I wanted to end this week on a high note with a favorite project from 2016. I’ve got a bunch of my December FO’s to share and this one is just too good to wait any longer. It’s the Christmas sweater I knit for my Mom.
I originally said I was going to make my Mom this two color cardigan using the Miss Babs Yowza in Ghoulish with a Neighborhood Fiber Co. skein of Georgetown that was a bright blue. Then I randomly picked up this insanely bright skein of Periwinkle Sheep Watercolors sock yarn in a gorgeous cobalt thinking maybe one day I’d knit my Mom a pair of socks. And then I saw the pattern for a_simmetrie and it needed dk and fingering weight yarn and I knew I had to make this sweater for my Mom. Also, is she not the cutest? We took these pics on Christmas Eve so she could send out a holiday card.
This pattern was really interesting and the construction was completely different so I took my time to knit this one. It was about 6 weeks of knitting for me because I only ever knit it at home. Since I had my two huge skeins of Miss Babs Yowza I decided to knit the identical front and back pieces two at a time on a really long needle. I didn’t have to add a single ball of yarn, one skein of each was enough for each piece.
The fingering weight yarn (the blue) is what joins the front and back pieces together. I had to really read the instructions a couple of times each to make sure I got it but once you start you realize who clever this pattern really is. You also really have to get gauge on this one or your color stripe will not lay flat. I had a slight bit of buckling on the back panel because of how many stitches I picked up but it worked itself out when I blocked it.
My favorite detail that was a bit of a pain to do was the pop of color on the inside of the arm bands. How great is this little detail? The same detail is also on the bottom hem but it’s a little trickier to do in the round on smaller needles but I just took my time and was patient to make sure it worked out. I also shorted the sleeves just slightly and they turned out to be the perfect bracelet length for my Mom. We’re both short and hate how some sweater sleeves are just too long for us.
This sweater really was great but it just took me longer than my normal project. I can see making one for myself somewhere down the road. Perhaps over the summer so I have it ready for the first chilly days of next fall? I really do love how it drapes and hangs. This was such a creative knit and the color combinations are endless.
But in the end, for me it’s always about making something special for someone I love. And the fact that she loves it as much as I loved making it for her makes this an even better project.
Did any of you do any special knits for the holidays? Share!
Yards of Happiness 
Thank you!
You’re welcome, Mom đŸ™‚
Beautiful sweater! It looks gorgeous on your mom. I can see how much she loves it!
Great sweater and super model! My holiday knits were small although two of them required multiple reknitting (one of them still does!). I’m now on a break from knitting because I have a large-scale artwork to finish (although we may get an extension -fingers crossed). Still, I think about knitting a pussyhat for the March…
I wanted to knit a hat or two for the March but this is a crazy time of year for me with work and school starting. I don’t think I’ll have time.
Your mom looks lovely in her new sweater. You did a beautiful job and I like the color combination you chose. I knit 4 hats and a cowl for my 5 nieces & nephews. I usually do small projects for my Christmas knitting.
I had other ambitions but decided to just focus on this project for Christmas and I’m glad I did. It needed the time and dedication to make it look really nice.
I managed to finish Dr. G’s Memory Vest for my son-in-law’s birthday right before Christmas… even though my right arm was in a brace. It took some time, but I managed to get side seams and armhole bindings done and sent it off so he got it only a couple of days late… As you say, there is nothing like giving a custom made gift to someone you love. (I think you and your mom have done more for that sweater pattern than anyone else on Ravelry. Lots of us will be putting that pattern on our to-do lists!)
Is your arm feeling any better? Kudos to you for getting the project finished. And you know what’s funny about this pattern? I did not like the pattern images because she didn’t use contrasting color yarn. It was hard to see, but I loved it when I saw other projects using bolder contrasts. A picture can make or break a pattern.
Arm is coming along, and I’m adjusting. Now I just have to get PT lined up. I’m determined to get as much strength back as I can. Thank you for asking!
I’m sending healing vibes your way!
You are the master of color blocking! That green-yellow with the cobalt is perfect. Plus, your mom is an excellent sweater model. I have to look up this pattern, it’s lovely.
Color is my thing! Just click on the title and it’ll take you right to the pattern.
This turned out so wonderfully — and your mom looks so cute and happy wearing it! I love the photo with the twinkle lights. That pop of color on the sleeve cuff is so, so pretty — your patience with it really paid off!
That sleeve tested my patience for sure. LOL But seeing my Mom wear it the day I gave it to her and then on Christmas Eve too let me know it was worth all the effort.
What a labor of love!
I love your color choices! The picture of your mother with the lights is my favorite–she looks so happy and festive!
This is really lovely and your mom wears it well! The color combo is really beautiful on her!
That sweater is so stunning, what an incredible gift for your mom! I love the colours you chose, and that cobalt even on the inside of the sleeve cuff… great detail. Way to go!
Thank you. It was a total labor of love but worth it for my Mom.
Oh, my! Such a beautiful sweater and such beautiful ladies!! I just love the picture of you and your mom. đŸ™‚