My most recently finished knitting project is a sweater that I designed using various red yarns and a white yarn.  The idea for the sweater began from the knitting stitch a friend of mine was using to knit a baby blanket.  I had some various red yarns, a skein of this and that, all in medium weights, and I wanted to combine them and use them up.  I decided it would be best to alternate them with some white yarn since some of the yarns were a dark red and other were a true red, or a red with sparkles in the yarn.  

I am really happy with the way the sweater turned out and the fit.  I am also happy that I got it done in time to wear for Valentine’s day.  My husband commented that I would be ready for Christmas, too – especially if I added a green accent to it –  so I guess it can be worn for a couple of holidays.

As I mentioned before the yarns I used were various medium weight yarns.  Three of the yarns were the Hobby Lobby I Love This Yarn – which is a great yarn for sweaters, in my opinion.  It knits well and there are tons of colors.  The other two yarns were Red Heart that I had left over from other projects.  The one was Red Heart Sparkle, which I only used for a couple of stripes in the body of the sweater.  I ran low with this one and I didn’t think I had enough for the sleeves so I left that one out of the sleeves.  The other yarn was Red Heart Soft in a wine color.

Above is a larger, close up view, of the sweater so you can see the stitch.  It is mainly stockinette with a ridge in between each color change.  The sweater has garter rows for the sleeve edges and the lower band and at the top neckline and shoulder area.

The sleeves I designed to be a 3/4 sleeve.  I decided that would be best since sometimes in February we have slightly warmer days and if it does happen to be cooler I can wear a shirt underneath, as in the photos.  I kind of like a 3/4 sleeve on sweaters that way they don’t get wet when you wash or hands or do dishes.

Overall I am pleased with my new sweater and look forward to knitting another one – maybe in shades of blue with a light gray in place of the white.  I am thinking that combination would look good with jeans.  Eventually I will have the pattern for the sweater available in my etsy, craftsy and ravelry shops.

What are you currently knitting or crocheting?  Let me know by leaving a comment.

-Kimberlee