I wrapped up my daughter's House Vest for her Hermione costume this weekend and marveled at how much better my seams have gotten over the years. I used to immediately rule out anything knit flat because my seams were so terrible. A couple of years ago, I decided to learn to do the mattress stitch neatly. This tutorial on Knitty was tremendously helpful.
I had been tightening as I stitched, but it's hard to remember, and see, which column of Vs I was stitching, so I keep it very loose for several inches then pull the yarn and it zips right up, almost invisible. It's still not perfect, but it's far better.
It probably has a bit more shaping than is necessary at this point, but overall it fits very nicely. I'm super pleased with the result and ready to move on to something she can wear more than once. What was I thinking!
Details...
Pattern: V Neck Shell (Bernat Design Studio - free!)
Yarn: Valley Yarns Northampton in Dark Gray, Gold, Garnet. It's a woolly yarn, but one that she won't wear next to the skin so it didn't matter. I liked this yarn, but it was sort of clingy, especially with my wooden needles. I think I knit on a US7. Don't remember.
I always avoid projects that involve seaming. I would like to knit one of the Weasly sweaters from Charmed Knits, but since it isn't top-down one piece, I'm hesitant. Good work on that vest!
Posted by: Carmen | September 20, 2011 at 09:52 AM
Go for it, Carmen! That was my first sweater and still one of my favorite patterns!
Posted by: Jennifer | September 20, 2011 at 09:55 AM
Love it!
I'm the same as Carmen when it comes to seamed projects. Haven't attempted one yet. And I, too, would love to make one of those Weasly sweaters. *sigh* Maybe someday I'll find the courage.
...about the clingy yarn, I'm doing a hat with alpaca yarn on dpn bamboo needles. It's awful. It clings as I'm working stitches and then drops/slides stitches off at the ends of the needles I'm not working with. Very frustrating.
Posted by: Kelly | September 20, 2011 at 10:38 AM
I am sighing. Do you ever get tired of hearing just how BEAUTIFUL your knitting is? Because I can stop...
Posted by: Margaret in Minnesota | September 20, 2011 at 10:52 AM
That sweater is GREAT! I am afraid of seams. I am throwing caution to the wind right now and knitting up a cardi for my little one that will need to be sewed. I will look at that link you shared! Thank you!
Posted by: Amy Caroline | September 20, 2011 at 03:44 PM
I think I want one of those vests for myself. Great job!
Posted by: tara | September 21, 2011 at 01:04 PM