Bell-sleeve Mohair Sweater!

Of course, I mentioned Debbie Stoller's book, Stitch 'N Bitch in my first hub, and I really liked the look of the sweater on page 142. I knew, however, that a longer thick/fluffy sweater would only accentuate the hips, which I don't need any help in doing. So, going over the pattern I realised I could cut about 4 or 5 inches off the pattern and make it shorter, falling only to the waist. Which would work with my favourite A-line skirts.

Off I went to The Purple Purl to get some advice and find some fluffy yarn like one the pattern calls for. And I was introduced to La Gran Mohair. Oh, wow! So... I waited until my paycheque came through, and I was back in the store in a flash. Grabbed 5 skeins of the dark red and ran all the way home to get started on the pattern. (I was that excited) I didn't actually run, as that might ruin my reputation as lazy queen of the year, but got on a bus instead.

Within 36 hours, the sweater was finished. Dougie'd been wondering why I was in such a rush to buy this new yarn. Until he saw the finished product two days after the purchase was made. The pattern is so simple. It's a basic stocking stitch, except the bottom four rows on the bodice and sleeves, which are done in a garter stitch.  It's all done on large needles (I did mine on 8 mm, very loose stitch), but the fuzziness of the yarn fills in the holes. There's a single chain stitch around the neckline to finish it off nicely. I think it's the bell-shaped sleeves that really do it for me, though. Very groovilicious!

I hope to have someone take a picture of the sweater on me, but it hasn't been done yet. So I only have the one picture of it lying on the bed with my Princess cat. At least you have an idea of what the finished project looks like, anyway. It's such a comfortable sweater, and so warm! It goes with so many different outfits - pencil skirt, A-line skirt, slacks, and even jeans. Everytime I wear it, people give compliments, no matter where I am.
My thanks to Martha Lazar for sharing her pattern in Stitch and Bitch!
I hope my daughter likes the black one I made for her in Bristol Yarn Gallery's Lafayette (Alpaca/nylon yarn). Jess is sensitive to wool, as I am, but the alpaca doesn't make me feel as itchy as the mohair, so hopefully she won't find it too irritating. (Oh, but don't tell her I've made it, as it's a gift that I'm sending for the holiday season! Shhh!)

I'm busy as a bee working a new sweater from Mary Maxim and I'll share it with you when it's finished!