Monday, December 07, 2015

My Korsnäs sweater



(The pattern is from the book "Koreaa virkkaamalla" ISBN951-96888-4-6 published by Österbottens hantverk rf) and I used SandnesGarn Sisu.)
I remember when I finished this; I was disappointed with my own craftsmanship and buried this into the back of the closet. I never wrote about it being finished and never got around taking the final pictures. While I tried this on today and my daughter took the pictures (I am having a bad hair moment, I just came from a long walk with the dogs and of course had a hat on for the whole time, so I cut off my head from the pictures), I remembered right away what was wrong, most of the mishaps anyway.
There are few stitches missing here and there, and that does not bother me much, but the shaping leaves a lot to hope for. You can tell it is a reproduction of an old sweater and as so, I guess, it is good. But like this it is not very practical, there is too much cloth in the upper part and the sleeves are too big. It was very interesting to make, there was color work both in crochet and knitting and finishing it was quite a task as well.
This is a festive sweater, a bit too festive at most times, but so appropriate for this season of the color red. What I find little bit difficult in wearing this, is the history behind the sweater. I associate it strongly with the male culture it was part of in the end of the 1800's and the beginning of the 1900's. While a very respectable woman could use one, it was mostly a man's sweater.
Arvid Liljelund (1844-1899) painted few pictures of men wearing these beautiful sweaters.
This technique is something worth of looking into. I am quite inspired... maybe with calmer colors and different motifs?... maybe not quite so many motifs?... different shaping? I need to think about this.
Wool with you,
Lene

PS. And yes, there were three ladies there working away on one sweater.

12 comments:

  1. Anonymous13:37

    When I look at your pictures, all I see is a stunningly beautiful sweater!!
    Love from the Netherlands, Liesbeth

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  2. You are much too critical of your work. I suppose all exceptional artists are. But trust me, this is a stunning work of art?

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  3. wow! it is stunning work. I like the idea of crocheting the large edging of a sweater...Sisu was one of the yarns I carried in my little yarn shop a few years ago...ahhh memories!

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  4. Lene, it is beautiful. I think the fit is just what the sweater wants, looks like the others. A delightful work of art.

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  5. Yes, I can see that the shaping is not in a style that you usually like, but it is nevertheless a gorgeous accomplishment. I find that there are times and places where loose sweaters feel just right. Maybe you'll find some of those occasions for this sweater as well.

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  6. Gorgeous! Your work is always stunning, and this reproduction piece is a masterpiece in its own right. It is wonderful that you preserve the tradition in stitches!

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  7. Beautiful! Wear this with pride.

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  8. I agree with the commenters that this is beautiful...and I also agree with you that there is a lot of fabric there! Some shaping does seem to be called for...and - a personal foible - I would have to add ribbing at the cuffs, I'm afraid, even if not traditional. I hate breezes blowing up my arms!

    But I love the festive colors. So cheery on a dreary winter's day.

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  9. Anonymous03:16

    Maybe this sweater can have a renaissance this cold winter?
    It looks great to me!
    Thanks so much for sharing the photos from 2013.
    The Korsnäs sweater was new to me.
    have a good week
    LisaRR

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  10. sandra06:31

    Your sweater is spectacular! Perfect for the holiday season, and doesn't everyone need a special holiday sweater? I would love to make a Korsnäs sweater, but it would take the rest of my life! Anyone have a pattern for Korsnäs pulse warmers? lol

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  11. Oh, this sweater is spectacular and would be fun to wear on a dark, snowy day to add special cheer and warmth. Please consider wearing it this holiday season.

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