Finally, these loose ends … tied up.

And new seams made, which involved cutting into the knitted fabric. Even though I had cut this sweater up the middle to make it into a cardigan, it was still a bit daunting to do. The technique is called steeking. I cut and sewed new seams for the sleeves and the side seams. I also opened up the shoulder seams and shifted the front pieces toward the centre to reduce the size of the neckline.

Here is the sweater as originally knit. I finished it in 2000 and this photo is from 2006. The scarf hides the just slightly overly wide neckline. You can still buy this sweater kit from Philosopher’s Wool in Ontario. Not a fashionable piece, it looks like you’re walking around in a blanket. It was the first sweater that I made. I went to a fibre fair in Toronto and was taken by the colours of the sweater. I told Ann from Philosopher’s Wool that I had just started to knit and with some hesitation she sold me the kit after revising the pattern instructions down a size, crossing out a few numbers and adding new ones. Here she is showing the Fair Isle knitting technique. I bought the VHS instructional video tape and began. I don’t know when I started, but I know I finished it in France before my son was born. I would knit after meals to digest. I was pregnant and not working as I had just moved to France with my husband for his work.
I still love the buttons, but I first regroovenated the sweater in 2009, replacing the button band for a two way zipper.
Finally, regroovenated one more time. Just subtly taken in. Still very roomy, but it fits better and after 16 years, the ends of the cuffs were starting to wear out and they are now repaired.
Wow, June, this is great. Love the latest design. I have a sweater that is huge, but I really
like the colors. May I send u a picture of it? You may have an idea for a new look.
Wow, June, this is great. Love the latest design. I have a sweater that is huge, but I really
like the colors. May I send u a picture of it? You may have an idea for a new look.
Thanks foe sharing your new sweater design.