Pattern: Monte Rosa by Isabell Kraemer
Yarn: TFA Yellow Label DK Weight yarn in Velvet and Papaya
Ravelry project page here.
Mods: Inspired by this gorgeous version I opted to work the pattern in a lighter gauge and modified a bit of the shaping for a tighter fit. Added i-cord trim to the front to frame the zipper rather than working a button band and worked the inside of the collar in the contrasting colour for a bit of extra pop!
Thanks to a very helpful comment on my post about my zipper struggles I was able to find the perfect zipper online at Zipperstop. The colour is a great match. I'm a little embarrassed to admit this but I actually had my mom sew the zipper in for me. It's not that I can't do it myself, or even that I don't like to do it, it's just that she's probably the #1 sewer-of-zippers-into-knitted-garments in the entire world! It's perfect. I stand by my decision.
I am really, REALLY, pleased with how this sweater came out. The top down, set in sleeve construction is fantastic. The shoulders fit beautifully and I am eager to try this technique again, maybe even in a future design. The folded over high collar as well as the neckline shaping is super comfortable and really flattering too. This is why I love knitting from other people's patterns from time to time. I learn so much.
I love the colours I chose for this sweater. I don't have enough reds and burgundies in my wardrobe so this will be a great addition. I find the Velvet colourway actually quite versatile, it looks good with lots of other tones. The Papaya on the other hand isn't quite as friendly. I'm finding it hard to figure out what colours work best with it. For now I'm sticking with denim and black. I like how the black under-layer lets the lacy portions of the sweater show without being too noticeable where the lace stretches out over my ample bosom. ;)
Cables and lace... sigh, is there anything more beautiful!?
Modifying this sweater to work with my smaller gauge ended up being very simple. I worked mostly the size 36" instructions ending up with a sweater that fits my 32" bust perfectly. I adjusted for length when I had to (I worked a few extra rows in the yoke before dividing for the sleeves) and that's really about it! Oh no, I also decreased at a more rapid rate for a more fitted sleeve. But those are very simple mods that barely even count.
My big aim when casting on for this sweater was to add a slightly lighter weight cardigan to my collection. While DK weight is still more of a medium weight than a light weight, for the climate that I live in I think that it might be the perfect sweater style for me. Of course, having said that, I'm now itching to cast on for a cozy bulky cardigan so... really, I'm all about knitting whatever you feel like whenever you feel like it!