Tuesday, April 24, 2007

The Egg Jacket

I refuse to "feel badly" about starting this sweater because, unbeknownst to Blogland, I had actually already knit this in the winter, but I didn't like how it was turning out. I had even started the arms, tried it on, and to my shock it grew--down to my thighs. I had planned for it to be a jacket-length, but to my hips was all I wanted. The garter stitch was stretching like nothing else and I wasn't happy.

So I frogged it. And it sat. I never photographed it.

Now, back, new and improved, I present the Tomten Jacket or, as I lovingly now refer to it, the Egg Jacket. I know, most Tomtens are made for children. The pattern is written for children. I have coveted one for years for myself, living in the great white North. The yarn is Araucania Nature Wool Chunky. Do not be fooled--this is NOT a chunky yarn. That's the problem I had last time. I went for the quick knit and decided to get 3.5 stitches per inch with size 10 needles. Too loose. Now I'm getting 4.5 stitches on size 7s and I like the firmer fabric. It will keep out the wind, that's for sure. I like this yarn in garter stitch because you really don't have to worry about the variegation in the yarn creating a pattern and it lends some interest to the fabric, as well.

I'm calling it the Egg Jacket because I visited a farm with the kids a week ago and lo, if there weren't chickens there laying eggs that were green, brown and pinky/brown. I have had a hard time describing the color of this yarn. Sometimes it's pink and sometimes it's warm brown, but when I saw the egg, that was it egg-zactly.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

It is pretty yarn, whatever you decide to call it!

Anonymous said...

It looks like the color will be beautiful.

I often knit things (or start and not finish things) that never end up on my blog. You're right - you shouldn't feel bad!

But I do hope you finish this tomten now, because I can't wait to see the big person version! Don't worry, of course, if it's abandoned for one reason or another. We're a pretty forgiving bunch, don't you think?

Devonshire said...

Kind of reminds me of the Einstein Jacket from 'The Knitting Experience: Book 1 - The Knit Stitch'. I love the color of the yarn. Below is a link to a photo of the jacket in 2 tones. And don't worry about us in blogland - it is just fun to see others projects no matter the progress. Happy Knitting

http://www.cu-needleworks.com/Galleries/Sweaters/Images/einstein_tina_1.jpg

goodkarma said...

Beautiful yarn; it will make for a lovely egg jacket!

knittingphilistine said...

The Egg Jacket looks so warm and squishy! And I'm so impressed with that yarn... it looks just like Malabrigo. Very pretty.

Sharon said...

I like the color. It is like a warm, antique pink. I too have a lot of items that have never made it to blog land. I either give them away too quick and go "doh" or just forget to snap the picture.

Filambulle said...

How great! A tomten for adult! I cannot wait to see it finished. Kit on!

Anonymous said...

I really like the color and now that you HAVE posted about it, I'll enjoy seeing the finished sweater. *g* Not that you should have posted by any means....but I'm glad you did.

jessica said...

What a pretty color! It really does look like that egg!

Anonymous said...

What a very gorgeous jacket this is going to be - and the colour of the yarn is certainly perfect for it - very beautiful indeed!