So I have a couple more projects that I finished in December, that I haven’t blogged about yet. In early December, I happened to be going through my yarn storage box where I keep a lot of scraps, etc. and I came across the front and back for a sweater that I had started years ago. In fact, I had forgotten that I had nearly completed this much of the sweater. At that time, I had decided to quit working on the sweater. I wasn’t loving the yarn and wanted something softer. A few years time seems to soften my critical eye a bit and I decided to take up the project again. The cables were calling me. . . .
I decided to forgo the time-consuming sleeves and hood that the pattern calls for and just make it into a vest. That way I could finish it with minimal time investment, and not let it go to waste.
The only problem was, I didn’t have a pattern for converting the neck into a collar, instead of a hood. I decided to wing it and I’m happy to have it finished.
I have another knitting project I want to share with you. It took me less than a week and was so quick and easy.
Have I mentioned I like instant gratification?
It doesn’t usually go too well with my taste in hand-knit garments, but once in a while my need to do something fun and quick, trumps my love of cables.
So, here’s the front
and here’s the back.
The sweater actually looks quite strange when it’s not on a person. It reminds me of the bottom of a colorful stingray.
Here it is folded in half, with the arm holes at the top on either side, and below that are the only two seams on the entire sweater. I wish I had taken a picture of it before I folded it in half and sewed the seams, but hopefully you get the idea.
I wanted to share this one because I think it’s a perfect first sweater. Every time I post a knitting project, I get comments from people saying they haven’t dared to move beyond scarves and dishcloths So, this happens to be my recommendation of what to try next. I only takes 4 skeins of Misti Alpaca Grande yarn. Here is the picture of the pattern:
It’s called the Ribbed Vest for Sarah Punderson (here’s the ravelry link, for those of you who are members.)
I hope you will give it a try. It really is fun and you could be wearing it by next week!
I may even have my sister talked into trying it . . .
Trends and Traditions 
Yes, it is very pretty, cute! However, you failed to mention that you need a cute little person like yourself to make it look so good.
Both of the sweaters are so cute. I remember making a knitting project with cables and it really was so much fun. I would love to attempt it again sometime. Good job on the adaptation.
So you’re just sitting around knitting these days, huh? Yeah, right!!! That vest is really cute!!! And I always love cables.
I have to say I’m loving them. Oh my word – how fun that second one looks, just too cute.
I am in awe of your mulit talents.
That sweater i just beautiful! However, I am still trying to figure out how you get it on from being in the stingray shape.
I love both of these. I had to order the pattern for the vest after seeing yours on Ravelry – looks quick and easy, which is what I need right now:)
Kris
You do beautiful knitting. The blue cabled vest is absolutely flawless!!!
The “stingray” shrug is the cutest thing. I can see throwing that on time and time again. I really like the shawl collar on it. I do agree with another who commented though, it does take someone with a great figure like you have!! Do you honestly find time to exercise with everything else you do, or do you just have excellent metabolism? ha!
Wow–that’s the cutest thing. I might have to blow the dust off my knitting needles and give it a try. It’s beautiful!
ha ha – At first I thought you were recommending the CABLE one for first-time knitters! That shrug is adorable on you. Love the way it fans in the back – very flattering.
did I miss something? Where is the pattern?
I want to be a knitter sooo sooo bad – this actually WAS my first project (the last one you showed) and I did it in a dusty blue from the Alpaca. I love it, and feeling quite proud that i was able to do it with the help from my friend. I’d like to start something else, however she lives in the next town, and I need her sitting beside me to get started……..lol!! I really like the first sweater you converted also – as all of them beautiful!!
They’re both so beautifulk, and just love the red vest! Wonder if I could do that? Will have to think on that.
I cannot find the pattern for the Ribbed Vest!! I have been all over the site you mentioned, even signed up to see if the patterns were blocked for non members. Any help would be appreciated. I’m thinking the vest would make great Christmas presents for my three girls. But I need to get started NOW. Thanks
I have the same question. I’ve looked but am not able to find the pattern. Have you had any luck locating it? Thanks for any help.