This year I became an Auntie again – this time it was a niece! Now I have one of each…
I’ve made it my goal since she is a) girl and b) born on Valentines Day to avoid giving her things that are pink or heart themed. She has already, and I’m sure will in the future receive many things that fit this description. I’m all for cute things – but they can be other colours!
Mini Schiaparelli Bow Knot Sweater
For xmas this year I came across this knitting pattern of Elsa Schiaparelli’s famous BowKnot sweater from 1927: http://www.schoolhousepress.com/bowknotsweater.htm Apparently, the original versions of these were hand knit by Armenian women in Paris using a unique knitting style that came to be known as Armenian knitting. As much as I would love to knit this up someday, I was pressed for time and also thinking about children and how fast they grow out of things. So I came up with a brilliant plan to use thrifted adult sweaters and applique the details on.
The thrift store gods were with me, and I picked up 2 delightfully hideous but voluminous 1980s sweaters of similar style and content. Usually it would break my heart to cut up useful garments but in this case, both had some damage and were in need of salvaging.
Sweater #1: main body
Sweater #2: collar, cuffs and bow
The black sweater was used for the main body of the sweater. The smaller white appliques came from the second sweater.
It was knit horizontally, so the pattern pieces (drafted based on the knitting pattern) were placed so that the finished garment would have the knitting vertically.
Layout
The smaller appliqué pieces had to be sewn on by hand first due to the nature of the knitted fabric.
Appliqué detail.
Since this was intended for a baby, I made a snap placket at the shoulder to get her in and out easily!
snaps at the shoulder
About 8 hours of work including pattern drafting – still far quicker than knitting it all, and I’m quite pleased with the result. I would use this technique again – especially for something for a small child.
Another view of the front with set in sleeves.
Has anyone else used this method?
Love Heather
