Jemima, Mon Petit Chou

Jemima, my dear, you are officially a finished object. How does it feel? You look great. You feel great! Now all we need is a cold spell.

Yarn: Rowan Cashsoft DK Savannah and Cream
Pattern: Jemima by Anna Bell
Modifications: I didn't make any modifications intentionally, and I even used the suggested needle size. However, my collar was worked on fewer stitches as I couldn't find enough stitches to pick up what the pattern said. I don't think it matters.

I dunno how Anna Bell did it, but this sweater hits my waist exactly, which is unusual because I'm short-waisted. The only down side is that I find the circumference of the sleeves to be a bit too generous for me.

I found the raglan seaming to be a bit of a nightmare. The pattern didn't say to work the increases one or two stitches in from the edge. I don't think these things should be treated as a given. However, it is possible that you might want the shaping to be on the edge, so I don't think that's the only reason my raglan sleeves aren't super polished.

The gauge for the knitted fabric is intentionally looser than what the ball band recommends. This creates a light and drapey fabric that is the essence of the pattern. However, I think the loose stitches don't seam as well. They didn't bounce back into shape after I tightened the mattress stitch, even on the side seams. So, I adjusted most of the stitches in and around the edges manually with a needle.

Another problem was that I kept ending up with an extra inch or so on the body pieces, even though the row count for the raglan shaping on each piece is the same. I think this is because some of the decreases on the body are worked every other fourth row as opposed to every other row on the sleeves. At least that is my guess, but it made it a challenge to keep the seams from being lumpy in spots.

In the end I think it all came together, and I'm very pleased. I've learned some lessons for my next project. What else can you hope for?

Summer in Paris

You can probably tell that I nipped off to Paris for the day. B had a work thing (read: room paid for plus per diem), so I tagged along. While he worked, I took the RER train out to Versaille, a place I always wanted to check out but never got around to visiting. I'll post some more photos later, but I will mention that while Versaille is certainly a fine display of ridiculous opulence and wealth, I think Schönbrunn Palace outside of Vienna puts on a better show. Schönbrunn, the childhood home of Marie-Antoinette, has a couple of Asian-inspired rooms that will blow you away.

I was lucky to beat the really long lines at Versaille, so I was back in the city for lunch. I've been to Paris a few times before, so I decide to spend the rest of the day shopping around St. Suplice and St. Germain instead of cramming in more sight-seeing. Europe goes on sale in July and there were major bargains to be had, as much as 70% off in some shops. I made out like a bandit.

Comments

[Jeannie]

Jemima looks great on you! I think the sleeves look very nice and cozy. I have to say that I'm envious of your trip. It brings back a lot of old (old!!) memories. I lived in Germany a while back and traveled around to a few other places in Europe.

[Carol]

Beautiful!!!

[becky]

That first photo looks like a model for the pattern. It looks great. As soon as (read in the next 6 months) I finish trying to make my own with the handspun, it's a cashsoft sweater for me. It's just so luscious! What an achievement. Yay you.

[Lolly]

Beautiful pullover! I like the neutral color and the simplicity of the design. So wearable. Lovely photo tour too :)

Many thanks for your comment on my blog. Very informative, and lots of "food for thought".

best wishes~

[Heather]

A toutes ls gloires de Jen--bravo!

I haven't heard the term 'short waisted' since my grandmother died, how funny.

Now that Jemima is in the can, are you back to your usual sock drill??

[Jean]

Brilliant work! Jemima is gorgeous and looks beautiful on you. The modeling pictures are lovely. Congrats on a job well done and your new, fab sweater!

[Meghann]

Gorgeous! You look stunning in it and what a great wardrobe piece!

Oh, how I envy you....I've always wanted to go to Paris, but never had the chance when I have been in Europe. Maybe next time!

[KelInCal]

Jemima looks wonderful - great job!

[Jessica]

It came out great! And it sounds like you learned a thing or two also. Paris...*sigh*. Someday I will get back to Europe...

[tiennie]

Beautiful! I love the pictures!

[Janette]

Wow ... looks fabulous! So pleased everything worked out and you are actually wearing Jemima.

Versaille, I remember it well and enjoyed every minute I spent there, but the Schonbruun Palace I have not been to yet. Maybe my next trip, perhaps in October!

Paris, how I loved Paris. Always so much to do, so much to see .. I will return.

[jennsquared]

Don't I wish I get to live in Europe... So did you get any sale in Yarn??? :) ;)

I think Jemima looks great on you! I'll have to make a note on checking that pattern out for myself!

[Projektleiterin]

Looks like you're having a lot of fun. :) And I have to say, the view in the second picture is really really nice. And with you in the picture it looks like a professional photo shoot.

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