When I’m looking for a pattern to knit, my first port of call is often to pick up a big pile of knitting magazines and go through them, pulling out patterns that appeal to me. I do this periodically, and file any patterns that I may wish to knit and recycling the rest! As I was going through them, I came across Joyride sweater in an old copy of Knit Now magazine.
My New Year Resolution for 2017 was to knit a sweater for myself. But I wanted to choose the right pattern, as this was my first sweater for myself, so I didn’t want it to be too complicated a project.
This pattern is available for free on Ravelry and is designed by the Drops Design team. I set the pattern aside as a possibility… Then I looked at the sizes and yarn required.
In the last few months of 2016, I was feeling tired and found myself without my usual knitting mojo. I pushed myself to finish all my Christmas gift knitting obligations, and then put down my knitting needles. I didn’t knit anything over Christmas or into the New Year. An absolute drought for me. Hence, I was trawling through my old magazines looking for inspiration.
I’m not really a garment knitter. I’ve knit many Sasha doll sized sweaters but haven’t knit a sweater for myself since I was in my early 20’s. Back then, I just bought yarn, cast on, and had some fun!
So I wondered what was stopping me?
I’d always think it was mainly cost. Not so much in monetary terms but in time. What if I spent all that time knitting a sweater and it didn’t fit me or look flattering?
I’m not a slender person at the best of times, not that I don’t try to shed some of the extra pounds that have accrued over the years, but really, a sweater project that requires 22 balls of premium yarn, as a first sweater project, has too much invested in it, if I mess things up. At least that was what I’d tell myself.
The style of the sweater was also a big issue for me. A skinny fitted sweater is not a good look on me. I prefer to camouflage any bulges. For me, knitting a sweater, is not going to be a particularly quick project. Lots of patterns don’t go up to the size I want to knit, as I prefer a bit of positive ease rather than negative ease, which can be immensely frustrating.
I read through the Joyride sweater pattern (like Dumbledore, I also love reading knitting patterns!) and decided that I’d knit the sweater in the specified yarn. Choosing to knit Joyride sweater was a reasonably priced option as the Drops Karisma that I bought from Purple Sheep Yarns (who specialise in Drops yarns) didn’t break the piggy bank!
I wasn’t sure about the colours ’11 Orange’ and ’62 Dark Mustard’, so I bought a couple of different colours to give me some choice. In the end the main change I made was to swap the orange for ’45 Light Olive’. I also used a slightly darker shade of grey than the one that was specified. I chose ’44 Light Grey Mix’ as my main colour. The other colours used are ’39 Dark Old Rose’, ’73 Petrol Mix’ and ’60 Blue Turquoise’. I did consider switching one of the blue shades for a dark purple but decided not to.
I knit a swatch and actually obtained the correct tension using the suggested 4mm needle size in stocking stitch. Since then, I’ve realised how lucky I was to have this happen for my first sweater project!
Taking a deep breath I cast on and knit the garter stitch edge, then continued on for 2 balls of yarn in stocking stitch… I became concerned about how the edge flipped up and wouldn’t lie flat. I had a look on Ravelry and noticed that some other projects had the same issue. Maybe this problem would have gone away with blocking, but I didn’t really want to finish a sweater and find that I didn’t wear it because the lower edge flipped up. I’m not sure why this happened and if anyone can suggest what I could have done to prevent this I’d be really interested to know.
So I frogged…
I cast on again and decided to knit the rib using k1, p1 rib using the smaller needles. I wanted to retain the look of the sweater so I thought I’d knit about 2.5cm/1″ of rib initially. So it wouldn’t be obvious. But I changed that to 5cm/2″ instead. Then I switched to the larger needles. I was loving how the gorgeous grey wool was knitting up and am glad that I chose this shade instead of the paler pearl grey. For me it feels like a sensible choice as it won’t show marks so easily. I used Karbonz interchangeable needles.
For some reason, I thought it would be a good idea to knit the sweater longer than specified in the pattern. At the time, I think I pictured myself wearing the jumper with leggings. Experienced sweater knitters will laugh when I say that I panicked around this point and decided I wouldn’t have enough grey yarn, and ordered some additional balls of the grey…
I knit the sleeves…
Then the project was left lingering in a bag for several months as I wasn’t able to knit for a while.
I finally returned to Joyride sweater towards the end of July. My nieces and my mum had fun helping me choose the colours to use for the stranded yoke and the order in which to knit them.
The great thing was, that when I came back to Joyride, I only had the exciting element to knit – the yoke.
Then I tried the sweater on. Oh. My. Goodness. So disappointing. It looked terrible. At this stage I wasn’t quite sure what I didn’t like about it.
I’d definitely knit the body too long. I came to this realisation when I was out and noticed a chap wearing a sweater and thought to myself, that sweater is too long. If it was a bit shorter it would be much more flattering on him. It is odd how sometimes, it is when you see a garment on someone else, you realise what the problem is with your own project.
The next day, I carefully measured 15cm/6″ from the lower edge of my sweater and picked up the stitches on that round. Then I snipped the bottom of my sweater off a couple of rounds below the circular needle. Having cleaned up the edge, I started knitting the 5cm/2″ of rib. I didn’t go down a needle size as I didn’t want the rib to pull in at the bottom of the sweater.
It was completely worthwhile in the end! The pattern was very well written and easy to follow. The majority of problems encountered were because of my inexperience with knitting garments. I’d definitely knit this sweater again in a darker colour. I think it would be amazing with a charcoal grey for the main colour.
I love this sweater. It is a very warm jumper for the colder winter months.
Lots of people like to choose a word for the year. For 2018 I have chosen Mindfulness as my word. I shall be mindful when I take my medication, I shall be mindful and take time to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful views when I am out for my daily walk and I shall be mindful about what I eat. In 2018 I intend to improve my health and energy. I’ve also started a gratitude journal. It helps remind me, that although these may not be the most flattering photographs ever taken of me, I am grateful to still be here to enjoy this inspirational world with the people I love.
Have you chosen a word for 2018?
What size did you knit up??
Size 2X.
What a beautiful piece of work you have produced. Due to arthritis in my hands my knitting projects are smaller these days, like socks and gloves, but occasionally I take on an adult garment (on the last sleeve of a sweater right now) which gets lifted and laid according to whim. I have never attempted a sweater with anything but separate sleeves, raglan style, so seeing this stupendous sweater makes me wonder just how the construction works. I love using colours from landscape, Irish (born Limerick) and Scottish- the moors and heather being inspirational.
The Joyride Sweater was knit from the bottom up. The body and sleeves were both finished and then joined together for knitting the yoke. I was glad to have the knitting on a circular needle as it meant the weight of the sweater was on my lap. I enjoy knitting a sweater with this construction, although, it doesn’t allow for trying the sweater on until it is finished. I so agree about the Irish and Scottish landscapes. Just beautiful and the way they change according to the seasons. Which sweater are you knitting at the moment? Nicolette
Hi Nicolette,
This is the very first time I’ve visited your online store and blog. What a fresh and delightful space you’ve created! And so inspirational.
I just love that sweater. Just like you, I’ve been avoiding making myself a sweater. For me, it’s definitely the thought that I may lose some weight. I’ve lost 50 pounds since July, but have much more to go. I kept thinking what would happen if by the time I got done with sweater, it was too large. Would it have been a waste of time and money?
But your blog reminded me that I knit as more for the joy of knitting than anything else. Wearing the item is truly secondary for me. I love the act of knitting.
You’ve inspired me! As soon as I get back from my business trip next week, I’m busting out that special yarn I’ve been holding for a sweater.
Thank you! Susie
Hi Susie,
I’m so pleased that you enjoyed your visit to the Knitting Squirrel.
Congratulations! 50 pounds is amaaaaazing! I’m so impressed.
I don’t worry if the sweater is a bit loose. I prefer a loose style sweater to a fitted one. And there is always space in your life for a nice loose fitting comfortable sweater when you’re relaxing in the house or out in the garden.
It is really interesting learning new skills and doing something different. Although, it is great going back to a smaller project in-between the larger ones.
I look forward to seeing your progress on your sweater. Which pattern are you going to use?
Happy Knitting, Nicolette
Oh my goodness, your sweater is absolutely beautiful, the colours and design are amazing, and it looks wonderful on you. I’m so pleased you managed to finish it, I would have found it daunting.
I really enjoyed reading your post and seeing your beautiful photographs, what fabulous scenery.
Like yourself, I’m a sock knitter and love your basic pattern, I’ve just started a new pair with some scrumptious Shilasdair yarn. Keep mindful of yourself, Kate x
Hi Kate, the scrumptious Shilasdair yarn is gorgeous and soft, but I wouldn’t use it for knitting socks. It is a very soft yarn and has no nylon in it. I’d really worry about how well this yarn will hold up to wear in shoes. If I did use it I’d be thinking bed socks which don’t get much hard wear. I’ve only ever used this yarn for knitting shawls or hats where it didn’t get hard wear.
Thank you for the compliment about my joyride sweater. It was a fun pattern to knit and using DK weight yarn meant that it was reasonably quick to do. Happy knitting, Nicolette
I have this sweater in my (ridiculously long) Ravelry queue and completely identify with your thoughts on the risks and costs of knitting a sweater. I have another Drops sweater in progress at the moment (where I’m currently on the yoke, having knitted the torso longer, hmmm …), and yarn for a second when that one’s done, before I can get to this one!
You look great in the sweater and as Ruth above pointed out, it’s an encouraging post. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and expertise!
Thank you for the compliment Melanie, I really enjoyed knitting the Joyride sweater. It has been a fascinating journey learning to knit sweaters. I’m very much a beginner in this process. I’d love to know which sweaters you are knitting. I’ve just finished knitting the Carbeth sweater. I chose to knit it using King Cole Chunky Tweed yarn, mainly because I wanted a sweater that I’d be able to pop into the washing machine. Happy knitting, Nicolette
Hi,
I just found your blog last night from The Top 100 Best knitting Blogs.
Wow! You sure give a lot of detailed instructions! Thank you! I have wanted to make a part of socks forever, and even started a pair once, but I freaked out and stopped!! With your directions, I am going to give it a try!
I agree with the other posters. I think you look fabulous in your sweater! And Bene looks adorable – and that comes from a cat person!
I, too, need to focus on taking care of myself. I lost 30 pounds (and kept it off) 3 years ago just by giving up sugary treats. I have gained 10 pounds back this school year from stress at work (and eating sugar again). I need to stop that and exercise to feel better.
Thanks for your writing! I will be back to read more! (Going to go buy sock yarn this afternoon!!)
Jan >^..^<
Thank you Jan, that is so kind of you. I also live with Minnie who is a very sweet elderly (18 years old) black and white cat. Unfortunately, Minnie and Bene do not like each other. I have also been trying to leave out sugar as much as possible and I’m going cold turkey from a certain diet cola drink. Gosh it is hard. Happy knitting, Nicolette
Ooops…I had a fourth point that got away from me! lol Take a look at the blog of Karie Westermann. She is a large woman who designs sweaters and models her own things, and she is beautiful. Her book designs are lovely: https://www.kariebookish.net/blog/
I absolutely agree Kate… Karie Westermann is gorgeous. I bought her book “This Thing of Paper” before Christmas. It is very cool. I’ve been enjoying reading it. I have a very very long knitting wish list. I could do with being a faster knitter but I so enjoy taking my time and enjoying the process of seeing a project take shape. Thank you for the links. Happy Knitting, Nicolette
Firstly, the sweater looks gorgeous on you! This culture of fat-shaming makes me very sad. We are all beautiful regardless of weight.
Secondly, I read somewhere that when doing a garter edge to start the first row or two with a k1,p1 bit of ribbing and then switch to garter. I haven’t tested it, and may not like the look, but it might be something to swatch and see.
Lastly, go to Ravelry and search “Jennifer Steingass” for some very lovely yoke sweaters. They look so nice on you. I bet any of Jenn’s patterns would be perfect for you. Also, many of them are top-down so you can try them on. Blessings to you!
Hi Kate,
Thank you for your very thoughtful comments.
I hadn’t heard that about the garter edge so I shall try a swatch and see what it looks like. I like swatching!
I have Starfall and Telja by Jennifer Steingass in my Ravelry Library. Definitely on my list of sweaters to knit. But the one I’ll probably start after I finish the one on my needles is Birkin by Caitlin Hunter in the Laine magazine. I got the yarn from my mum as a present. What held me up is that I hadn’t realised there were bobbles in the yoke. I’m not at all sure about bobbles. I think I’d probably prefer to leave out the bobbles. I did bobbles on the Christmas socks I knit for my mum a while ago, and I thought they’d have been more useful without the bobbles, but mum likes them. I also bought Strange Brew by Tin Can Knits. I’ve read through it and would love to design my own yoke sweater but that would probably be a case of running before I can walk!
I really love a top down sweater. So much fun. Although, I’ve had a major blip with Sunset Highway sweater. Couldn’t get gauge. So tried tweaking. Knit the yoke. It was so enormous I could have fitted two of me in it. So I unravelled and knit the yoke again. I was hopeful. Nope, it was at least 10″ too big. So I unravelled the body and the first sleeve, and put it into the project box on top of the bookshelf and cast on Piece of Silver by Veera Valimaki from the Laine magazine. I was knitting away on the yoke of it, when I was sidetracked by Carbeth by Kate Davies which I must admit knit up super quickly. I added lots of length to the body though.
Unfortunately, I have to lose weight for my health. Diabetes, a heart attack, all the stents they can ever do in my arteries, high blood pressure and high cholesterol and way more medication than I ever imagined I’d be taking every day… It all came from my PCOS. I really do have to try to turn my health around out of this rather horrible downward spiral.
What are you knitting at the moment? I’d love to hear about it. Happy Knitting, Nicolette
How can I thank you again for your insight and reminder?
Since I’ve heard from you last, my brother died, my husband’s brother died, another baby girl (granddaughter) has been born and my hubby decided to “run for political office.” Yikes!!! All before Christmas.
So my head has been full and my needles have had many baby items on them.
MINDFULLNESS.
yes, Yes, that is something I chose about 6 years ago— a form of taking good care of yourself. It works!
And somehow I am going to be mindful this week and pick out the colours for my sweater!
Best to you, too, my dear.
Teri
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
ps. i Love your writing!!
Hi Teri, Congratulations on the arrival of your granddaughter. I sure you are having so much fun choosing what to knit. There are such beautiful baby patterns and superwash yarns now. It is so exciting to have a new baby in the family. Absolutely, nothing quite like it!
So sorry to hear about your brother and brother-in-law dying. I’m sure they have both left unfillable gaps in your family.
Wishing you luck with your husband’s political aspirations! Politics here in Northern Ireland and UK can be a bit trying for the voting public so I can only imagination what it is like for the incumbent politician!
Thank you so much for your lovely comment. So far being mindful seems to be working…
Happy Knitting, Nicolette xxx
You look lovely in the sweater, i am knitting my first sweater as well, and find it already fitting a bit to tight (have to loose some weight) ….. or frog it ….
You look gorgeous!
Hi Willemijn, It is great having the option to try on the sweater before you finish knitting the body and sleeves. Did washing your swatch make any difference to the size and gauge? Sometimes blocking can change the size a little.
I’ve been knitting a size bigger than my measurements to give me a little more breathing space as I think some of the lovely modern sweater designs a bit more fitted than I find comfortable.
I’ve frogged a couple of sweater projects, most recently, a striped cardigan that just wasn’t working for me, so I used the yarn for a Ravello sweater instead.
I’ve been reading a inspiring book by Dr Rangan Chatterjee called The 4 Pillar Plan. I’m reading the 3rd section on adding more movement into my life, which saw us walking on the beach for an hour this morning in the pelting rain. Whilst telling myself it will all be worthwhile in the end! Thank you for the huge compliment.
I look forward to seeing your sweater when you’ve finished. Happy Knitting, Nicolette
Re: garter edge flipping up — this happens to me a lot as well, and I have gradually learned it’s because the edge is not tall enough. Adding a few more rows of edging should take care of it.
Thank you Katherine, that is really helpful to know, and I’ve made a note of it in my Knitting Notebook and on the Joyride pattern. The edge in the pattern was only 6 rounds (3 garter ridges) and seemed a bit shallow. Although, it looked awfully cute in the pattern photo. Many thanks, Nicolette
Gorgeous sweater, such a great pattern and fit, and you look beautiful in it. The colors are fabulous and it looks so soft and cosy. It really sets off your lovely skin and hair.
As someone who has had a lifelong struggle with weight myself, may I recommend “Eat to Live” by Dr Fuhrman? Both my husband and I have lost 20+ pounds and brought our blood pressure down to normal within a couple of months. My husband has been able to discontinue his bp medication and has gained a lot of energy. I am sleeping so much better as my sleep apnea is greatly improved now. I hope you don’t mind the suggestion! Only since you mentioned your health… I found the book mentioned on a blog called Fifty not Frumpy and it helped us so much.
Hi Elisabeth,
Thank you so much for the lovely compliments.
I’ve ordered the book. It looks really helpful. Reading the reviews, his suggestions, seem to be very successful. I look forward to reading the book when it arrives. Have you tried any of his recipe books?
Many thanks, Nicolette
Hi again Nicolette,
I hadn’t seen your reply. No, I have not tried his recipe books. We keep it pretty simple. Most every day I have:
Breakfast:
Cooked oatmeal made with water, with a few nuts and a bit of dried fruit topped with a very little cinnamon sugar
Fruit compote or warmed fruit (skipping this recently after being ill with the flu and losing my appetite)
Black coffee
Lunch:
Cooked vegetables with beans (occasionally chicken or fish if we eat out) and maybe 1/2 c of brown rice. If we eat out then I would choose an Asian restaurant where I can order something that’s mostly fresh veggies. If I am at home I will just steam or roast some veg and eat what I want.
Dinner:
Big green salad with beans, nuts etc and fat free or low fat dressing.
I have been having a brown rice cake with a dab of peanut butter for a snack sometimes, but cut that out also recently. Usually I have one small glass of wine but I need to stop that as well as I sleep better if I skip it.
If I want a sweet after dinner I have one small piece of chocolate.
I drink lots of plain hot green tea after breakfast.
I am now down 30 pounds, from ~195 to ~165. I find it very easy to pretty much stick with this diet since I love vegetables and the portions are ample, and hope you find it useful as well.
Take care.
Oh, I forgot we have soup for lunch sometimes. Minestrone or a bean or lentil soup are easy and good. Chana masala (homemade) is so yummy. And a couple of cookbooks I do use sometimes are Fresh from the Vegan Slow Cooker, and One Dish Vegan.
Sorry for rambling on!
Thank you so much Elisabeth, much appreciated.
Thank you Elisabeth, really helpful.
You look fabulous in the sweater! I agree that garment knitting is a lot of investment in time, and more fit issues to tackle than any other knitting. Socks knitting is so much faster and easier 😀
By the way, will you be dyeing up more opal yarns? The current batch you have sold out in a few colours I love. I love your hand dyed yarns and have been hoarding all those I bought. I finally started using some last year but silly as it sounds, I need to buy more to replace those I have used!
Hi Min,
Thank you for the lovely compliments. I’m enjoying the challenges that come with knitting garments. It is great learning new skills and trying new techniques.
I will be dyeing more opal yarn but it has been put off for a few weeks as we are in the process of changing our central heating after our oil boiler stopped working and it is going to take a few weeks before the new gas heating is installed. Sadly cannot dye the yarn until I have a way of drying it! Thank you for your order which will be posted tomorrow morning. Happy Knitting, Nicolette
You look great in your sweater! I love the colours! The sleeves are the right length! Well done!
Thank you Daisy. It was a lovely pattern to knit and a great choice for a first jumper. Many thanks, Nicolette
Thank you for this encouraging posting. Your sweater looks lovely, it suits you beautifully. It is nice to have a lighter sweater to wear during the darker months. Admit to being a bit distracted by your lovely dog and beautiful background scenery. Wonder where you were? I shuddered when reading you took scissors and cut the bottom off your sweater!!! How many of us would have courage to do that. But what other solution, could it not have been unravelled from the bottom? The outcome is worth it. I will be looking up the pattern and see what others this same pattern co. makes.
Thank you Ruth,
Bene is a sweetie and a great reason to go for a walk every day. He enjoys them so much. Neil took the photos of us on a beach walk at Crawfordsburn Country Park, Co Down, Northern Ireland. It is a favourite walk of ours. We visit Crawfordsburn for a beach walk when the tide is in as our other favourite beach walk is a tidal beach and we have to walk there within an hour or so either side of low tide. When the tide comes in the beach completely disappears. Bene loves chasing his tennis ball and splashing in and out of the sea no matter what the weather is like!
I’ve tried unravelling from a cast on edge without much success in the past, (ended up a bit tangled) which was why I decided to cut the sweater. It was easier than I thought it would be once I’d made the first snip. I used my sharp stork scissors and had the sweater sitting flat on the kitchen table. I also put a piece of cardboard between the back and front of the sweater as I didn’t want to risk cutting anywhere accidentally. Many thanks, Nicolette