Tuesday 1 September 2015

A Bright Summer Jumper Dress

Welcome back,

Shortly after my last post I finished my summer knitting project which I haven't showed you yet.

I know that it looks like summer is practically gone, but we still get some very hot days from time to time.

When I found this discontinued and colourful yarn I thought it would be nice to crochet a jumper, but after a few tries I decided that it might be great to do a knitted jumper instead.

Luckily I had enough yarn and so I ended up with more of a dress than jumper!!!

The yarn is Vero by Lana Grossa in their Linea Pura range. 60% cotton and 40% silk, a luxurious combination.


 Bright Summer Jumper Dress





This shows my working approach: I take some existing garments to decide on a design feature, in this case the cut of the arm holes. Underneath you can see both a T-shirt and a sleeveless top for comparison.




This shows the back panel being knitted. You can also see the stranded work of the fairisle which I deigned myself.


 My first attempt of the front panel was not very successful, it ended up too far cut out!

 
 
This is my recalculated version!



And here it is with the yellow colour accent rib.


 
 
 
 

Worn with a T-shirt underneath...
 





Some of my own observations and hints:


Knitting with a summer yarn is quite pleasant!
Knitting in the round makes this fun!!!
Stripes are easily done, but carry the other colours along inside, saving sewing up too many ends later!
Fairisle adds interest, make sure to calculate pattern repeats (I tend to draw coloured diagrams when I design) and vary the repeats.
Do not carry the second colour over more than three stitches.
I love geometric designs!!!


Have you made a summer jumper or did you do some knitting this summer?
Why not leave me a comment below?
Thanks for stopping by!!!

12 comments:

  1. Hi Ingrid, your jumper is beautiful! The yarn looks soft and luxurious. I wish I could knit. Maybe I will learn it soon, my daughter will learn to knit socks this school year and I already asked her to explain it to me afterwards. Let's see! Until then I will stick to my hook and finish all the crochet projects that are lying in the cupboard. Viola

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    1. Hello Viola! Thanks for your kind comments! That sounds like a great plan!!! I've never gotten round to knitting socks, there are too many projects I have on my mind. As for the crochet, I also got several on the go, why not??? ;) xx

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  2. Love the explosion of colour! You must become happy when you wear this :-)
    PS: I also try to do that, compare my knitting/crochetting with an existing garment. That's sometimes difficult, but the best way to make it fit.

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    1. Hello Sigrid, yes, these bright colours are very cheering. And you are right, for me it's the best way because I hardly ever follow a pattern... :) xx

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  3. I love the great combination of such vibrant colours, a great knit for gloomy days.

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    1. Thanks, Lorraine !! It will be good for when the weather is changing, too. :) xx

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  4. Wow you are so creative! Always making something new! xx

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    1. Thanks, Amy. Creative is indeed my middle name!!! ;) xx

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  5. Spectacular, Ingrid! I just LOVE those colours and your pattern combination. You are very talented. Your practical approach (using existing garments as a guide) is a good method for those who don't like to read patterns or deal with too much mathematics.
    Congratulations on another fabulous creation. xxx

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    1. Thanks, hun! However, you would not believe how much maths I get to use whilst making stuff.... number of stitches, pattern repeats, garment size... etc etc. It's all part of the fun!! ;) xx

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  6. Your new dress/jumper looks really great. Such lovely colours. I crocheted a cardigan and a shawl as well as blankets. I'm planning to start knitting again soon.

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    1. Thank you, Gillian! I feel more balanced, doing knitting and crocheting together!!! Enjoy your knitting!! xx

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