So, did the final push to finish the sweater work out for good or ill? As I said yesterday, once done it was ill fitting and horrific! How could I ever think this was going to work? So, what was wrong?
Here’s my take:
- The pattern has you slip the edge stitch along the fronts. I think this has caused the front edges to bow, which makes the fronts hang down longer than the sides or back, and the neck to be too high. Even though the back has short rows to build it up, the front neck is still higher.
- I don’t think I worked enough rows on the raglan, so the depth is too shallow for my body at the shoulders. The neckline doesn’t want to sit at the neck.
- The texture just wasn’t working. It didn’t seem to have a fluid look to it. Would the chevrons even show?
Here’s the reality.
- The blocking helped, but did not completely counteract the front edges. The higher neck is folded back to create a V-neck which negates the issue. The backs and front aren’t really viewed at the same time, so that issue won’t come to pass.
- The depth isn’t tight, so it’s not a dire situation, but adding rows before separating for the sleeves could have helped.
- Blocking did wonders!!! The texture isn’t as rippled, lays nicer.
Sorry for the wrinkles, I wore it to church and didn’t realize it got squished.
Since I did not use buttonholes, and I found awesome, huge buttons, I used I-cord loops to secure the front at the chest. 
I’m thinking the loops are too loose, but that’s not a problem.
Overall, I’m happy, but not delirious. I am looking into how better to accommodate my body with raglan designs. I don’t want to just increase to the largest size I can, because that would mess with the body size. So, how to do one and not the other is the question. I think I might look into Ann Budd’s new book, or this site, to see who holds the answers. Since I am planning to make another raglan next. This one will use a combo of 5 skeins of color to make a striped lightweight sweater. Perfect for cool Spring evenings. Yeah, like I will have it done in time to wear for Spring!
Joining in with Yarn Along today, you should too!
chrisknitssews 
I totally get what you’re talking about – I don’t think I’ve ever been completely happy with how a sweater turns out, there are always things about it I feel I could have done better on. Frustrating.
I know I’m my own worst critic. 😐 Your sweater is gorgeous – tell that to your inner critic! 😀
Thanks. I told the gals at knitting I expected the sweater to make me look skinny, and when that didn’t happen I decided I wanted to break up with it! LOL
I am glad you were able to make it work, it is lovely. Sorry it didn’t turn out the way you wanted. I’m struggling with my sweater still and my shawl as well. Not having good knitting mojo myself.
Thank you. It’s a perfectly fine sweater, just didn’t meet the expectations I put on it. But it keeps me cozy, so that’s a win!
This is why I’m afraid of sweaters. The whole fitting thing scares me. I think you did quite well!
Don’t be scared. I guess the best thing to do is find a sweater you own that fits you well and try to match your knitting measurements to it. I really need to do that myself!
I struggle with raglan, too. I love how easy the sleeves are to knit but I have very square shoulders, so getting the fit right needs work. Wish I had the answers for you!
I think the answer is No More Raglans! Hahaha But seriously, I need to do a What not to wear in my closet and only choose the shapes that suit me. Which is set in sleeves. But you can knit set in sleeves as you go, so I have no excuse not to try.
Glad the sweater got to stay intact. It certainly is a pretty one.
Thanks. It is pretty and most people don’t notice the issues I have with it. And gorgeous buttons always make it better!
I love it!! Can we see it on you? Sometimes we, knitters, are so hard on ourselves! Even minor imperfections are exaggerated in our minds 🙂
I think it looks lovely! The color is gorgeous. I am kind of intrigued by the compound raglan construction (like Blank Canvas).