Monday, January 21, 2013

Shalder

I did get to wear my Shalder cardigan up north last autumn, but after a few Flashdance moments, I realized that the neckline was too sloppy and slouchy.

I tried the Yarn Harlot's ingenious method for a crochet edging to stabilize the collar. On my first go I worked the crochet chain through every purl bump. It was firmer, but still too floppy to stay put. Take 2 -- I worked through every other purl bump:
Worked like a charm! The neckline is a little wrinkly as a result, but it looks better on, and it means that I can actually wear the cardigan without constantly fussing with the neckline, so I'm pleased.
The weight of the yarn had been stretching out the neckline, not an uncommon problem, particularly with top-down raglans (which Shalder is not) and sweaters where the collar is worked directly off the live stitches from the body without any seams for support (which is the case here).
I think Shalder has received Sugar's seal of approval.
That Stephanie Pearl Mc-Phee is a genius.

10 comments:

Rose said...

Sugar looks like my Gracie, other than the fact that Gracie never comes out to play or sit, that is!

Anonymous said...

That is such a beautiful color, and a beautiful sweater. Glad you were able to fix the neckline problems!

Nat at Made in Home said...

What a great way to fix a neckline!

Tracy Altieri said...

I am picturing "Flash Dance" moments with a chuckle! The cardigan is beautiful, and the color is so lovely. I'm glad that you got the neckline squared away.

Hilary said...

That's so pretty! Lovely color, too! I'm glad the neckline is all fixed -- what a great solution. Totally agree about the genius of the Yarn Harlot. :)

Rachel said...

Thank you for this post. It reminds me that I need to put a crochet edge on the neck of my tea leaves and points me to the link of how to do it! I'm chuckling at the mention of Flashdance!

Anonymous said...

Good to know about this tip! How cute is that kitty, helping you block your sweater. Cats are so helpful that way.

Allison said...

Good for you for finding a solution! I think I'd probably still be fussing with the color or may have given up after one attempt at fixing it. Your sweater looks very pretty, so I'm glad you're able to wear it now.

pdxknitterati/MicheleLB said...

Oooh, Shalder is pretty! I've used that stabilizing trick before, too, and it worked really well. Love that Yarn Harlot.

Sugar is pretty! Such a pale torti, so cool looking.

Katie M. said...

Phew. Nothing like a fix that works! The cardigan looks awesome -- and if the kitty likes it ... that's all that matters, right? (At least it is around here.)