It's been awhile since my last update on my knitting project. Mostly this is because the bulk of it has been knitted and it is bulky indeed. It's one piece and like knitting with a blanket on my lap, as summer weather dominates our days.
It's still interesting and fun to knit, but I confess the size of it is causing me to hesitate. This particular sweater is basically a mock-up to learn the pattern and test the sizing. It's a size large, but it's so big! When I try it on, I think it would fit two of me. Typically I'll go with medium for a clothing fit or large for a layered, over-garment fit. This seems much larger than that.
The pattern calls for a circular needle size of US 10.5 (6.5 mm). I'm using an 8. The finished sweater size is determined by the yarn weight. I'm using a worsted weight acrylic yarn, and actually, the chest circumference is correct for a large size sweater - 54" (137 cm), except I still have to add the facings. If I'd used the called for needle size, it would be even bigger!
When I do an image search for "Westknits Penguono Sweater," I see that it's a very popular pattern to knit and the everybody's is on the generously large side. So I reckon I'm not alone.
Since July and August are our hottest months, I'm not sure how much more knitting on it I'll be inclined to do. It's got me thinking, for sure. My original intent is to knit one with my odds and ends of handspun, since the pattern easily facilitates yarn and color changes. I'll have to lay out all my handspun according to size and see what I've got. If I use my handspun, I'll definitely want to wear it, but I definitely don't want it this large. If I don't like the fit, then I won't wear it. I need to do some thinking and calculating on this one for sure.
