Tag Archives: Andi Satterlund

Chuck Sweater

Posted in Getting Crafty, Knitting by

Have you ever knit something that just comes together perfectly that you want to scream from the top of a building, ” I did it! I have created the ultimate fitted sweater!”

Well my Chuck Sweater is this knitted object. Everything from the color to the final fit just came together to form a fantastic garment. Often when knitting sweaters something goes a little wonky, but not with Chuck. The pattern and charts were easy to follow, I enjoyed working with the yarn and seeing the pattern unfold in my lap.

I used Cascade 220 Superwash in Dark Periwinkle (discontinued). I love Cascade 220 for sweaters as it has nice stitch definition and is an affordable wool.

In the past, I have had fit issues with Andi Satterlund’s patterns. My sweaters have either come out too small or too large. Andi designs with a retro fit in mind which generally means negative ease. My body shape (short torso, muscular frame) often isn’t compatible with her designs as written. I generally make modifications and/or give my sweaters to others. Figuring out the right garment proportions for my body is something I continue to struggle with despite me having 16 years of knitting experience. However, I had great optimism for Chuck. The design works from the back shoulders and over the chest area before it is joined under the arms. This construction was great for me as I could try on the garment as I knit.

My final result? A sweater that I love and fits my body shape wonderfully! I really enjoyed the Chuck pattern as it had just enough difficulty (cabling on front panel only) that I felt challenged without feeling overworked. I had never tried a project with this open cable pattern so I was glad I expanded my horizons.

What handmade garment have you made that has resulted in an amazing fit?

Until Next Time,

-Whit-

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Unblocked Blaster Sweater

Posted in Getting Crafty, Knitting by

The Blaster Sweater by Andi Satterlund has been on my “To Knit List” for awhile now. When I first read about it I really enjoyed the backstory of the design’s creation. Andi detailed the inspiration behind the sweater on her blog:

One of the main characters on the show [Halt and Catch Fire] loves video games, and it gave me the idea for a cropped cardigan with triangle motifs at the waist that shoot up columns of eyelets, like little blasters on pixelated games. 

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As with many of Andi’s designs this is a top down sweater with a close fit. Blaster, like Zinone, is made starting with the upper back first and then progresses to the front panels. The tops sections are then joined at the underarms. I worked up the small size, but I could have made the x-small to as close of a fit as in the photo. Yet, to be honest, I prefer my cardigans to be on the looser side. IMG_6529

Since I live in an incredibly hot climate (well at least for most of the year) I opted to use a cotton blend. For the yarn, I used Drops Cotton Merino in Vanilla (Color 17), which is a 50% wool and 50% cotton combination. I have to say this yarn is very soft and has great stitch definition. I highly recommend it for adult and baby items.

I also shortened the sleeves. I decided to end the sleeves just above my elbow. I am hoping that by doing this I can wear my Blaster cardigan for more days during the year. Overall, I am pretty happy with the end result. I still need to block it and find some buttons before it is ready for its debut. I would love to find some beautiful glass buttons with a floral motif.

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Andi Satterlund continues to be one of my favorite knitwear designers. I have knitted 4 of her sweaters with Blaster now checked off the list. I am looking forward to getting started on the next sweater on my list…Chuck.

Until Next Time,

-Whit-

FO: Zinone Top

Posted in Getting Crafty by

It is officially summer and I am excited for the much needed vacation time ahead. In preparation for the hot weather, I have been knitting up some cute cotton tops. One pattern that I have had my eye on was the Zinone top by Andi Satterlund. I love love love the lace detail along the back of the top. I will say I think my lace got a little off center. I am choosing to consider it a “design modification” (hahah)

Zinone is a great pattern as it has several options to make the top of your dreams. This top can be made as a crop top or full length. You can also make a partial or full lace back (depending on how ambitious you are feeling). I went with partial lace back and more of the crop length. 

As with most of Andi’s patterns, the top is made from the top down and includes waist shaping. The best part…minimal end weaving as the body is made in the round. Woot woot! 

I tried a new yarn that I found in my LYS. It is called Bio Sesia 5 and it is 100% organic cotton. This yarn was one of the best cotton yarns I have knit with. It is soft on the fingers, pretty tightly wound (for a cotton yarn), and creates a well-defined garment. I have worn the top a couple of times now and I am happy to report no pilling! 

Zinone is another great pattern from Andi! I can’t wait to get some more wear out of it. I tried to wear this top on my trip to Martha’s Vineyard to model for you, however, it started downporing and my lovely new top got soaking wet ☹️. Follow me on Instagram (@knitsbywhitsf) for some dry photos in the coming days. 

Until Next Time,

-Whit-

Cardigan Blues

Posted in Getting Crafty, Knitting by

In my closet I have two large plastic bins. One is for my stash and one is for my FO who are waiting for homes. I recently was looking through the FO bin and unearthed my “shame sweater.” 

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Shame sweater?!? Yes it is a shame that I messed this sweater up so much. Back in November 2014, I decided to make Miette by Andi Satterlund.  This design was perfect. It is a top down design with no seaming and had lacy elements 😍. I love and admire Andi’s designs. They are super cute with just the right amount of retro-flair. I purchased my yarn (Cascade 220 in Persimmon), downloaded the pattern, and got to work.

So I thought I was doing all the right things. I made a swatch, checked the gague, then blocked it, and checked again. I made sure to check my body measurements and compare them to the sizing measurements. All good right???

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My Swatch

As the sweater kept growing my brow kept furrowing. The sweater was working up way too small. What was going on? Well friends I did not look at the line above the gauge. This sweater’s sizing clearly stated there was an expected 2″ of NEGATIVE ease. I thought I was making a sweater with a 34″ bust, but in reality it was going to measure up as a 32″ bust. Ugh!

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At this point I had knit almost the whole sweater and I couldn’t bear to rip it out. It was a Make It Work moment. I decided to add some extra paneling to the front of the sweater by picking up some stitches and creating a simple ribbing. Yet, by the end of it all I was not feeling my design mods. All my mind could think about was the original. So in the bin it went. It was incredibly depressing. How could I make such a huge mistake?

A sad sweater experience it one thing, but it would have been even sadder if I didn’t learning anything from the experience. After reflecting for a bit I made a promise to myself: I Whitney, solemnly swear to always check my gauge AND the garment ease before creating handmade sweaters. ✋🏾

Good thing I have a cousin who is thinner than me. She is about to get an awesome Christmas present. 

Until Next Time,

-Whit-