Michelle, ma belle... tres bien ensemble
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Michelle ma belle, sont des mots qui vont très bien ensemble,

Tres bien ensemble

Alec XL

7/12/2013

19 Comments

 
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There aren't many people I would knit a sweater for. It's a short list and highly exclusive. In fact, I can think of only three adults (1 & 2) who share the benefit of having received hand knitted sweaters from me. The third person on the list, is Mike. 
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Mike has been the recipient of several sweaters. For a long period of time, he was under the impression that receiving hand knitted sweaters came with the territory- that all husbands of knitters have drawers full... We cleared that one up. 
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But, in truth, if anyone in my life is deserving of a draw full of hand knitted sweaters, it's Mike.  He's the best enabler a knitter could ask for. The man doesn't hesitate when I suggest we stop in a yarn shop. He doesn't question the size of my stash. He turns a blind eye to the pile of WIPs in the basket under the end table. And, if you've spent any time around these parts, you've seen how helpfully he documents my projects for me. 

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I'm pretty sure he never expected to be conversational on the topics of gauge, stitch patterns or fiber content. And, he likely never anticipated his role as resident photographer. But, Mike has willingly embraced these things, and more, for no other reason than seeing me smile.  

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It has been a long time since Mike added a sweater to his collection, so when I was given the opportunity to test knit Sezza Knits adult-sized adaptation of her popular pattern Alec, I immediately jumped on board! 

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This sweater is a top-down raglan. It's knit flat until the completion of the button band then joined for knitting in the round. The stitch pattern incorporated into the front yoke of the sweater is very easy to memorize. It adds a nice element of contrast to the stockinette used throughout the remainder of the garment without being overly aggressive. The sleeves, hemline and button band are knit in garter, which is a nice alternative to ribbing, especially given the existing striation in the yoke stitches.

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Using Sarah's measurement chart as my guide, I chose to knit the size large. The sweater is shown here with three inches of positive ease.  (Finished measurement "43, Chest measurement "41). My favorite element of this pattern is the taper between the chest and waist. I think all men's patterns should take this decrease into consideration. It makes for a more flattering fit, especially if the wearer is tall and thin, like Mike. 

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Mike requested a collarless version of the sweater.  As it was knit, there were two garter stitch ridges following the cast on. The neckline would have been fine as it was knit, but I decided to use an applied i-cord to make it a bit sturdier and finished..  It's also worth mentioning that I used a stretchy bind-off at the cuffs to give them a little bit of room to fit over long sleeves or be pushed-up. 

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Pattern: Alec XL by Sarah Ronchetti  of Sezza Knits (COMING SOON!!!!)
Yarn: Cascades 220 Sport in Navy- 11 skeins (1804 yards)

19 Comments
Evie link
7/11/2013 11:42:57 pm

My husband is the same when it comes to all of my sewing projects/fabric stash. It actually makes me a little bit more aware of what/how much I acquire, since he never says no to me adding more to the piles. The sweater turned out great as usual! I really like that pattern.

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kristieinbc link
7/11/2013 11:52:45 pm

What a handsome sweater! I love Sezza Knits designs, and this grown-up version of Alec is terrific. Your husband is a lucky guy!

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katie metzroth link
7/12/2013 12:28:47 am

I have yet to knit an adult sweater. I blame the Texas weather. :) This one is gorgeous - lovely knitting and great fit!

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Renee Anne link
7/12/2013 12:33:11 am

It's lovely. Husband doesn't want me to knit him a sweater. I can totally understand why: he's always warm, he doesn't wear sweaters anyway, and now we live in an area where we really don't need them often enough to warrant knitting one.

Plus, he's really hard on his clothing, even though I do all the laundry...

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Nadia link
7/12/2013 01:15:32 am

I love that sweater pattern and the colour. Knitting sweaters is hard work, so it can't just be for anyone.

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zilredloh link
7/12/2013 02:56:28 am

This sweater looks soo good!! As does your handsome hubby in it. :)

Felix has never wanted a hand knit from me since I'm pretty certain he thinks I'll make him something crazy from the 40's or the 50's. I'm going to have to show him this post to prove there are great guy knits out there.

You're such a superb knitter, Michelle. :)

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steven a. link
7/12/2013 03:01:11 am

i love the booty pic lol. great sweater. i've added it to my queue!

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Michelle link
7/12/2013 05:45:29 am

I know, right!?! I couldn't resist. ;-)

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Nat @ Made in Home link
7/12/2013 06:19:32 am

It is looking great! I have never knitted .. For my husband!

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Sezza link
7/12/2013 07:48:32 am

Lovely photos! You did such a gorgeous job on this sweater, lucky hubby! Sounds like he definitely deserves it too. xx

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Gina C> link
7/12/2013 10:47:49 am

You knit beautifully.

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Sue Speechley link
7/13/2013 05:21:12 pm

Thats one lucky husband. This turned out so well and the fit is perfect

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Sezza link
7/14/2013 08:10:57 pm

I hope you don't mind, I have shared your blog post on my FB group - just a linky :) https://www.facebook.com/SezzaKnits

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Lynn link
7/14/2013 10:10:10 pm

WOW! So amazing! The sweater fits him like a dream! What a lucky guy! And that shade of blue??? Make his eyes just POP! LOVE it.

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Renee
7/15/2013 04:33:19 pm

Looks fantastic showed my hubby and he wants one!

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Loran link
7/16/2013 05:05:49 am

STUNNING!! What a lucky guy. You're knitting is beautiful and just might inspire me to do more/some/any : )

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Spinster Beth link
7/24/2013 01:54:50 am

That is so cute, it's good you took your time with it!

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Lynette link
8/1/2013 02:14:10 am

Bravo! Mike's sweater is a perfect fit. He definitely sounds worthy of this sweater and more. :)

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Molly
10/1/2013 01:42:43 am

Love this! I was looking for a pullover to knit for my husband, and this one is perfect! Incidentally, the person in my life who feels entitled to my knitting is not my husband but my mother. She saw a cardigan that I knit for myself and said, "I'll take one of those." And she meant it.

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