Expensive Inspiration: French Knot Sweater

 

Mine.

Theirs.

I admired J.Crew's beautiful French Knot Sweater as soon as I saw it in the catalog a few months ago.  Really, you all probably know me pretty well by now, right?  How in the world can I resist anything with handwork attached to it?  Of course, the price tag stopped me from scrambling to scoop it up.  But then I got an idea.  I'm always up for something that I have to do with a needle and thread so why not try making my own version?  I decided to give it a whirl.

J.Crew's sweater is merino wool, so I wanted to try and find a merino wool one for myself.  I went on eBay and in about 10 minutes found a brand new with tags Banana Republic one (for a fraction of the price, naturally).  Score!

I decided against doing the sleeves as well (even though the J.Crew one has their sleeves done), as they would just be too tight to work with.  Overall, I'm extremely happy and satisfied with my version.  I even used two different colors of pearl cotton to get 'the look'.

I got the opportunity to wear it while we were down in Texas a few weeks ago.  It's amazing for me to look at these pictures today... there I am perfectly comfortable in my outfit, and today it's snowing outside.  Just a few weeks can change everything!  Maybe tomorrow we'll go roll around in the snow.

xoxoxoxo Achaia

Comments

[Cheri]

Very pretty! You tempt me with wanting to do the same thing... ;)

[Nanny]

My lovely lady in her lovely sweater, what a combination! Granddaughters are the greatest!!!

[Toria @ Peaches n Cream Studio]

Lovely work, Achaia! You have me itching to do some hand embroidery myself! Although, I've been working for a few months on a hand-stitching project....thanks to you lovely ladies, you've inspired me to make a rag rug (http://mariemadelinestudio.typepad.com/mariemadeline_studio/2008/05/rugs-rugs-and-m.html)! I'm thoroughly enjoying all the happy colors, but I will admit....I'll be happy when the project is done & happily on my floor! :)

{{HUGS}} to you all!

[Kalin]

I want to steal every part of your outfit, especially the skirt! :) How cute!