It’s finished knit along project time again, YAY!! This time around I have two projects to share with you! Eeeek! It’s always a treat to be a part of the Knit Collage KAL and I felt doubly spoiled to be able to knit two projects! Let’s find out all the details about my finished Gumdrop Sweater and The Embroidered Kaleidoscope Sweater! Also, find out who I made the Kaleidoscope for! 🙂
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the knit collage spring 2021 kal kits i chose
As I mentioned, this knit along was extra special because I got to choose two kits! Wooohooooo!!! I just knew the Embroidered Kaleidoscope would be the perfect Mother’s Day gift for my mom and I couldn’t wait to surprise her with it! 🙂 I was a little nervous that I wouldn’t finish in time. But, thankfully it all worked out perfectly! Find my YouTube video about my Mother’s Day projects (including the Embroidered Kaleidoscope) [here]!
I also chose the Gumdrop Sweater kit! I had a hard time choosing between the Gumdrop sweater and Harley Sweater. But, I felt like I would probably wear the Gumdrop Sweater more in the warmer months, so that helped make my decision. And, the great part is, I can still make any of the other patterns from the knit along later on if I want to! Just in case you aren’t familiar with the Knit Collage KAL – when you join – you get all the patterns that are a part of the KAL! So, if you want to make another style down the road, you can!! Speaking of that, I think the Dream Weaver Pillow Pattern is calling my name with my leftover scraps!! 😉
You can find my spring 2020 KAL projects [here] and my fall 2020 KAL project [here]!
the yarn!
Let’s talk about yarn, y’all!
It is no secret that I am obsessed with Knit Collage Yarn and I was super excited to try a new style + some new colors this time around! I have had my eye on this Serenity Boucle Yarn for quite a while. So, it worked out perfectly that the sweater I was also eyeballing for the KAL used that exact yarn! The texture is so pretty and it is seriously the airiest fiber – so light and dreamy! I chose the color Peony (which was the same color shown on the model for the knit along). I just loved the pretty mauve shade mixed with the vibrant Wildflower Yarn colors!
Speaking of Wildflower Yarn – I was also able to use some of those colors I hadn’t tried before in both knit along projects – like Ochre Rose, Goldenrod, Dusty Fleur and Wallflower. If you haven’t checked out the brand new Wildflower Yarn colors, make sure you head on over to Knit Collage to see them! 🙂 The color Orchid was new for me as well in the Spun Cloud Yarn. It is the most beautiful shade of purple! When choosing the color for my mom’s sweater, it was a toss up between Orchid and Breezy Blue. They are both so gorgeous, and I now have added Breezy Blue to my list of color to try!
my finished gumdrop sweater
Now let’s dive into all the details about my finished Gumdrop Sweater! This sweater was actually a bonus pattern and didn’t come with video tutorials. Every spring and fall Amy Small (founder of Knit Collage) puts out a survey so that everyone can vote on their favorite designs for the KAL as well as other details that are included in the knit along. It’s such a great way to have a voice and be a part of the KAL process! There is so much thought, attention to detail and support that goes into each knit along. I know I’ve mentioned it before, but it really is such a great experience! 🙂
Even though the Gumdrop Sweater was a bonus pattern and didn’t come with the video tutorials, it was still very easy to follow! All the patterns that come with the knit along are very detailed and filled with step by step instructions. I made a size 2 and used the same needle size as recommended in the pattern. Normally, I like a bit of an oversized shirt and the size 2 was perfect for that! I didn’t check guage for this sweater (I know, I know, it’s terrible. I was just too excited…LOL!) I do think that if I make another one, I will make a size 1 for a more snug fit. That way I can wear it under overalls and things…wouldn’t that be so cute?! 🙂
extra details
This pattern actually comes with three neck options and two sleeve options – a turtleneck, crew or square neck and straight sleeves or puffy sleeves. I made the turtleneck with straight sleeves. I love that it’s customizable so you can make it exactly how you want it! The knit along patterns are usually released on the Knit Collage website a year or so after the knit along. Definitely keep your eye out for this fun sweater!
my finished gumdrop sweater measurements
This sweater is worked top down. That’s awesome for, not only the seaming aspect, but also for any length adjustments you might need to make! I did adjust the length slightly because I wanted to wear it with high-waisted jeans. I just tried the sweater on once I was a fair amount of the way along to see where the length was hitting. When I felt like it was a good length (keeping in mind I still needed to knit the border) I stopped where I was in the pattern. And continued on to the border. I think I could have made it a little shorter, but I still love it! You can find my finished measurements and how they compare to the pattern’s below…
Here are my finished sweater measurements compared to the pattern’s:
- Bust Circumference: My Sweater 37″ / Pattern 37″
- Hem Circumference: My Sweater 37″ (I decided not to do the increase) / Pattern 41″
- Underarm To Hem Length: My Sweater 8″ / Pattern 9″
I went ahead and finished the sleeves as the pattern stated, but then decided I wanted to make them a little shorter. So, I took them out and pretty much just went with 1 round and bound off after that.
wrapping it up!
As always it was such a treat and privilege to be able to be a part of the KAL! I get so excited to see the new designs and to try new yarns and colors! If you get the chance, I highly recommend joining in this fall. It’s such a fun experience and I guarantee you will enjoy it! 😉 Thanks so much for stopping by and hanging out with me! If you want to check out more of my finished projects, you can find those [here]! To see even more of my finished Gumdrop Sweater in action and how I styled it, you can find the video below! See you soon! 🙂
see how i styled my gumdrop sweater three different ways. press play!
a video all about my finished emroidered kaleidoscope. press play!
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Knit Collage Spring 2021 KAL | My Finished Gumdrop Sweater
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