It fits much better now. (This post is REpeated, with all new pics and words, as I have eaten the old ones.)
If you remember, I was confused about size selection for Mr. Greenjeans from the beginning. I knew the schematic indicated the size small, at 36.5 inches, should be a pretty good fit. However, the designer responded to a question posed about sizing. She said if you wanted to wear the sweater buttoned, you should knit a size larger than you normally would.
The shoulder doesn't slip off anymore. Those cables really hug.
Originally, there was much to like. I like the twisty little cables. I'm truly pleased with the look, the way the cables pull the bottom away, the yarn overs on the yoke, and the fit of the sleeves. I added about 8 inches to the the length of the sleeves, and an inch to the length of the sweater. I was rewarded with cuffs that fit neatly around my wrists and a bottom hem that covers my shirt.
I just had no idea how small a sweater this is when I first saw the pattern. It's actually more of a bolero, or cropped cardigan. That's why it doesn't take much yarn. I should have realized that what attracted me ("Look, a cardigan from less than 1,000 yards!") was actually useful information about the type of sweater, not some magic performed by the designer. I know designers aren't magicians, just thoughtful hard-working knitters who are brave enough to publish their patterns.
If I were to completely knit my Mr. Greenjeans over, I'd cast on more stitches, either using the number of stitches for the size medium front with the size small back, or calculating the number needed to produce a size 38, in between the small and the medium.
Rather than ripping out the entire sweater and knitting it again in the proper size, I decided to reknit the button band. 
Wider button band, different button. Not a good match, but ok for now. Button shopping is on my list of things to do after the holiday.
Happy Thanksgiving! If you see a woman in a pumpkin-colored sweater, It's ME!
10 comments:
I'd undo the bind-off and add a few rows to make it wider. Or, since you said "frog" I might use a frog closure. That wouldn't require the fronts to overlap.
Thanks for the information as I am going to start one soon. It looks so nice, hoping the fix works well for you! :)
Okay, I saw your other post first and am now just reading this one. Great insights on the pattern. I think you're right on about the odd sizing. One option would to do more frequent increases down the front so it would actually come together.
"She said if you wanted to button the sweater, you should knit a size larger than you normally would." wow... odd.
I'd do the second option too. Although Kathy's idea of a frog is interesting.
I really like the sweater. :) Thanks for figuring out the problem - I should have smooth sailing if I ever make one.
It looks to me as if the sleeves are falling off the shoulders because there isn't much of a cap. Fixing this would require a major alteration, and the sweater really looks nice on you. So I also suggest the frog closure. You can also consider those clips, usually used on Norwegian sweaters, that have a "button" on each side.
There's a sweater in an old IK that I've stared at for years and haven't knit just because I think the cap is skimpy and it will show my bra strap (at my age, bra straps are not very fetching).
Do you think that button has something to do with an animal story, such as Aesop's fables? It almost looks as if it is an illustration for one of them.
The seater looks great judging from the photos. I see where the sleeve cap could have been more generous. On the whole a lovely sweater.
The button is very unusual. Was it handmade?
I love what you did to improve the fit. The sweater is beautiful and it's looks awesome on you! Great job.
I think your fix looks great, and if I didn't know you had to rip and redo, I would have thought the sweater was designed as you knit it. It fits you very well.
Simply lovely mods. I'm working on the button band myself. I just might follow your lead!
Looks great!
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