What was that you said about global warming? Because seriously: it’s July. And I’m wearing an alpaca and wool sweater. And I’m NOT TOO WARM. What’s up with that? I’d like to know when summer is ever going to get here. Ok? Thanks.
So, I finished the sweater I was knitting – the one I was asking for button-colour-advice on. Never one to attempt to withstand peer pressure, I naturally followed everyone’s suggestions and went with the orange buttons. Really, it was never going to go any other way.
Yarn: Berroco Ultra Alpaca in 6285, Oceanic mix. A teeny tiny bit over 4 skeins
Needles: 3.5 mm for the bottom ribbing, 4mm for everything else.
Pattern: None, I just wanted a plain sweater that I could wear all the time, and that would be nice and cosy. Why this urge struck me in summer, I couldn’t say. Although it could have something to do with the fact that it’s freakin freezing (see complaints above).
Anyway, it’s just plain stockinette in the round with set-in sleeves, also knit in the round, and 1×1 ribbing around the hem, cuffs and neck. And of course a button placket at the shoulder. Yay buttons!
I was worried about the alpaca stretching all out of shape, but still didn’t want to knit it in pieces and seam, so I used this ingenious fake-seaming tactic (scroll down, it’s near the end). Go! Make fake seams! They’re amazing! Certainly it hasn’t stretched at all in blocking, we’ll see how it wears.
Know what else? Turns out, making something to fit your specific measurements rather than just following a pattern someone else wrote to fit standard sizes results in a way better fitting finished garment. Who knew?
I have much love for this sweater, despite its plain-ness. I love the colour, the fact that it has orange buttons (natch), and most of all that it’s so cosy. A winner in the wearability stakes!
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a shrill caramel 
So cute! And it looks like it fits you perfectly! If it were me, I would wear that sweater constantly. Though maybe not in July. I’m curious – where are you that it’s so cold? We’ve had a weirdly cold summer here in IL, too, but no longer!
P.S. Ah. Just did my research. You’re in Ireland. No idea what summers are usually like there. Illinois summers are usually unbearably hot and sticky, and so far this summer we’ve had about 3 days of that. So, yeah, Mr. Gore – what’s up with that?
That’s so cute! I love the button placket on the shoulder–I don’t suppose you’d consider writing a tutorial for that? Love it!
yeah! that’s one fantastic sweater! i love how classic it is, with that one excellent little detail, orange buttons. really, it’s just so perfect, i’m jealous. i’m sure you’ll wear it all the time!
oh, and i’m experiencing the exact opposite as far as temperature goes. it’s 92f right now in massachusetts and i’m getting grumpy. boo.
This is such a beautifully fantastic sweater. The color & the fit are lovely!!! I am loving the orange buttons, nice touch. Just beautiful!!!
Lovely! Great colors, and I’m always a sucker for shoulder buttons.
It’s lovely! So so lovely. The buttons are perfect too.
that sweater does look quite cozy. sweater fit has definitely made me plan out some plain stockinette goodness of my own. the orange buttons look awesome on the teal btw.
This is a beautiful sweater!
The color and the buttons rock =]
I love it! The buttons look great. Sorry about the cold, you can take some of our heat, its been nearly 100 for days now.
Yes, yes! The orange buttons are perfect! Such a great every day sweater with some special detailing.
Did you love knitting with the Ultra Alpaca? I adore that stuff…
That’s one beautiful sweater. Congrats for designing it yourself, it’s perfect on you. Those buttons are perfect!