The Cabled Jacket
Back in August last year, I gave in to knitting the irresistible sweater in the movie you have all heard about here or somewhere or even seen. I am pretty good at resisting doing something I don't feel strongly about but this sweater was quite an exception. So 10 months it's been since casted on, lots of things have come off the needles since then, including the blanket which was also started around the same time. Then, the urge was on to finish it as I could not bear anymore to watch the movie and see my wip laying around anymore.
So it was finished couple weeks ago and between then and now, was the blocking, seaming and re blocking - all of which always seem to be more consuming than the knitting itself. This early morning when I got up early to go for a run, I realised the sun was just coming up and it was just perfect to get shots even though the the sweater was slightly damp. The temperatures are high and cannot imagine a photo shoot at this time when it's in the 90 degrees F. That and the willing photographer with the help of little new lens, the shoot was on. I warn you, too much excitement = too many photos but that's ok considering this is the first sweater (for me) completed this year! So don't run yet!
Now the details:
Pattern: My own. Inspired from the Holiday movie as you already know. It involved lots of movie watching with all freeze/slow features to get all the angles!
Yarn: The heavenly Bluefaced Leicester Aran Wool in Natural scored cheaply on Ebay. This stuff is great, soft, has a nice drape and lustre. Only 8 hanks or 800grams.
Needle: US 8/6mm Addis Turbos Circulars.
Mods: Really, none as I wanted that exact sweater. I guess I might put buttons later but I sort of like it with the hook (I didn't put buttonholes as in the original). I put in set in sleeves instead of drop sleeves which I prefer better but that's not a major mod since it turned out close to the original.
Verdict: I cannot scream enough how much I love it already ( I will scream, drink wine, listen to loud music, dance and jump in private - you know what I mean!). It will get lots of wear and definitely be a nice dress up sweater when the occasion calls. Plus, it fits me just perfectly, the body, the sleeves even the collar. Quite happy with the outcome.
The scrumptious cables honestly make the sweater. Don't you agree? Maybe am a little biased being a self proclaimed cable addict.
There is back, the tricky back shaping I was nervous about achieving but it worked. Now, I wonder why it took me so long to finish it because it was an exciting knit after all. Now, I wow not to ever spend 10 months knitting something that could have been done in two!
I just discovered your blog by accident while browsing for The Holiday sweater. I'm a long-time knitter and just wanted to tell you how incredibly talented you are and how absolutely beautiful your sweaters are. Belle is gorgeous too. YOU GO GIRL!!!! :)
Like most (knitters) when I first watched the movie, I couldn't stop thinking about that sweater! Guess I wasn't the only one.
Congratulations! You should be very proud of yourself. Keep up the great work!
Posted by: Maggie | October 28, 2008 at 01:44 AM
Love your blog. I can't believe The Holiday sweater! Oh, my, it is beautiful. Can I buy a copy of the pattern? I don't care if it is only one size. I can rework the size myself. I just LOVE the sweater.
Posted by: christina wall | August 26, 2008 at 03:42 PM
How very, very beautiful!
I remember that sweater, thinking that I would love one just like it too!
I have just discovered your blog, and I think that I shall become a frequent visitor.
Posted by: Jess | August 09, 2008 at 10:13 PM
That is just fabulous!!!
Posted by: maarja | July 08, 2008 at 11:11 AM
That is the most unbelievable sweater. Ever!!! Big congratulations. I would buy that pattern in a heartbeat!!!
Posted by: Michele | June 22, 2008 at 08:57 AM
wow!! what a gorgeous sweater..stunning!
Posted by: vanessa | June 14, 2008 at 05:44 PM
I am amated by your talent, by the gorgeous sweater that fits you so well... and by the fact that I did not even see this cardigan when i watched the movie!! How could I miss it? It is a piece of art. Do you have any idea who did the original?
Congrats on a perfect job.
Posted by: filambulle | June 13, 2008 at 05:35 PM
I can't think of what to say that hasn't already been said.
Except: fantastisk.
Posted by: strikkelise | June 13, 2008 at 08:37 AM
Awesome.
Congratulations on this beautiful piece!
Posted by: Alex | June 13, 2008 at 12:37 AM
It's beautiful! Looks perfect on you!
Posted by: monica | June 12, 2008 at 05:13 PM
oh my gosh. i hope you knew that i was out of town. and then my mother was in town. i am just checking blogs.
lucy!!!
this is UNBELIEVABLE!!! the entire piece is gorgeous!
( i really wish you would have seen my face when i saw this!) :)
Posted by: leslie | June 12, 2008 at 05:10 PM
I am truly amazed - not because I didn't know your talent - but because something that you thought up materialized into such a stunning garment. Lucy, it is a true work of art! Congratulations on the perfect sweater. The back detailing made my jaw drop - seriously. Beautiful beautiful work. Wear it well :)
Posted by: lolly | June 12, 2008 at 07:07 AM
Beautiful! I'm so impressed! And it fits perfectly!
Posted by: Katarina | June 12, 2008 at 05:41 AM
WOW WOW WOW. I would want to scream too. It's BEAUTIFUL. Enjoy!
Posted by: Jeanine | June 11, 2008 at 04:56 PM
Wow, it is Beautiful!!!
Kind regards
Sonnja & Beertje Zonn
From the Netherlands
Posted by: Sonnja | June 11, 2008 at 12:23 PM
It's beautiful :) You are very talented.
Posted by: zeph | June 11, 2008 at 03:15 AM
OMG! Congrats on finishing the perfect sweater. I've slacked a bit on mine, so thanks for the extra motivation!! LOVELY!
Posted by: digital leaf | June 11, 2008 at 12:36 AM
Love it!
Posted by: Sigrun | June 10, 2008 at 03:45 PM
This is the most beautiful cabled sweater I've seen in ages. I love the closure too! I hope you will write up the pattern because I think it rocks. It looks fabulous on you too!!
Posted by: Elinor | June 10, 2008 at 12:43 PM
So pretty - those cable are beautiful.
Posted by: Lisa | June 10, 2008 at 10:45 AM
That is gorgeous. Wow.
Posted by: Lin | June 10, 2008 at 09:32 AM
Umm, that sweater is just freaking fantastic and fits you like a dream! I love it.
Posted by: Wanda | June 09, 2008 at 10:05 PM
It is a fantastic cardigan. Please write up the pattern - I would be so happy to buy it! Your type pad seems to be very zealous today on preventing comment spam?
Posted by: Ingrid | June 09, 2008 at 09:17 PM
It is an amazing cardigan - beautifully designed and knitted. I would be happy to buy it if you wrote it up.
Posted by: Ingrid | June 09, 2008 at 09:15 PM
Your sweater has quite literally blown me away. Knitting perfection!!! I'm so impressed that you made up the pattern and that it fits so incredibly well.
WOWOWOWOWOWOW
Posted by: Nicole | June 09, 2008 at 07:19 PM
Absolutely breathtaking... and the fit is fabulous!! What a tremendously great job you've done. I'd also put a vote in for a pattern for this one. Great job!
Posted by: LizKnits | June 09, 2008 at 06:29 PM
This is crazy because I JUST watched that movie this weekend and all I could think about was that sweater? I sure hope you're planning to publish that pattern - I would DEFINITELY buy it. It's absolutely stunning.
Posted by: kristin | June 09, 2008 at 05:54 PM
Absolutely stunning! I'm in awe of your skills!
Posted by: Amanda | June 09, 2008 at 05:15 PM
Stunning! It looks just perfect on you!
Posted by: Marsha | June 09, 2008 at 03:20 PM
I am amazed! I loved that sweater too and thought about knitting it. It looked so cozy in the movie and now you've gone and finished and did such a fantastic job!
I love that lens! I use it all the time. Enjoy!
Posted by: tiennie | June 09, 2008 at 02:23 PM
It's very very gorgeous, and fits you marvellous, bravo, magnifique
Posted by: véronique | June 09, 2008 at 01:02 PM
OH! It's just beautiful! I agree fully that you should put out the pattern. It's perfect!
Posted by: Rebecca | June 09, 2008 at 12:17 PM
that is absolutely gorgeous!!
Posted by: beki | June 09, 2008 at 09:59 AM
Stunning! Gorgeous, fabulous, you should write a book....
Posted by: Devon | June 09, 2008 at 09:34 AM
Wow! What a beautiful sweater I really hope you wrote down the pattern. I like it without buttons.
Posted by: Jewel | June 09, 2008 at 09:17 AM
Wow, it's gorgeous, and I'm so impressed!
Posted by: Tora | June 09, 2008 at 05:49 AM
A friend was just telling me about the movie sweater the other day - I'm totally blown away! Seriously, one of the most gorgeous projects I've seen in awhile (somehow it seems like I've told you that before!) You're a cable inspiration :)
Posted by: mel | June 09, 2008 at 05:25 AM
oh my, Lucy! you have outdone even yourself. that is soooo beautiful and what a genius you are to be able to whip that up from out of your head. truly an excellent piece of knitting.
best wishes from Iceland
Frida
Posted by: Fríða | June 09, 2008 at 04:39 AM
So perfect Lucy! I love it! You are the Cable Queen for sure. I really love the styling with the hook in front also.
Let's catch up soon!
Sheree
Posted by: sheree | June 09, 2008 at 01:36 AM
Gorgeous sweater! It looks so good on you!
Posted by: villapeikko | June 09, 2008 at 01:08 AM
Gorgeous! I love it!
Posted by: Pikku-Kettu | June 09, 2008 at 01:06 AM
This is gorgeous!
Posted by: erin | June 09, 2008 at 12:23 AM
This sweater completely suits you! I'm so impressed with the way this turned out and fits you so well. Well done master knitter!!
Posted by: Cheryl | June 09, 2008 at 12:15 AM
That is the most gorgeous sweater I have seen in a very long time. You are so clever with working out your pattern just from watching the movie too. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful!!!
Posted by: sue | June 08, 2008 at 11:58 PM
Magnificent!!!
Posted by: Sandra | June 08, 2008 at 11:29 PM
That's fantastic!
Posted by: carla | June 08, 2008 at 11:11 PM
Incredible! Simply gorgeous!
Posted by: Stacey | June 08, 2008 at 10:48 PM
This is absolutely gorgeous. You are truly talented. I can't imagine making this by watching a movie! I will have to rent it around holiday time.
Posted by: Tina in Boston | June 08, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Oh. My. God. That is GORGEOUS! The cables are stunning. And it fits you so well.
Posted by: dclulu | June 08, 2008 at 10:12 PM
That is stunning! Great work. Please publish your pattern.
Posted by: Ricky | June 08, 2008 at 09:06 PM