Enh! To the Long-Sleeved Version...

Enh! And Blah! That is what I have to say to my long-sleeved version of the Fitted Knits Puff-Sleeved Feminine Cardi:

Can you say Dowdy, with a Capital "D" with me?   Dowdy!

Yes, we have the following descriptors for my long-sleeved version of this sweater: dowdy, schoolmarm-ish, down-right disgraceful, fugly, and just plain unattractive.

The upside?  It looks like I won't be worrying about matching dyelots for more yarn.  Unfortunately, I went ahead and ordered more yarn--bah!  Oh well, I suppose I'll be needing a beanie soon with fall scooting its way on in.

ETA 08/25/07: I do like the sweater, just not long-sleeved!  I also think I am getting a bit burnt out futzing with the sleeves--knitting them, ripping them back, making mods and knitting them again.  I am ready to finish this sweater and move on to another project.
Holly of HollYarns

Comments

[Michelle Bond]

Hi Holly,
I can tell you don't like how it turned out, but I have to tell you - I think it looks really cute on you. Honestly! I think it looks pretty hip and in fashion, not dowdy. But, it is you who has to be happy with it! I'm so sorry it's not what you wanted. Maybe you can try another pattern in the book with the yarn? It's a great color. :)

[Chayele]

Not dowdy to me. The color is gaw-juss and your stitcery on the sleeve and waist area are lovely. As Michelle wrote, you're the one who has to be happy. Hmm, you could finish it and have a raffle...?

[Chayele]

Not dowdy to me. The color is gaw-juss and your stitcery on the sleeve and waist area are lovely. As Michelle wrote, you're the one who has to be happy. Hmm, you could finish it and have a raffle...?

[stacy]

Oh Holly I think you've been working on this one too long. Personally I think it looks SUPER! I love the arm ribbing transition between the puffiness and the fitted sleeves. Color is perfect and it fits you well. Of course since I am a schoolmarm....go figure LOL!

[JulieFrick]

I must be missing something, because I really like it. It reminds me of Forecast, which is near and dear to my heart!

[Tyna]

Holly,
I like the color of your sweater and I think it looks really beautiful. I am sorry it didn't turn out how you wanted it too. I have had that happen to me with a few knitted projects. Maybe if you keep the sleeves short, like you suggested, it might not look so bad. Keep knitting and maybe it will turn out how you like it :)

[Robin]

Hmmm. This may be in contrast to the consensus, but I have to say I agree with you! I don't like this one. Maybe it is projection though as I have a similar body shape and I could see myself looking just like you do in it. If you don't love it, frog it - or frog the sleeves back to short sleeve as you like that version.

[Monica]

I'm with you, knitting & frogging so many times makes you crazy. I had to put this sweater down and come back to it too. I also like the idea of longer sleeves. What if you took out the purled sections and just knit the sleeves to around 3/4 length, and then made it to look like the peplum section? Just an idea. I love that color on you!

[kristina]

Hi Holly:

Colour choice is great... re. the sweater, it looks OK (hope you don't mind me saying!) but there is something a little off about the pattern. I didn't particularly care for this pattern in the book, mind you. The high neck is off-putting to me, I think.

However, having just had a nightmare knitting/frogging/knitting experience with the Goddess pattern by Stitch Diva, I can relate to what you're saying. Maybe put it aside for a week and see how you feel then?

[TallGrrl]

Hmmm...I don't see the Dowdy anywhere. What I DO see is an unfinished, UNBLOCKED garment.
I find that in most cases, a sweater doesn't usually "come alive" until it's at least wet blocked.
The only thing I'd change would be the "bumps" in the sleeve.
Do yourself a favour: take a little bit of a "vacation" from this. Start something else and come back to this one when it starts to get a little chilly outside.
(Nothing inspires me to finish a sweater more than the cold.) ; )