So I tried an experiment. I wanted to know if the "T" shape of the vintageknits pattern was, essentially, the one used for the UO sweater. So I tried a little tiny test. I cast on 30 stitches (not the right number for the ribbing, but divisible by three) and knit in 2x2 rib for 10 rows. Then I cast off 10 stitches on each side of the work and kept knitting the middle ten stitches for another 10 rows. Then I cast off. Here's the resulting piece:
Now here's the part I couldn't figure out without trying it myself. You fold the flap made by knitting the center 10 stitches down and sew side A to side B. Then sew side C to side D*. You'll see the basic shape of the shrug. It really does end up circular:
It ended up being just the right size for the fabulous Ani DollFranco to model for you:
The 30 stitches cast on initially are the top / collar side. Everything else kind of wraps around the body.
There are two main differences (besides the, um scale) between this sweater and the UO sweater. First, proportion. I didn't bother figuring any of that out, but you'd have to play with the proportions on a final version. I just used as many 10s as possible because I was in a hurry. But I suspect you'd have to knit more than 10 rows initially to get a wider collar. Second, ribbing. The UO sweater has two different rib patterns - one for the stitches that border the shrug and one for the inner portion. You could accomplish this by starting and finishing with a certain number of rows in, say, 3x2 rib before switching over to 2x2 or whatever you finally decide to use.
I don't know whether I'll ever actually make the sweater. Maybe Ani DollFranco's version got this out of my system enough for now. But I can't wait to see yours!
*For those who read this earlier, it used to say "C to B." That was a typo! It's A to B and C to D. Sorry!
Posted by jess at July 28, 2005 11:13 PMSooooo cute!
Posted by: Lauren at July 29, 2005 12:07 AMOooh, fabulous! I was wondering how those circular cardigans work, and with your experiment it's finally making sense to me! :)
Posted by: Iris at July 29, 2005 5:26 AMCute. What a fun model you have there.
Posted by: Jenn at July 29, 2005 7:59 AMThanks for doing the mock-up. I was having a hard time visualizing it (what else is new). I think I'm going to try it, but its not at the top of my project list right now. I'll keep you posted! Oh, and your comments section won't ever accept my URL...
Posted by: Megann at July 29, 2005 8:55 AMheehee, I like your cute mini sweater. Its such an interesting way to knit a sweater.. and so perfect for fall. I'd be way tempted to try it if I hadn't just bought yarn for 3 other projects :-)
Posted by: Diana at July 29, 2005 9:05 AMthanks for posting this experiment up. It totally helped me visualize how it's all put together. I couldn't for the life of me figure out how a T shaped blob was going to turn into a circular vest.
And ani is too cute in the photo. :)
Posted by: Sandra at July 29, 2005 9:20 AMwow, this made me laugh out loud at work!
wait, i'm not reading blogs at work... that was just, um, a figure of speech!
bad, heather. very bad...
Posted by: heatherfeather at July 29, 2005 10:00 AMNice! I was having trouble visualizing it as well. Thanks to you, and the lovely Ani DollFranco, for making it clear. Not sure when the Suss pattern will arrive, but I'll keep you posted on how hers is constructed. Hopefully like your sample, so there isn't too much seaming!
Posted by: julia at July 29, 2005 11:22 AMWow, that's so cool! it's so cute on your doll!
i was thinking about the suss pattern again last night, and looking at my interweave issue, the one with the shrugs, thinking there aren't too many cool/hip patterns out there these days. thanks for doing that sample for us!
Love your mock up, and the sweater is spiffy on your Ani.
I did a mock-up last night also. I cut a piece of scrap fabric into the dimensions of the Yesterknits pattern to see if this was going to work. I was skeptical. I now understand the basic construction, and am playing with the measurements. I'm using fairly cheap yarn for this first go, but I'll let you know how it works out. If it works like I think, then you could easily do a different rib or even a cable pattern. I'll report back when I know more.
Posted by: Libby at July 29, 2005 1:04 PMI love that you have an Ani Dollfranco to model for you! Clever girl...
Posted by: Sarah at July 29, 2005 5:38 PMthanks for the mockup! i couldn't visualize it either...and i was thinking of buying the Suss pattern, but i think it'll be MUCH more fun to mess around w/ this....
Posted by: kat meow at July 29, 2005 7:27 PMCute!
Posted by: chica at July 30, 2005 11:43 AMAH! An Ani Doll..thats brilliant!
I had front row tickets to one of her upcoming shows in Northern California and unfortunatly she's canceled..so maybe I should just knit an Ani doll to make myself feel better!
:D
Posted by: Amanda Woodward at July 30, 2005 5:08 PMi love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
and thank you - the pattern now makes sense to me a little more.
Posted by: Ailoan at August 2, 2005 1:07 AMHow cute is your Ani Doll?? This pattern has been a topic on the Knitty board...check it out!
http://knittyboard.com/viewtopic.php?t=11978
Your Ani DollFranco is awesome. A righteous babe, even. ;)
Posted by: Jen at August 9, 2005 11:18 AM