But I volunteered to test the pattern despite my apprehension, and I am so pleased with the results!
Here is a shot of my backside - not normally a view I display willingly, but I wanted to show the neat shaping on the back - it flares out below the hip and creates a beautifully feminine shape:
The Particulars:
Pattern: East End by Alicia Plummer
Yarn: Quince and Co. Sparrow, 9 skeins in 'Port.' Knitting with linen was a completely new experience for me - it's so very crunchy when you knit with it, but it becomes extremely soft once it is washed and dried (yes, you can put it in the washer and dryer!).
Needles: Size 5 circulars in different lengths (depending on the part of the sweater I was knitting).
Would I knit this pattern again? Definitely! Someone in our test group knit hers in Madtosh merino light, and I would love to try that as well. I did do some modifications to the pattern to better suit my short, narrow-shouldered, curvy figure. The original neckline was very wide on me, so I worked a 1x1 ribbing for 9 rows around the neck to bring the sweater in a bit. I also extended the sleeves (with no decreases) to an elbow-length, and then knit 10 rows of 1x1 ribbing there as well. I really like the flirty pattern at the bottom hem, and the A-line of the pattern is very flattering on me.
Thank you for letting me test this pattern, Alicia! I love this sweater!
And I have to say that this was a very quick photoshoot. Not only was it 93'F in the shade, but there were gnats everywhere - as evidenced by this picture and the "ACK! BUGS!" look on my face:
