4.11.2007

The Finishing Touches

The sweater is done. All the knitting. All the button-banding. All the wet blocking. Wow, it's almost disorienting. I find myself wanting (needing) more to do on it... but hey, when it's done, it's done right? This must be a sign of an absolutely enjoyable overall-process. Or maybe I just love Skye Tweed that much.

I picked up some buttons the other day that I thought fit nicely - I wanted a simple and natural warm wood button that would seem right at home nestled amongst all that tweed.

Wooden Buttons

I also wanted to show you one more picture of the button band in progress. The finished button band is about an inch and a half of garter stitch. This picture was taken after knitting several rows up from the pick-up stitches that I showed you in my last post.

Working Buttonband

We're looking at the wrong side of the work here - see how the facing is playing nice and laying itself flat on the inside of the sweater? I like that very much.

I'll do my best to orchestrate a proper photo shoot over the weekend (this sweater sure deserves one!). And starting today you should know that I will be effectively living in the sweater until the identity crisis that the weather has been having is officially over.

36 comments:

  1. Great buttons! and thanks for taking us through out the whole thought/action process from the conception to the st"eek"ing, and now the final touches. It's a piece of art, really, and I can't wait to see the fruits of your photoshoot (the weather permitting! ;)

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  2. That looks like a perfect button choice. I can't wait for the official photo shoot!

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  3. It is such a lovely sweater, I must learn to knit myself one of those one of these days - sweaters scare me.

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  4. LOVE that shot! The sweater is BEAUTIFUL!

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  5. Wonderful! The buttons look perfect. And while the weather is frustrating, it does make for an opportunity to enjoy the products of late winter knitting.

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  6. I love the buttons and I think they will look wonderful on your sweater. I am also in agreement regarding Skye Tweed. I recently knit the Hex Jacket from Knitting Nature out of red skye tweed and am upset that I didn't purchase more colours when I had the chance!

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  7. the buttons are perfect! i'll have to find some skye tweed - I keep hearing such good things about it! can't wait for the FO pics!

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  8. Absolutely perfect buttons. I've really enjoyed watching the progress of your sweater. It's been almost as satisfying as knitting it myself.

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  9. Such a tease! Where's the 'ta-da'? Can't wait to see the whole thing front and center (and back too) and see what it looks like!

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  10. In that case, I hope the weather stays cool a while longer, just for you and your sweater! Can't wait for the final reveal...

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  11. Love the buttons! Looking forward to finally seeing sweater in all its respendentess! Wish we didn't have to wait until after the weekend... (**twiddles thumbs...pretends not to be applying knitbloggie peer pressure...whistles innocently**)

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  12. Those are beautiful buttons! Where did you get them? BTW, the sweater is beautiful. I'll keep checking back in to see what you're working on next.

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  13. I can't wait!!

    p.s. Webs does have Skye Tweed on sale.

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  14. It really does look perfect! I look forward to seeing the results of the photoshoot.

    Here's hoping that the weather stays cold!

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  15. ooooh i can't wait!

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  16. I love those warm, rich buttons.
    If I were you and that sweater was mine, I would migrate so I could wear it all year 'round.

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  17. Will you sewn down the flap or is the ironing all that is needed?

    Thank you for documenting this process; I loved watching this sweater come to life.

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  18. Once again, simply amazing...I am really looking forward to the upcoming photos! Have you ever knit something that didn't look good though? ^_~

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  19. It looks great. I'm looking forward to that photo shoot.

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  20. I've been searching for buttons just like those!

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  21. You do realize that now that your sweater is finished, 70 degree weather is just around the corner. :)

    Paige

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  22. Looking foward to the FO-photos!

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  23. I would love to know where you buy your buttons. I don't have a good source. My email is kjt1211@optonline.net

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  24. Thanks again for showing us your process. I am surprised that you don't actually sew down your facings. Does the crochet edging really stay put so well?

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  25. Love the bottons.You worked hard on that sweater and it shows.

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  26. How satifsfying that must feel.

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  27. that sweater is fabulous, I've been following along with every step, and started wondering...About how much Skye Tweed did you end up using? I have about 6 skeins (230 yds each) of scottish tweed in a delightful plum/wine colour that I'd love to make my husband a sweater with. He is a very slight build at 6 ft tall (about 165 pounds) and I was really hoping I would have enough. Any thoughts? He really isn't into large baggy sweaters, but more fitted well tailored.

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  28. Could you also talk about how you finished the steeked edges? I think you said you were going to sew them down - but could you give more detail? Is it literally sewing, or crochet?

    I've really enjoyed watching the finishing process.

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  29. Ay Jared!!!! Espectacular tu sweater!!! No puedo esperar para verlo terminado. Un saludo desde Buenos Aires.

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  30. I second the question about the steeked edges, are you going to, or did you already, sew down the facing? Or are you leaving it as is?

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  31. I have read thru all the posts about this cardi, it is extremely nice and wonderful. I love the colour of this tweed very much. very eager to see the modelling of this FO.

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  32. weather.com tells me that you are going to wear the sweater for a long time!

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  33. oooh those buttons are prefect for the little bag I just finished..they are beautiful!
    Can't wait to see the completely finished product!
    Denise
    knitchat.com

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  34. My word, I can't get enough of looking at that yarn! Gorgeous!

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  35. the wool the buttons the waythe knitting presents itself is so wonderful. and of course wooden buttons is an obvious choice. i am so envious of you LYS's when i think of the poor and expensive variety we get here. can't wait to see the whole cardi.

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  36. Gorgeous sweater, gorgeous photos, and I love your color choices. Everybody comes away learning something different, and while your knitting is now officially beyond me (steeks! trust a guy to do the really dangerous knitting!) I have decided that I MUST have a 1.4 lens.

    Ann

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