Biker Chic
Tuesday, 6. May 2008
It’s finally complete!
Pattern: My own, a la Barbara Walker
Materials: 6 balls of Lane Borgosesia Knit USA (660 yds), 1.5 skeins of Cascade 220 in colorway 7814, Sz 10 and 10.5 needles, 8 metal buttons, 6 snap buttons
Notes: This jacket was knit from the top down, at a gauge of 14 sts and 20 rows to 4″. Cascade 220 was held double to obtain the same gauge using Sz 10.5 needles. I measured the width of my back for 13″ and cast on the appropriate number of stitches and short-rowed my way down for the shoulder slopes. Armhole length = 7″. When I reached the appropriate length for pockets, I cast on additional stitches for the pockets and knit down for 5″, and k2tog with the body stitches. No waist shaping for this jacket. Then it’s just more knitting until the desired length. Ribbing for the sleeves, jacket border and short row neck was finished off with tubular cast off. The button bands were knit in garter stitch to prevent curling (trust me, I tried stockinette and that didn’t turn out). I left the jacket untouched for days after blocking because superwash yarn has a tendency to stretch out and that wouldn’t be the best time to seam. Sure enough, the damn thing sprang back into shape after a while and I double checked before sewing the nylon lining in place.
Sewing: I decided that I was too chicken (this time) for a zipper, so I went with my original idea of snap buttons. The inside band was lined with nylon ribbon (ends were fused with a lighter to prevent fraying) to reinforce the jacket. I figured if I am going to pull the bands apart frequently I am going to need something sturdier. Yes, it helps.
Like I said, the pockets were a little high, but it doesn’t detract me from gloating. I like how it looks buttoned all the way up, and also when I leave the first two buttons out. It fits exactly how I imagined it would, and that’s no small feat when it comes to “winging” a pattern. This one is a keeper!
(And what’s a FO without side and back views!)
mai Says:
wow, it looks so great, congratulations! i love the combination of blue and green together.
caitlyn Says:
Winnie, the jacket is totally gorgeous!!! I love the details and it looks fabulous on you! Great job — congratulations!
Nadia Lewis Says:
Super cute! Great job on this one. I’m also loving the blue/green combo.
Jennie Says:
It’s freaking awesome!! I love it. It fits perfectly on you.
Karen Says:
That is gorgeous!!!!! Love the look on you
Wanett Says:
Wow! What a fantastic job! I love all of the details especially the collar and the pockets. I even love the pocket placement as is. This is such an accomplishment. I want one of my own now!
Julie Says:
Oh my god, that is such a great jacket! If you were thinking of writing up the pattern, I’m pretty sure I’d be dying to knit that! The snaps are a nice touch, and great detailing!
KathrynGrace Says:
Wow, that’s amazing…I love the epaulets
Jenni Says:
I love the colors and the design – its so cute!
Nonnahs Says:
Congrats – this is so cute! I really love the snaps.
sonia Says:
that. is. AWESOME!
Julia Says:
Winnie! It looks great. I love the colors and the snap band. Isn’t it wonderful when you create something that you love so much?
sil Says:
Most clever! I’m liking that Benetton green with the blue, very euro.
Jennifer Says:
This is soooo awesome, I love it! What a great design!
monica Says:
Great jacket! I love the colors you used.
yaiAnn Says:
Very nice! You’re so ingenous with those snaps! I’ll have to remember that and keep that idea in my back pocket for future use!
Mary Says:
FO looks great, especially for winging and design your own feature. My friend has a MJ Peacoatish thing, and it also has high pockets like that as a design feature.
Peg in Kensington, California Says:
This is beautiful. Very nice finishing touches.
Robyn Says:
wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
you have done an amazing job
whitney Says:
Oh, wow, I love it! The color combo is just so perfect, and I love all the detailing.
Cassy Says:
I love your jacket! Congrats on whipping up such a sweet project.
jessmc Says:
amazing! I sooo adore this jacket.