What's soft, cozy, warm, colorful and a little too big? My big comfy sweatshirt of a Noro sweater, that's what. The yarn is soft and comfortable against the skin and, while it is a bit too big, it is warm and warm is needed as winter returns. It's snowing!
The Noro Silk Garden yarn has been hiding out in my stash for a couple of years and I'm very happy I bought it when I did, as it's one of my favorite Noro colorways. The colors were left to flow as they might from ball to ball, which creates confusion of how the colors should flow as only one of the seven balls used had no knot. The color sequence changed radically quiet often, but it matter not one whit to me. Every piece has its own character and color flow and the sweater is meant to be fun and comfy. Warm and comfy is key during the cold winter months and this sweater fits the bill.
When my weight begins to return (the docs say it will take a couple more months) it will fit a little better, but it is the big, cozy sweatshirt I imagined. Knitting with Silk Garden was more enjoyable than I thought it would be and it becomes even softer after a bath. (Make sure you wash your swatch when you knit with this yarn.)
The sweater took longer than expected. I started August 30 but didn't get very far as I was in hospital the next day. As soon as I could I started knitting again, which wasn't until September 27th, it went fairly quickly. I still didn't finished until October 22.
Pattern: Basic Pullover by Jane Ellison in Knitting Noro
Yarn: Noro Silk Garden
Needle: Addi #8
Raveled Here
Sweater #10 for MoDo
I realize that it took an unbelievably long time (by your standards) to knit this sweater, due to life happening. Yet you are still quick enough to inspire most knitters!
It looks like a sweater that would make you wish for cool weather. Well done!
Posted by: Barbara-Kay | October 28, 2009 at 02:42 AM
I'm not sure which is nicer to see...the big comfy sweater or the big smile on your face...
Posted by: Betsy | October 28, 2009 at 03:18 AM
Nice sweater! And it looks super on you Margene! Most balls of Noro I've encountered have knots with sudden color changes. Usually it's in the opposite direction of the original color flow.
Posted by: Manise | October 28, 2009 at 04:12 AM
Lovely and still a quick knit by my standards.
Posted by: Marijke | October 28, 2009 at 04:15 AM
It does look like a really nice warm sweater for the coming winter. Beautiful!
Posted by: Kirsten | October 28, 2009 at 04:55 AM
Just perfect - and I love my sweaters to be just a little big like that. So cozy!
Posted by: Nora | October 28, 2009 at 04:58 AM
I really love it, Margene. There's nothing quite like big and comfy and warm to make you feel all cozy.
Posted by: Carole | October 28, 2009 at 05:02 AM
What a perfect winter sweater! It's big and cozy, soft and warm, and colorful, too! It looks great on you. I'm so happy you're back in knitting form!
Posted by: Kym | October 28, 2009 at 05:04 AM
You look marvelous! And so does the sweater!
Posted by: Issy | October 28, 2009 at 05:07 AM
Love the sweater on you. The colors mirror the warm, cozy look of the sweater.
Posted by: jill | October 28, 2009 at 05:21 AM
My goodness! Is that color in your face? WOW! You look absolutely fabulous, grrl! I do love your new knit! But, my oh my, you look so healthy and glowing!
Posted by: CindyCindy | October 28, 2009 at 05:29 AM
You look beautiful and the sweater is wonderful! xo
Posted by: Suzy | October 28, 2009 at 06:00 AM
Hurray! You're vertical!
Posted by: Elizabeth D | October 28, 2009 at 06:14 AM
Love it! Comfy, cozy is my kind of sweater.
Posted by: Wool Winder | October 28, 2009 at 06:28 AM
Beautiful!!! I love comfy, big sweaters!
Posted by: Robin in VA | October 28, 2009 at 06:42 AM
I love big sweaters. It's like a big warm hug! I love the colors. Noro is great!
Posted by: Donna | October 28, 2009 at 07:07 AM
Sometimes those big, comfy sweaters are the ONLY thing you want to wear! I'm making myself a big, old-fashioned cable cardigan right now for the same reason. Back in high school I wore one that Mom had made for Grampa all of the time - even though it was miles too big - and I wanted to recreate that.
Love the fun stripes on your sweater! Sounds like you made it with the same sort of attitude that I usually use with my socks!
Posted by: Kristin | October 28, 2009 at 07:15 AM
I like it. You were smart just to let the colors happen.
Posted by: Heather Joins The Round | October 28, 2009 at 07:31 AM
I love that colorway and it looks great on you. That sweater will surely keep you warm this winter, Noro Silk garden is nice and warm!
Posted by: Jean E. | October 28, 2009 at 07:44 AM
Love the colour changes. This sweater looks like a big, warm hug.
Posted by: Renee | October 28, 2009 at 08:02 AM
It looks fabulous on you - love that colorway. :)
Posted by: Chris | October 28, 2009 at 08:08 AM
Lovely sweater! I too let the Noros do whatever they like!
Posted by: Rachel | October 28, 2009 at 08:16 AM
Yay, Margene! Sometimes the best sweaters are the simplest. Love the colorway on you.
Posted by: Kathleen | October 28, 2009 at 08:28 AM
The sweater is gorgeous, and comfy looking, but YOU my dear? YOU LOOK MAHVELOS! How great to see your smiling face!
(((hugs)))
Posted by: Knitnana | October 28, 2009 at 08:44 AM
GREAT sweater (I love mine on the big side!) and GREAT to see you out posing again! Even if you do make me feel like a total sluggard in the knitting department. Have you tried the new wheel yet?
Posted by: Marcia | October 28, 2009 at 08:51 AM