This sweater has been finished for a long time. Months, in fact. I didn’t intend to let it go unblogged for so long, but I never got around to taking photos. Anyway…started a year and a half ago and finished this past August, here is Assemblage:
I knit the 40” size since my gauge was a little tight and since I liked the way the model on the pattern instructions looks in the oversized sweater. I also added a couple extra inches to the length.
Norah Gaughan’s pattern is obviously very well-written, and the stitch pattern on the collar and cuffs is TO DIE FOR. I was knitting a sleeve in the airport when a woman stopped dead in her tracks to gush all over it. I couldn’t even say thank you, I was just all, “I KNOW, right?!”
The only thing that keeps me from falling madly in love with this cardigan is that I don’t think it’s really my style. I don’t know why I didn’t figure this out before I knit it, but it’s entirely possible that I was mesmerized by that gorgeous stitch pattern. Although I’m happy with the execution of the finished product, I don’t know how much I’ll wear it. Any of you fashionistas have ideas for styling this handknit differently? There is another button at the top, if that makes a difference. What I’m wearing in the photo is a total snooze. Maybe it needs a skirt and boots or something…
Totally understand what you’re saying.
I think it’s the expanse of plain gray – what if you had a panel of the cool stitch pattern down each of the sides – either centered in each side from the shoulder down or closer in so it’s a few stitches off the button bands?
It would give it a little more vertical interest in the front which could add some visual shape as well as a chance for more of the gorgeous stitch pattern — ?
Maybe a higher ribbing or a shorter length? Would cut down on the amount of plain gray.
I love love love those sleeves! I’m hooked. I think it would look great with a skirt and boots. It’s hard to tell in that last picture how it goes with your outfit. But I would definitely wear it just for those gorgeous cuffs!
Utterly gorgeous!! I love how mutual knitters are so great at gushing over beautiful stitches, without modesty. I’m the exact same way!
I am seeing a lot of long cardigans like this one worn open with thin little belts cinching them around the waist in all the spring catalogs arriving in my box. In fact, I am seeing thin little belts cinching in just about everything in these catalogs. Might break up the silhouette a little. In my opinion it is gorgeous as is as well.
The sweater looks good on you. I love the detail on the cuff and collar. Very nice.
I think that you ask yourself too many questions: you wear it over a pyjamas and you’re going to look wonderful. So forget the outfit that goes with it! That cardi is so beautiful!
This cardigan is beautiful! I’d be tempted to knit it with a zipper instead of buttons. Don’t know why. Maybe because it has resemblances with a hoodie? The wrist and collar pattern is really beautiful and feminine. The simplicity of the stockinette stitch make it perfect! Good work!
Oh I love this pattern – and your finished knit looks great. Could you maybe get the collar to show a little more at the front if you just buttoned it at the top? The fronts are a little plain and don’t make the most of the gorgeous stitch pattern – or would it be feasible to redo the bottom of the cardi with the stitch pattern there?
I also second the belt idea — breaks up the gray front without reknitting a stitch!
I had the same thought. Love the cardigan but it isn’t really me. I think making it longer and/or using the belt idea would change the look of it. But it looks great as a lounging cardi.
It’s gorgeous!!! And I agree…that stitch pattern rocks. I like the idea of the sweater worn with skirt and boots. It’s too pretty not to wear, so I hope you find a way to do it that suits you!!
Lovely!
Oh my goodness, what a gorgeous stitch! I think if you wore it over a dress, that might do it. Or maybe just a brightly colored shirt underneath. I think the grey is perfectly understated to show off that stitch pattern on the cuffs. You could fancy-up the buttons too, if you were so inclined, but I think it’s darling as-is.
I think it’s lovely. I wonder if it’s the grey that just needs a little livening up? Perhaps some embroidery/needle felting detail just above the bottom ribbing? I think the buttons are possible a little plain and something a little more ornate could really lift things.
It is beautiful!!
wear it with tweed shorts, wooly tights, and tall suede boots, and a silky scarf around yr neck bandana style. and bangle bracelets. that’s what i would do if i was you. or skinny jeans and a striped turtleneck and flats. or over a shirtdress!!! this is fun i like playing paperdolls like this.
Yes, different buttons I think? It’s gorgeous, though.
Someone said to wear it over pjs. I second that. A little something underneath and it will keep you warm enough during your morning coffee that it won’t matter that you don’t wear it out in public.
I see you in the woods also wearing a skirt. Oh wait that’s the model for assemblage. I don’t know, I think it looks great. Maybe with a mustard yellowy shirt.
That stitch pattern is so very pretty, I don’t think it matters what you wear it with, it is beautiful!
okay. i am thinking we have the same taste. or i have the same taste as you. i have wanted to make this for a long time.
i LOVE it! enjoy!!!
LOVE those sleeves!
I do love that stitch. It’s gorgeous. I second the person who said to wear it with a striped top. I think this orange and white tank would look great with it: http://www.martinandosa.com/web/browse/product.jsp?catId=cat40010&productId=prod1000091
I totally love the stitch pattern, am hungry to do it. But, like you, I’m not sure what I’d do with the sweater once done. I like a little more structure, a belt will do that for sure. I know it’s crazy, but were it mine I would think of getting rid of the ribbed hem and repeating the stitch pattern instead. It’s that wonderful.
Gorgeous. Glad you found the impetus to finish!
well, i LOVE the dove grey color. it is so pretty and the sheen is delightful. id wear it with a vibrant colored long sleeve t underneath it, and simple jeans or leggings on the bottom.
I also think it is gorgeous, but disagree that it is the expanse of gray that needs to be livened up. I think you should make the most of the soft neutral look, and wear it with something also neutral, even a very simple off white linen flowing dress, something that blends with it. Eileen Fisher-ish, or beachy Rowan-ish. That natural look is so Norah G, right? Well done!
I’d probably shorten it, and rather than trim the bottom in the ribbing, use the same lace as the sleeve cuffs for the bottom. I think it needs a touch of the lace from the sleeves in the body of the sweater… maybe a shorter and a triangle of lace along the lower portion of each front edge, if you don’t want lace all the way around?
Then again, if you like it the way it is, it could look really cute over long sleeved tee in a complementary color or just black. Then add a trumpet skirt in a similar gray, with some cute boots.
Ahahahahaha. I’m glad I’m not the only one that wants to squeal “I KNOW RIGHT?” at times. Love the sweater. Looks fab. 🙂
I like the sweater very much.
I love your blog I even linked to it today with a picture of your felt ball garland. I love it! I hope that’s ok. Have a great day!
By the way my blog is here http://sundiandmike.blogspot.com/ It’s called Show & Tell, The Life Of A Cheap Chickadee 🙂
~Sundi
What I find so ineiresttng is you could never find this anywhere else.
that is absolutely beautiful!! i love the detail on the sleeves and hood
The detail on the sweater is so pretty!