Notre Dame de Grace Pullover

This is my first project in my goal for knitting for myself: the Notre Dame de Grace Pullover from Interweave Knits Magazine, Summer 2007 issue. (Note: this is not me but what I hope to be accomplishing.)

When I first saw this pattern, I thought, “Wow, that looks so comfortable and not too tough to knit.” Further boosting my inspiration was a half price yarn sale at Central Yarn, on Congress Street in Portland, ME, where they had the suggested yarn in a different color at half the usual cost.

Here’s the basic knitting stats:

• Pattern source: Notre Dame de Grace Pullover from Interweave Knits Magazine, Summer 2007 issue.
• Gauge: 16 sts and 24″= 4″ in a double seed stitch; 10 rows of corrugated shoulder band patt = 1.5″ high.
• Needles:
  • The pattern calls for size 7 (4.5mm) or adjust for size.
  • Where I usually use a smaller sized needle than suggested (I knit loose), with this pattern I’m actually using a size 8.
• Yarn: Reynolds Andean Alpaca Regal (90% alpaca, 10% wool; 110yd)
  • Their picture shows #183 sage green.
  • I’m using #6335 rust.
• Finished Sizing 36 (40, 42, 46, 50, 52)” bust circumference.
  • The Interweave Knit image shows a finished size of 40.
  • I’m knitting a 42 and expecting my gauge to be a little larger.

Figuring out the gauge with the double seed stitch was a new challenge as knitting a sweater with this type of pattern is a little new for me. I think my size 8 needles are right on, but I could be a little off. Either way, bigger or smaller, I think I’ll be safe size wise. A 42″ chest for me is a little big (but not too big) and a smaller fit would be fine, as well.

This yarn is fantastic to knit with. I’ve been working on a cable scarf with an acrylic Lion Brand. Although the project is looking O.K., the yarn just doesn’t feel “good” while I’m knitting. However, the Reynolds Alpaca is a joy. It feels so nice as it runs through my fingers on to the needles that I hate to put the project down. It won’t take me long to knit this sweater; I hope!

This image is of the back. I’m making fast progress but am taking a break from knitting tonight to measure a couple sweaters to check lengths on the body and sleeves. I’ve read that others tend to lengthen the body a little and shorten the sleeves.