Grace.

3/27/2013

Back in December, I was lucky to win a copy of Jane Richmond's eBook Island. I knew the first pattern I would knit from it would be the Grace cardigan. I also knew that I wanted to knit it in black.

My first LBC has been loved. A LOT. And, I'm long overdue in adding another classic and versatile black cardigan to my arsenal of sweaters.

After all, while I am inexplicably drawn to bright colors and flashy yarns at my LYS, I'm a complete neutral girl when it comes to getting dressed in the morning. These two contradictory characteristics directly led to the development of my resolution to make more wearable garments in 2013.

A sock-weight raglan definitely fits into my wardrobe plans for the year. (I really should have thought-out the whole white bra black cardigan thing... sorry).

Similar to Oolong, this cardigan is a great length, weight and classic design. Unlike Oolong, I knit this one back and forth and didn't seam a darn thing. I do feel a little bit bad about that... but not too bad.

Yep. This one's a keeper. Oh, and can I point out how great a job Mike did photographing the detail on this black sweater. I mean, That's not an easy thing to do.

The dogs felt the need to participate in pictures this time around. They didn't think it was fair for Mike and me to be outside without them. While we're on the subject, do any of you knitters with dog/cat/bunny/furry friend companions have secrets for de-furring hand knits? I mean, besides using tweezers to individually remove caramel colored hairs from your black sweater... *sigh*

29 Comments

Lisa link

3/27/2013 12:52:00 am

You did a beautiful job (as usual) on this! I've got this sweater in my queue.

We have an abundance of dog hair from our dachshunds so I use one of those cheap sticky roller lint removal things (I'm certain that's the technical term), which never gets all the hair, so then I have to pick out the rest with either my hands or tweezers. :-/ Sorry, not much help!

Lisa

3/27/2013 12:52:49 am

By the way, your dogs are adorable! :)

Michelle link

3/27/2013 02:24:14 am

Ah, yes. We do the sticky roller, and the felt lint remover. I've also bought a rubber bristled brush that's supposed to create static and attract the hairs. I think it's all a losing battle. :-)

3/27/2013 11:52:43 am

I suppose we could shave the dogs but that would just be wrong...

Wouldn't it?

katie metzroth link

3/27/2013 02:22:06 am

First, no seams? YAY! maybe I will knit one of these. :) It looks great! and yes, good job on the photos, Mike - cause photographing black stitches is HARD.

Two, for dog hair/fuzz, here's my secret weapon. (I do still have to use tweezers for a little bit of dog hair afterwards) http://www.metzroth.com/katie/?p=2216

Jenn link

3/27/2013 02:33:17 am

It looks fantastic! And you are on quite a roll with all of the FOs lately!

You're also very brave for not only wearing a black sweater, but knitting a black sweater while having dogs. Dog fur is a losing battle in our house.

3/27/2013 02:35:51 am

It would help if I actually finished typing my comment before hitting submit, right?

We use the sticky lint rollers and the furminator has helped to reduce the amount of fur in general.

Monica link

3/27/2013 02:37:54 am

Your Grace is gorgeous! I just got ISLAND and right way put Grace on my queue. Didn't think about black yarn but it totally makes sense now. Just like you, I tend to wear neutrals and gray/black a lot. Thanks for the inspiration and for sharing your gorgeous pics!

Heather link

3/27/2013 03:00:48 am

That sweater is gorgeous! I haven't made a sweater for an adult yet...that might be on my list at some point this year! Just for the littles in my life. I get impatient...large projects tend to get put aside a lot :-)

Carla link

3/27/2013 03:15:35 am

You look fantastic in your sweater!! I love the lacey bits in the front and back, it really makes the sweater pop!

joelle link

3/27/2013 03:51:54 am

what a great sweater! a great basic, but with a twist. now i'm off to ravelry to queue the pattern! (my queue is rapidly starting to grow out of proportions...oups!)

Natalie link

3/27/2013 03:55:09 am

Oh My Gosh - You are such an amazing, talented knitter - your project is simply divine!
x

Michele A. link

3/27/2013 04:18:38 am

Lovely (as per usual)!

Removal of dog hair??? Puh-lease. It's now a firm part of my overall fashion statement.

kim link

3/27/2013 05:19:24 am

Hello there Michelle, that is one beautiful sweater, I haven't seen the pattern book Island yet........will do a quick ravelry search.
Kim

Deb Hickman link

3/27/2013 05:24:21 am

I love your cardigan, the back is gorgeous. Have a good week. Debxxxx

steph link

3/27/2013 05:30:40 am

The sweater looks fantastic on you!!!! I really had to laugh....I do the same thing---bring home bright yarn/only wear black-grey-white!!! When will I learn?????

(scotch tape works pretty well with dog hair!)

Janet link

3/27/2013 05:48:47 am

Your Grace cardigan is gorgeous! Dealing with dog hair is a losing battle here. Our border collie sheds black and white so it shows on every color. :-)

Sezza link

3/27/2013 07:38:13 am

Oh gorgeous!! I desperately need a black cardigan, I might have to copy you!

Sally @ thequirkypeach link

3/27/2013 07:58:09 am

This sweater is beautiful! While I don't knit, seeing all these amazing cardigans and sweaters on sewing blogs has piqued my interest :)

Also, I have just had the major realization that I, like you, always gravitate to the fun happy colors and prints, but when it comes to actually wearing clothes, I am a neutral and solids girl all the way. Perhaps that is why most of my fabric stash is now becoming solids, and I am gifting the colorful prints :)

Gracey link

3/27/2013 09:43:18 am

It turned out fantastic....you can't beat the basic black anything...and I love the mesh detail

LE link

3/27/2013 11:23:43 am

What a beautiful cardigan! Indeed very versatile and great in black.

Chris

3/27/2013 11:42:39 am

Love it! It is perfect for all kinds of wear, dressy to casual. I will have to knit a sock weight cardi some day. Just not right now. I can barely get through a worsted weight without losing interest!

Elisabeth Andree

3/27/2013 06:42:09 pm

Love your cardigan. You really have a good eye for patterns with beautiful details, sew of knit. Love to see your furry friends again:)

Karen link

3/27/2013 11:16:43 pm

I love your sweater! It's beautiful and looks fantastic on you:)

3/29/2013 01:42:27 am

DEFINITELY a wearable garment! It looks fantastic.

stefanie link

3/29/2013 03:50:36 am

Love this sweater, it's definitely going in my queue. I am the same way about mostly wearing neutrals; I totally need to make more sweaters that will go with what's in my closet and I absolutely love the way your cardigan looks in black. Absolutely gorgeous, and so are the photos (and puppies)!

Barbara link

3/29/2013 05:07:13 am

What a beautiful, classic cardigan you've created. If I had that in my wardrobe, I'd be wearing it every day.

autumngeisha link

3/30/2013 11:34:52 am

Wow, your Grace cardigan looks gorgeous! Really love how it looks knitted in black. Very classic and wearable.

Lynn link

4/3/2013 10:25:16 pm

I'm amazed. You knit a black sweater!?!?!? A pair of black socks nearly killed me! You gooooood... And the sweater?!?! Perfect.

Tres bien ensemble

Grace.

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