Top-down with set-in sleeves!
I know the photo is awful, but I’ll have a better one soon. This is what I’ve been working on lately. A top-down sweater with set-in sleeves. Not raglan sleeves, which most top-downs feature and which I look horrible in. And I’ve been trying it on every so often, so I know it fits. It is knit on a circular, back and fronts all at once. No seams. Easy to try on as you go! That is the very reason I’ve always wanted to knit top-down. I need different sizes for my shoulders, bust, and hips. I love that you can try on the top-down sweaters as you go and adjust.
A couple of years ago, I bought Knitting from the Top by Barbara Walker because it included instructions for set-in sleeve sweaters knitted top-down. Notice that I said instructions, and not patterns. I read it but with the math and all, it just seemed a bit intimidating. Whenever I was ready to start a new project, I didn’t want to take the time to measure, calculate, and figure out how to start. I just wanted to start. This time, I made myself do it. I had a design in mind and made myself start and really, it wasn’t difficult. I just had to make notes about each step so if I left it for a couple of days, I’d be able to tell what I was doing. I’m loving the results, so far. A sweater that fits my narrow shoulders, and my average bust and my big hips. Now I need to read the part on knitting the sleeves from the sleeve cap down. No sewing them in later! Wish me luck.
