Saturday, May 10, 2008

Finally Flo


Well, I've certainly talked about it enough already and now, at last, it's finally done. Whoo Hoo! Here's Flo......

I love it. I'm totally psyched to start my next kit. My only problem is trying to choose among so many designs. I particularly like Kim Hargreaves' designs because they are really well written and have nice finishing details. Plus, they don't look like something you can find in just any old department store.

I pretty much followed the pattern exactly as written. The only changes I made were to eliminate the side shaping as I wanted more of a slouchy cardigan rather than a fitted sweater that I might not wear as much in a few years. Yes, I'm a woman of certain age and considerations of this nature do cross my mind! I also inversely shaped the sleeves. In other words I knit more traditionally shaped 3/4 sleeves rather than the gathered bell shape as designed. Again, the goal was to create more of a classic cardigan style that better suited my age and personality. Lastly, I only added 2 rows of ruffles on each side rather than 3. I thought one more ruffle row was just one ruffle row too many. I can always add another ruffle later but, for now, I'm happy with just 2 ruffle rows.

Come to think of it, it was Mr Puffy who strongly recommended against having 3 rows of ruffles. Hum. Puffy???? I would hate to think he had an ulterior motive..... such as keeping that extra ruffle for himself. Nah. Impossible. He looks way too angelic to be capable of that!


The last little design change I made relates to the buttons. I chose not to use the buttons that came with the kit. I thought they were rather pedestrian for such a fun cardigan and I wanted something with a little more razzle dazzle ~ so I kicked it up a notch ~ with these sparkly little buttons. They catch the light and look really pretty in the sunlight. Here's photo comparison of the kit buttons with the ones I chose instead. Here in Los Angeles we have a totally rocking button shop in West Los Angeles called F&S Fabrics. If you can't find buttons there, you simply aren't in the mood to be pleased.



Specs: Kim Hargreaves Kit - Flo (Thrown Together Collection); size XXS, US 3 & 1 needles; CYC Cashsoft 4 ply and Rowan Kidsilk Haze.


Lastly, I wish all of you who are mothers a very very happy Mother's Day - and that includes my mom too!

19 comments:

Bridget said...

I love it! And I think you will be able to wear it for a long time. The color is especially appealing.

As for Mr Puffy - he apparently just has an eye for style ... I guess we shouldn't be surprised!

Anonymous said...

Hilary-I should have been more specific about the shrug;the book is Rowan Classic Mother & Baby...the pattern name is May...it's the cover photo...the changes you've made to the sweater are right on...what a beautiful job! The shawl is about 1/3 done...check back for more...I love reading yours,too...

Monika said...

It's beautiful, and fits perfectly. You were right to make those changes, and to choose different buttons, after seeing the ones from the kit, was a must! I think Mr. Puffy deserves a ruffle or two!

Anonymous said...

Flo looks wonderful on you! I love the fun ruffles running down the front of it.

Pictures of Mr. Puffy always make me smile. He's such a wonderful dog.

kasiaiscarly said...

omg, mr puffy looks like a tiny puppy in that shot!! too cute!

Pat K said...

Mr Puffy probably ought to hire out as a design consultant. The sweater looks great!

Anonymous said...

Very Nice! It's cute, but still classic. You will wear it for years to come. Great buttons, too! Hope you got to see your mom today (and show off Flo!). BTW, that little crochet hat is a great way to start- you should try...

Anonymous said...

Beautiful! As always, I think your alterations only improved upon a great pattern. I think with beautiful handknits, it only makes sense to think ahead. All of that work and beauty should be enjoyed for years to come!

Anonymous said...

It looks wonderful on you! Love the color!

Windyridge said...

How lovely! Fits you perfectly too. I'm not sure when I will gather the courage to try another sweater. I always have fit issues. I blame it on the lack of uniformity of my handspun!

jillian said...

It's simply lovely! The red is stunning on you. I've never heard of F&S - thanks for the heads up! (Where have I been?)

Denise said...

Flo looks fabulous. I love that first picture of you :-) Well done, is this the one you had professionally finished?
I'm not liking how Jaden is turning out :( will need to update about it soon!

Ally Jay said...

I think you may have made a good decision on the third ruffle, two looks cute, perhaps 3 would be too much. Love the burnt orangey colour. Poor Mr puffy, how could you think ill of him?

Hilary said...

Oh my gosh, what a fabulous sweater. This may be one of my favorite FO's ever spotted in blogland. Must add to Ravelry faves immediately...

I think your mods turned out great (pssh..."woman of a certain age"...whatEVER!) and I love the long length. It's classy, hip, stylish, classic -- all at the same time!

P.S. Did T Does Wool get the two of us mixed up? :)

knittingdragonflies said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
knittingdragonflies said...

Wow it's lovely, I agree, two ruffles is good, three alot of look. I like the color also. Where do you take your pictures? It makes me want to be there with you with a glass of wine.
Vicki

amanda said...

Claudia, it's just lovely on you. I really love those buttons!

I agree that Kim's patterns are very nice - I'm glad she's coming out with books now so we can just buy the patterns instead of whole kits.

Firefly Nights said...

As usual, you've knit another lovely item. I know Mr. Puffy approves.

Anonymous said...

Your work is lovely, and I admire your ability to knit away. However, Mr. Puffy your Beagle steals the show. We are a beagle family here and if you get the chance please visit my blog, where you will find a picture of her and one of her pups (her puppy is the bigger one) I call him a high clearance Beagle.