Finished Object: Handspun Rayne Wrap Cardigan
This project had to be a secret because it was my mom’s Christmas present. It was a big one!
It was fun, too. This sweater is as simple as sweaters get, which makes it such a great canvas for interesting yarn. The yarn I used was my handspun 2 ply from some gigantic wool/alpaca batts purchased at Rhinebeck from Spinners Hill. I liked spinning it so much, I bought another 2 lbs. of batts last fall at Rhinebeck. Their booth is heavenly!
The Facts:
Pattern: Rayne Wrap Cardigan by Laura Chau
Yarn: my handspun 2 ply worsted weight yarn, approx. 1275 yards, or 155 fewer than the pattern calls for. Why so much less yarn, I don’t know!
Needle: 6.5mm
Gauge: 3 sts. per inch
Size: 48″
Started: May 2008 (spinning) and November 2008 (knitting)
Finished: December 2008
The Spinning:
The prep was a little on the rustic side, so it was a fun spin. The yarn is lumpy and bumpy with streaks of red and orange alpaca set in an olive green wool base. This was the perfect yarn for such a simple garment. Any fancy stitch pattern would have been lost with all the blobs and bumps and streaks. The alpaca gives the yarn great drape, which is fantastic in this pattern. This, in addition to the loose gauge for the yarn weight makes the sweater flowing and so comfortable, as well as flattering.
The Knitting:
The knitting of this sweater is very simple. There’s minimal shaping and seed stitch is the most complicated stitch. It would be perfect for the beginner who doesn’t mind spending some serious time knitting. The 6 foot long rectangle took even speedy me some time to knit!
The Verdict:
Success. Mom likes it, it’s flattering as hell, and so comfy. It’s beautiful enough for dress up and so comfy I’d want to wear it to snuggle up in on the sofa all evening.
Many apologies for the lack of modeled shots. I meant to get some, but the holidays took over and I just plain forgot. Now, the sweater lives far away.
Fiber Club!
It’s going out today and tomorrow. Again, many apologies for the lateness. Losing Shambles and the holidays kicked our production’s butt.
Sign-ups for returning fiber club members will start in about 2 weeks. I’ll give plenty of notice here. I’ll also be putting up a self-signup for new members who want to be in line for the club.
Shambles:
So many thanks for your kind words about him. I haven’t responded to all the comments, as it’s really hard to read them, but thanks. Your thoughts mean the world to me.
23 Responses to “Finished Object: Handspun Rayne Wrap Cardigan”
it’s beautiful! and i think it’s so amazing that it’s knit with your handspun yarn. but wow, that is a lot of stockinette! i’m not sure i could handle it!
that is a very beautiful sweater. i love it. i bet mom was happy to receive this one. she is one lucky mom. not only did she get a handknit but also a handspun sweater.
this is absolutely gorgeous!!
that is one gorgeous sweater! Your instincts were spot on in keeping the pattern simple to show off the yarn. I love the subtle color play.
That is a beautiful sweater and the colors in this yarn are very interesting. I love the entire look. Bravo!
This must have taken forever.
Very beautiful.
What a gorgeous sweater and incredible gift! Absolutely lovely. :)
Wishing you a very Happy 2009!
Merete stole my comment :^) which was to say, “That’s a lucky mom.” To have something made for you from spinning to final finishing…that’s pretty special. And it’s gorgeous, too. Do the long pieces in the front flip up over the opposite shoulders?
Nice sweater!
So, I’m guessing Ms. Pippa isn’t knocked up?
Wow! That’s truly amazing. Your mom must be thrilled.
Beautiful! It’s one of a kind in your handspun. Just lovely!
I love my Christmas sweater and am the envy of all of my friends in East Pothole, PA.
Kisses to Pippa!
Oh. Oh my. That is so beautiful and simple and just gorgeous.
That is absolutely STUNNING.
The wrap looks great! I’ve yet to spin enough yarn for an adult size garment, but this is pretty inspiring. ;)
so gorgeous! the perfect marriage of yarn and pattern :) i’m sure your mom loved it!
Ow, wow, just wow, wow, wow. It’s a very cool color too.
Oh, wow. What a gorgeous wrap and wonderful gift. Your handspun looks perfect in that pattern.
Quite lovely. Any chance your Mom might give it a go and model it for us? Would love to see it on someone.
Wow, that sweater is gorgeous – what a labor of love! I am excited about the sign up for people that want to get on a wait list or something for the club – yay!
That sweater looks super cozy!
That is gorgeous! I’m so impressed you spun it and then knit it! It looks like a great mom gift- maybe my mom will get one next year (not that I’ve spun, though!)
It´s so wonderfull.