For many of us apprentice knitters, the idea of making an entire sweater looms large and terrifying. Row after row of knits and purls falling from bored and tired fingers. Tricky stitching and seamwork. And wondering whether the damn thing will even fit us at the end! Not to mention that the world at large doesn’t seem to appreciate our efforts. Ugly sweater parties anyone?

And so I swore never to attempt a sweater  – or any fitted clothing, really. I’d save myself the potential shame and embarrassment and stick with projects where the stakes were low – scarves, hats, blankets…

What changed my mind? Two things:

First, I attended  Vogue Knitting Live in Pasadena. For those of you who have never gone, it’s a mecca of exotic fibers from all over the world, knitting classes from renowned experts, and designers showing off beautiful creations you’ll never find on any department store rack. Seeing these, for the first time, I felt a yearning to wear something knitted by myself, for myself.

Second, I finally learned to knit Continental style. My previous attempts had ended up with my poor left hand in knots and tangles, but Leslye Solomon taught a class at Vogue Knitting that changed my whole perspective. My knitting speed doubled. I could tear through swatches in just minutes – and finish a sweater before collecting my pension! Armed with these techniques and fresh inspiration, I decided it was time to man up and take the plunge into my first sweater.

The Pattern

As I write this, Southern California is coming off a 90+ degree heat wave. You might not think of this place as sweater country, but believe it or not, they are especially useful here. At night, the temperature often drops to around 50 or 60 degrees – that borderline temperature where it’s a bit cool for a T-shirt but way too warm for a jacket. And of course, there is the Great Indoors. It always seems like people in suits set the thermostats; you can dress for the weather and still be chilled to the bone once you reach your office or the mall.

I was looking for something I could slip on and slip off easily – perhaps with a hood to keep my head warm in especially cold places. A hooded cardigan seemed the best bet. Finding a pattern was challenging. Most knitters are women, and the Internet’s selection of patterns reflect this. Perhaps one day I’ll help narrow the gap! But for now, I settled on Everyone’s Favorite Cardigan by Lion Brand. It’s a simple, yet classic design – ribbing at the bottom and sleeve edges, stockinette stitch everywhere else.

The Design

Even with a pre-written pattern, there’s usually some room for creativity. A different stitch pattern, perhaps, or a splash or color. Men’s outerwear usually sticks to neutral, drab colors but I was looking to add a little pop.

I wondered why I kept coming back to this yellow and blue motif, until I realized:

Guess I’ve been playing too much Fallout 4. Knitting is a nice release after fighting your way across the apocalyptic wasteland!

In the next part, we’ll talk swatches, plenty of swatches. Because if you’re going to commit to a sweater, you’d better be in love with the yarn you choose!