I finished knitting my new Jumper using the Chambourcin pattern purchased on Ravelry.
I love it. I love the fact that it is knitted in 4 ply yarn because I really do prefer wearing thinner jumpers layered with a t-shirt.
Making this jumper was a revalation because, although I have been knitting for over 30 years. I have never felt the necessity to block anything before. I don't know why because I have knitted lace but I think the advent of the internet and all the information available to us now without the need to purchase books means that we can all improve our skills and learn new things. Anyway, blocking is amazing! I knitted this sweater using cheap yarn (Stylecraft 4 ply) because my thoughts were that, generally, when you buy a sweater in the shops it is made of acrylic yarn. Don't get me wrong, I am aware you can spend a fortune and buy tops that are wool but I don't tend to want to part with that much money all the time and I have just bought a beautiful jumper from Cult and even that was 100% acrylic!
The Stylecraft yarn knitted up beautifully and blocking wasn't a problem I just pinned it out with some t-pins (from ebay) on some cheap rubber playmats (£5 in Tesco) to the required dimensions whilst it was dry and then gently steamed it with the iron (without touching the fabric) and allowed it to dry. It was perfect and so easy. I actually put of doing it for a few days because I was worried but, seriously, it was so easy to do. If you haven't tried blocking before, do it - it makes such a difference.
I love the hood! Although, just when you think you have finished you need to pick up over 300 stitches around the neck and back and then knit a further 16 inches of lace for the hood. A bit depressing!
Having said all this about the acrylic yarn I love this jumper so much that when I have some money to spare I really would like to knit this is some beautiful wool in a very pretty colour!





