Dana's Edit
A Favorite Knit: The Oblique Sweater
Last month, I wrote about knitting a lot of repeats this year. These are trusted knits that I’ve made before and love and will become staples in my wardrobe.
I knit a lot of sweaters because over time my body changes in different ways and my wardrobe needs also fluctuate. Whether it’s the type of yarns that I’m buying (hello blends with cotton or silk) or if it’s the type of sweaters I’m making (short sleeves for the milder temps), I keep making sweaters to figure out what works best for me and my closet.
But, lately, I’ve been thinking about what are my actual favorite knits.
I feel like when I ask someone what their favorite knit is, it’s like asking a parent who their favorite child is! Everyone says they can’t possibly choose with all the things they’ve made, as if the designers of other knits would be offended LOL.
I asked my husband what’s his favorite knit that I’ve made him. First, he broke it down into categories; then he listed multiple items in each category. Needless to say, he loves everything!
But lately, I’ve been thinking about what my favorite knit actually is. I think I’ve narrowed it down.
One thing that makes me fall in love with a knitting pattern is the techniques used within the pattern. Is there a clever tip I learned? Is the construction interesting or unique? Does the pattern feel like it is easy even when it looks so complex?
Combine that with a yarn I love or a color palette that makes my heart sing and I’ve got a favorite knit that’s easy to identify: the Oblique sweater by Emily Greene.
While I’ve made and published a sweater pattern, I don’t consider myself a designer. There is a skill and art to pattern design—and Emily Greene’s talent makes me want to make all of her sweaters.
I first saw Oblique in the June 2023 issue of Amirisu magazine and I knew immediately that I would make it. I just didn’t know which colors. I settled on a super bright pairing of neon yellow with a soft greyish green, both from La Bien Aimee.
I decided to cast on for an oversized sweater. This pattern has a lot of ease built into it and I wanted something big and cozy that I could throw on whenever.
What I fell in love with is the construction. Greene came up with an unusual technique to knit the sleeves and close the gap on what looks like a tank top.
It turned out to be one of the most engaging knits I’ve made in a long time.
I zipped through it in under four weeks. I knew immediately I wanted to make another—but with less ease to make it something I would wear to work.
I cast on my second one just a month after finishing the first. That is how I knew it was true love.
For my second Oblique, I went with my favorite color—green—in a soft neon shade from The Wandering Flock and a deep true green from Miss Babs. It was a perfect combo. I had enough leftover to squeak out a coordinating striped sweater for Kiwi.
Now I have a friend who wants to knit one—and I told her I would happily knit a third with her in our own little KAL. It’s just that clever of a pattern and it looks great when worn.
I have yet to decide on what the perfect color combo will be for my third. Perhaps I’ll add in an unexpected pop of color in one of the stripes!
My Oblique sweaters are definitely a favorite. I pull them out again and again, wearing them whenever I want to feel good. They just make me happy and I do not care about repeating knits. I made it, so why not enjoy it?
What’s a favorite knit of yours?
I love your sweater Dana. I love the construction and stripes. I think I will knit one, now what colors. Thanks for the inspiration ❤️
I’m always so happy to see a post by Dana. I smile right away, seeing her picture (with her assistant of course) at the top. Thanks so much for starting my day with a smile, Dana and MDK!
Ginny, I agree 100%. A post from Dana makes me smile before I even read it!
Wow, I hadn’t seen that construction before. Dana’s assistant is so adorable. Any chance you have a full picture so we can see how the “not” oversize sweater looks?
The Easy One. Joji Locatelli. I’ve made 4 in Berroco Remix Light. Also Mae pullover in Harrisville Nightshades. Anything by Anne Hanson of Bare Naked Wools. Basic Brioche Cowl. I’ve made half a dozen of those. Eleanor scarf in Kidsilk Haze- a free pattern from Rowan years ago- a dozen of those as well. Varian Brandon’s colorwork.
What an interesting construction! But with that sleeve corner front and almost center, I hope it is a smooth and easy thing to do well. My underarm seems corners are usually a bit of a mash up, which makes me happy that they are mostly out of sight.
That really is a cool sweater. Would love to see how you finessed those dolman sleeves for Kiwi. I sometimes buy a pattern just for the cool tip. Then promptly forget it. Of course you should actually Use a technique to remember it. Duh!
Thanks for introducing me to a wonderful pattern. It looks gorgeous on you!
My favorite sweater is Cozy Cubes by Hinterm Stein. I made it large enough to pop over my head (it’s actually a cardigan but I never unbutton it), and it looks good with everything.
Oh, I love that sweater! Thanks for the recommendation!
Jeepers–Even I can’t pick one of your sweaters as a favorite–I love ALL of them! They’re all cheerful, they all fit beautifully, and I love your color-sense. Keep smiling and making more favorites!
Agreed it is possible to have favourites!
I also enjoy an interesting construction or technique, but most of all a reliable pattern designer.
I really enjoy Heidi Kirrmaier’s patterns. Very clear instructions!
I think I have made 9 or 10 of her Windward scarves. It is a special pattern – just go with the flow and follow her instructions.
I am not a fast sweater knitter so I have not made many of her sweaters – but the ones I have tried were solid patterns with great results.
Thanks for another post Dana!
It’s always great to see your knitting projects.
I also love Heidi’s patterns and have knit several. I typically suggest them to people because they’re so clear and easy to understand. You can tell she’s an engineer.
I knit three of Heidi Kirrmaier‘s Fine Sand in my favorite Euroflax. Two were for me and one for my mom. They are the base of my summer “uniform”.
She has developed a unique pattern format that is set up in a logical way even with multiple sizes included.
Thanks for again welcoming us into your world, Dana. Always a treat!
I’m just starting to knit sweaters so every time I see your posts I am in total awe of your sweater skills and speed!! You’re amazing. I am hoping to Bang out my Waffle Pullover by next February!!
Hi Dana,
Thanks so much for writing about this sweater I love it. I just purchased the pattern from Ravelry and I need to decide on the colors for my first one. I just wish that my dog was willing to wear sweaters like your is.
Tina
I hadn’t been interested in tbe sweater from the small neutral versions online- but your lime version… be still my heart. In queue now. Current favorite, mostly because it fits me well is Saoirse by Carol Feller.
I keep going back to the Elizabeth Zimmerman adult surprise jacket for just the reasons you mention: ingenious construction and lots of scope for fooling around with colour. Hitofude is probably going to establish itself as a repeat favourite too, as it looks to me as if it would lend itself to alternative lace patterns. And Hitchhiker scarves, great for special skeins and when I want to knit and hold a conversation at the same time.
This one is already on my wish list, so I’m glad you featured it.
Nice job!
Love this recommendation and your results- stunning!
Oh Dana, why oh why have you done this to me? Now I want to drop the other 12 things I’m in the middle of or haven’t even cast on to make this lovely thing.
I am always happy to see your name pop up in MDK! I enjoy your writing and enthusiasm. I am always blown away by your work and how many sweaters you knit. Looking forward to the next Oblique color choice! Thank you for a great column.
Dana,
I love your sweaters and Jellybean enjoying the yarn!! Love your letters to MDK and of course, the smile you radiate about knitting!!
Beautiful choice!
Thank you for sharing!
It’s always been “so many favorites, so little time” with me, but if you judge from the projects that actually come to completion, two pullover patterns stand out, because they’re fun knits, I’ve made them multiple times and can readily imagine making more. Ravelry links: a [Joan Vass design] (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/24-downtown-downtime-textured-pullover) and one from [Adrienne Vittadini] (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/11-turtleneck-pullover).
Contour Tee by Purl Soho. It’s a lot of stockinette, but the decreases/increases are a subtle design element. I always hear compliments when I wear it. It’s comfortable and figure flattering. I have purchased yarn for 2 more in different colors.
Oh, I love the looks of that! I will have to add that to my ( growing) list.
I can remember which ones weren’t my favorites, because I ended up giving them away! This is a clever construction!
1. You guys are ADORABLE
2. thanks for the recommendation! I love her patterns and that one looks really interesting. Looking at her model I wondered if it would look ok on me (a larger lady), but I see it looks good on you, and also well-endowed woman 🙂
Love the colors! I’ve always been all about color and texture when I make something…and must admit the yarn almost always comes first…explains the size of my stash…lol.
And I have a pup who looks about the same size as yours. Where did you find the pattern? I’ve made Chrissy several, but it’s time for a few more!