I still knit folks. I swear. And this proves it.
It is Rosa!
Remember this pattern? Yeah, I know, it has been a while. I got this kit last May when I visited Kara in London and promptly cast on, knit the bottom ribbing, and then totally lost interest. A couple of months ago, I was feeling the excitement of needing a new project. I chose a (completely different) project, ordered yarn, and while I was waiting, I picked up Rosa again. Well, my new yarn came but by that time I knew that I needed to finish this sweater or I never would.
Even not counting the months and months this project lay dormant, it still took me longer than it should have. I am not entirely sure why but I suspect it has something to do with the color. Knitting with black yarn is just not fun. I wouldn’t think it would make that big a difference but it really did. Don’t get me wrong, I like the end product and am glad I choose the color I did to get the finished look I got but, black yarn just doesn’t excite me as it is being knitted.
The fun part of knitting this sweater came in the form of ruffles. Sure there were like 300+ stitches of kidsilk haze on each–they were time consuming and a little fiddly but the ruffles were at least fun to make.
Project Stats
Pattern: Rosa
Source: Kim Hargreaves
Size: 38
Yarn:Rowan RYC Cashsoft 4-ply, Black & Rowan Kidsilk Haze, Slate
Needles: US 1 & 3
Mods: I added about 3 inches of length to the bottom of the sweater–just adding rows evenly between increases and also adding some rows to the straight knitting at the waist.
I am really happy with the end result of this sweater. If the two sweaters I have made from Kim Hargreaves patterns are any indication of the rest, I feel like her style and fit is a very flattering one and I highly recommend her designs. For your information, I believe Rosa is now a pattern in Kim’s book Thrown Together so you no longer have to order a full kit from England to get the pattern. Just in case you are interested.
And yes, I know I look like I am mad. I’m not.
Oh my, this is the most gorgeous thing I’ve seen in a long time! Absolutely stunning in black – and it looks great on you!
SO beautiful! I love it Erin! It looks great on you.
YEA!
it’s beautiful erin! so glad you picked it up again.
see you next week!
Kim is one of my favorite designers. You pick the best patterns to knit and that top is going to be great for may years to come!
It looks lovely on you. Good job finishing it. Black yarn is a pain.
so cute!
oh, I have the Thrown Together book, and your fabulous version of the sweater is inspiring me to look it up.. Love the black, it is a great wearable sweater, even if knitting with black is uninspiring.
Gorgeous! I am going to start knitting this soon, and yours is very inspiring.
Wow I am loving that sweater. Ruffles are so in right now and you are going to be a fashion leader with that masterpiece! Great job!
Erin, this is GORGEOUS!! It fits you perfectly and can we say attention to detail? Love it.
Fabbity fab. It really is! And I can’t believe that you have two blog posts so close together with FOs. You are on a roll.
Erin…it is stunning! Wow! Absolutely a lovely FO. Beautifully done as usual. I am proud of you…
That’s a great FO! I’ve loved that pattern since I laid eyes on it.
Wow – BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
Perfect fit, perfect style, perfect execution – nice job!
The black yarn was totally worth it because it looks perfect!
Wow, I love it in black! It looks beautiful and sophisticated on you and fits you perfectly.
Absolutely beautiful! Someday I’d like to knit a sweater that pretty
That knit is AWESOME. It looks really, really great!
[...] be using Rowan Cashcotton 4-ply and Rowan Kidsilk Haze. (For inspiration: Girl Who Knits just blogged her beautiful finished Rosa.) And in the new Knitty, I was instantly smitten with [...]
oh my gosh! that is SO great!!! really really amazing and beautiful!!!
gorgeous
It’s the first time I see this pattern and I really like it! Congratulations! You did a good job! I agree that black may not be that much exciting to knit. I just finished a sweater in black and I think it will be a while before I choose this color again (apart from using the remaining skein)… Very nice, the ruffles!
you are a knitting wizard. and you look just beautiful in these photos.
Oh Erin! This one is soooo great. Love it. Wish I had the knitting talent. Seeing stuff like this makes sewing look soooo easy.
i have NO idea what an FO is…but THIS is one of the best ones I’ve seen.
EVER.
Love it.
Fantastic! I had been eyeing up this pattern, but seeing you in yours I am convinced now I have to knit it, too. A very nice top that suits you extremely well.
It looks SO cute! I admire your patience knitting sweaters on such small needles
I wish I could do it because they always turn out so nice!
that is gorgeous…however did you do that!? I’ll take one of those too! How fun to have one of a kind clothes!
Oh, this is gorgeous.
That is so beautiful — and so are you (you are looking pretty fit too).
Okay – that’s it. I know i wanted you to knit me a sweater when I hit my goals weight but now — well now — will you knit my wedding dress? I know white a boring color too – but come one – it will be fun!
Well worth the time and effort I suspect. The end result is stunning. Very nice work.
It is ridiculous how talented you are. Love it!
Wowza!!
It’s so lovely!! I’m glad you finished it because it looks so good on you!
its fantastic! I love the ruffles
It looks fabulously pretty
that is one kick-ass sweater!
Gorgeous!
Oh, this is lovely! And you’ve reminded me that I’ve got a beige version of this hibernating at the back of my cupboard. Your lovely photos have inspired me to get it out and finish it.
Oh, and you don’t look *that* mad, really…
This is beautiful! The ruffles are fabulous!
Gorgeous! I’ve just been browsing your finished knits since I haven’t stopped by in a while and they’re all just stunning. You’ve always had impeccable taste in your choices.