or not it’s a flattering style (I think it makes me look a bit like I’m wearing a bag, as I have a fairly square upper body already), but the neckline is nice and the sleeves are a perfect fit, and it’s cosy enough to make up for any reservations I have.

I am definitely going to do the customfit pattern purchase again, but I get the feeling that this is the kind of system where you have to give it a few tries before you find out the best way to make it work, unless you’re the kind of person with a lot of experience with making garments to fit your own measurements. That’s not me right now, but maybe it will be after a few more sweaters.

And thank you to MaryKHansen for coming through at the 11th hour with a ball of Lamb’s Pride in same dye lot, when I ran out with only a 1/4 of a sleeve cap and a neckline to go. Thank you, Mary!