It's no secret that I love secondhand things. And I'm lucky enough to have found a friend in Seattle that loves them just as much. Dear Sarah. This is wonderful for many reasons, from epic dual thrift raids to just being able to discuss the various merits and past scores of treasure hunting. What's doubly lovely is that we have very similar taste. These two things combine to create what is essentially another thrifting "me" who is out there scoring for finds even when I am not. As a result, there are often little lovelies left outside our door on any given day that seem to have appeared there by magic, or handed off in person accompanied by a very amusing "find" story.
The yarn for this sweater was just one such find. If I am not mistaken, Sarah found it at a thrift sale associated with the Pacific Northwest Needle Arts Guild and just couldn't help but scoop up the entire bunch. A move I very much approve of and would have certainly done myself. She then presented about ten skeins of it to me to do with as I wished. It's a lovely vintage 70's wool in the most obnoxious shade of flame orange. I refuse to call it by any other name, including the most obvious sportsman-friendly color. If you know what I mean (and I think you do).
I have to admit, I was at first a little skeptical of the color. It's so, so, so bright! In a good way...but I wasn't sure about it for a whole, one-color sweater, especially in this weight. I was originally thinking of combining it with a grey for a stranded, color-work yoked type sweater. But as I thought about it more and more I decided to just go for it. I started to envision a longer coat-style sweater with a textured stitch pattern and a funnel neck collar. I also found these lovely leather buttons at an antique store that paired wonderfully with the yarn.
After some pattern searching I found Tinder. Perfect. The only thing I didn't like about the pattern was the fact that it was knit in pieces and seamed. I HATE seaming, especially when it can be easily avoided. So, I did some simple maths (can't remember exactly what, but if you're interested I'm happy to count stitches and share) and went forward with knitting the left front, back, and right front all in one piece to the underarms. I then worked the pieces separately to the neck, still keeping a two knit stitch "seam" on the sides. The sleeves were also knit in the round to the underarm, then worked flat.
I'm thrilled with how it turned out and took advantage of the small stretch of chilly days we've had recently to wear it a few times. I also feel like this sweater was a big accomplishment for me because it's right in line with my goal of knitting more sweaters this year and doing it properly. I did the most legit gauge swatch of my life with this sweater and it paid off 100%. No re-knitting, tearing out, or over-vigorous blocking required. Which is a first I think. Here's to finally becoming a proper sweater knitter!
For the detail oriented...
Yarn: Brunswick Germantown, 100% wool, worsted weight
Pattern: Tinder by
Needles: Size 6 for ribbing, Size 7 for body and sleeves
Summary of Modifications: Fronts and back worked in one piece to underarms, sleeves knit in the round. Two inches of length added to arms, yo + k2tog buttonholes.
Raveled here.
These pictures were taken on Alki Beach on a beautiful evening. I couldn't help but snap a few pictures of the skyline, which I now cannot help but share: