Finally, My Plum- Blogmas Day 15

I showed off all of the finished Junko Okamoto patterns on my podcast early in the year, but I wasn't finished at the time, and have only now taken time to edit photos of it. Guys! I hate photoshop and Blogger! Excuse my frustrated exclamations and instead feast your eyes on my version of Junko's Plum pattern.

This was a big deal for me. Firstly, I never thought I'd be organized enough to host a knit-along. Thank you if you were kind enough to join in and encourage me. Also, knitting one of Junko's patterns opened my mind a bit to different sweater shapes and what really goes into design. I mean, her stuff is mostly one size patterns, right? That's interesting. I love designers that include enough sizes to cover any and every knitter, but Junko's knits seem to work well on lots different shaped bodies too. There's always the option to use a heavier weight yarn, too. Her style also gave me the itch to get creative in my thinking about garment design for my self. I haven't exercised that impulse yet, but it's definitely there and you'll hear about it before Blogmas is over. I have to fill these daily posts with something, you know.

Moeke's Elena yarn was such a pleasure to work with. I felt like I was "really knitting" with "real wool." You know what I mean? The whole lovely story of how they started their family business is on their site and worth the read.

So here's what I love about this design: All he different types of stitch patterns. There is colorwork, lace, and cables to break up large sections of stockinette. What more can a knitter who gets easily bored want?

How about that unusual neckline that's worked not only with increases and decreases but also needle size changes. totally different than any other pattern I've ever worked.

Plus it's reversible! As in the v-neck can be in front or in back. Personally, I like it in back, though mine needs to be steam blocked to get that puffiness out of it.

Lastly, it's super, duper oversized. Remember that goal I had for 2018. It so happened with this one.

Details: I used US size 0s, 1s, and 2s to knit this project. Seriously. I used at least 5 skeins of  Moeke Yarn's Elena. I can't remember if I used more or not, since I added some length to the sweater. Sorry.

 The pattern looks long and complicated at first, but everything is broken down into sections and each one is very easy to read and knit. I had no problems with that. I do think I found errata in the pattern. It's been a while, so if I'm wrong just ignore me and make note that I'm a liar, but I think the set up round for section 5 needs a m1r and m1l on each side of the shoulder to get the correct stitch count.

My one modification was to I added one repeat to the body portion to give about an extra inch of length. It still has the cropped look, though. Another member of the KAL did the same thing and was pleased with the results.

Note: When I bound off the hem looked kind of loose and wavy. I scoured Ravelry, and found no one else saying they had this problem. I even asked several knitters, but all had used different yarns. It's a little different than the usual ribbed bind off, so I finally just decided to block it, knowing I could always rip back and do a regular ribbing if I had to. Blocking did the trick, though.

I really enjoyed seeing all of the different knits viewers and blog readers finished for the Junko June and July KAL. So, if you joined in, thank you, thank you for encouraging me!! And this won't be my last Junko knit. Her Meg is absolutely on my "list." Ah, the ginormous, but beloved list. And I'm sure you've seen Michel, right? The Twigs is also on mine and everyone else's radar.

(more on Ravelry, Instagram, Flickr, and Podcast episodes 11-17)

Have you done it yet? Have you knit a Junko pattern? If you're not into oversized tops, there are shawls and hats. I've heard nothing but good things about her designs, so let me know if you try one.