Geno – The Knitty Gritty

You’ve had a sneak preview of Geno in action at I-Knit Day, now to give you the knitty gritty and the completed knit report. And some gratuitous Thug pictures because he was complaining (meowing) loudly that he hasn’t got enough blog time.

So here she is, the finished Geno.

I am still basking in the fact that, when I approached the table (wearing Geno) at I-Knit for the Yarn Harlot to sign my book, the first words she said to me were, “nice sweater”.  I’m sure she was saying that to everyone in a hand knit but I’m still gonna think of that every time I wear Geno and puff up a bit with pride. 😀

I’m really pleased with the fit. I knit a size 10 – hmmmm size 10 in a Rowan mag fits me and a size 8 in an RYC booklet is too big. Sort it out Rowan!

The back is plain stocking stitch. I was tempted to do it in the lace pattern but it did seem to work better as a “sensible” garment with a plain (although boring to knit) back. Purely subjective.

See what you think…

Something I didn’t appreciate from the Rowan photo, that is really cute about Geno, is the slightly puffy sleeve detail.  Achieved by a rapid “k2tog” decrease in the last couple of rows before you cast off,  I really like this detail…

Talking of detail, here’s the front lacy stuff…

Geno has been a total pleasure to knit – even the sewing up seem to go well. The rib was thought out to give a “spare” stitch for the seams so when I sewed up (using mattress stitch, of course) you really couldn’t see the join…

For those observant Thug fans out there – Yes. I am sewing up, resting on Thug’s body.
This may seem cruel (don’t phone the RSPCA yet) but I really have no choice. He insists he is involved and supervises the sewing up as this picture shows…

I lead my life under the weight of a large furry ginger blob!

Once I’d knit and sewn up Geno, I had the button dilemma.

I tried these white ones from my button stash…


Too stark…

I bought these ones and thought, “Too stripy and attention grabbing”…

Then I found these lilac shell buttons in John Lewis – in a pack of 30 buttons (I needed six!) – I guess I’ll have to knit more purple…

Those are the ones for me!

At this point in my blogging I felt a scrabbling at my lap…

Heard a plaintive meowing at my side…

“Meow! I wanna be on the blog” he said. “I helped you knit Geno. I helped sew Geno up.  Show a picture of me! My fans deserve it!”

So here he is. Thug, with the Geno he helped create  (told you it was gratuitous!!)


Completed Knit Report
Name: Geno
Pattern: From Rowan 43 by Marie Wallin
Yarn: Jaeger Siena (pattern written for 4ply cotton)
Pattern Problems: None at all.
Pattern Modifications: Short rowed the shoulders and made the sleeves 1cm longer (by accident on the first oene and made the second to match – doh!)
Washing and Wearing: Wore well at i knit!
Knit It Again???: Very possibly
Difficulty: Medium
Rating: 5/5
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5 Responses

  1. beverlyanne
    beverlyanne September 10, 2008 at 3:43 am | | Reply

    Congratulations to Thug on exemplary helping. The lace detail on the this sweater is gorgeous and the buttons are perfect, so congratulations to you too.

  2. SewIKnit2
    SewIKnit2 September 10, 2008 at 7:40 am | | Reply

    looks GREAT! super pattern and suits you too!
    I have a *Thug* too in the form of b/w big-girls-blouse *Bertie*, who MUST inspect every sewing project at every step of the way and involves much use of his claws. Sitting, too, on all pattern pieces and instructions is a MUST.
    Sue

  3. frankiesfriend
    frankiesfriend September 10, 2008 at 10:02 am | | Reply

    How very kind that long-suffering cat is to you! Helping you with no thought for himself… I love the cardi, and Siena is nice to knit with. I have a Siena waistcoat type thing in a lighter shade of purple, I think it was called “Amethyst”. Lovely and smooth (but very unforgiving in stocking stitch!).

  4. josiekitten
    josiekitten September 10, 2008 at 5:12 pm | | Reply

    Love the buttons. Also like the stripy ones. I too have the attention of 2 furry beings when knitting, and most of my garments have the odd bit of grey fur in them! Thug takes his responsibilities most seriously!

  5. kathryn
    kathryn September 11, 2008 at 3:33 pm | | Reply

    Thug and Geno are both gorgeous.

    There’s an award for you here
    http://kathrynsknitting.blogspot.com/2008/09/awards.html

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