wearing ms. ruby

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Here she is. Ruby in all her glory.
There are probably too many photos, but often I think that when you are considering a pattern, you would like to see it from more than one angle.  And hey, the photographer was willing to snap away.
I must say, I love her. There was a point, when I had my doubts.  Towards the end, I really thought that I wasn't actually going to even like her.  And actually, it wasn't until she was blocked that I came to love her.
(Alright.  Now changing she to it.)

The one huge difference to the one in the book is the length.  Mine was the exact same length as the one pictured, until blocked.  I didn't stretch it.  As a matter of fact, I tried to scrunch it up a bit as it was drying.  I am on the taller side,  5' 8".  (Well, alright 5' 7 3/4", but who counts that quarter of an inch I was shorted) ?   And, it comes to my knees.  Alright for me, but if you wanted it shorter, you could easily modify the pattern.
Pattern:  Ruby, Debbie Bliss cashmerino collection.
Yarn: 19 balls, Debbie Bliss cashmerino aran in green 024
Needles: size 8 (yay for 8's)
Modifications:  I did slim down the sleeves quite a bit.  I cast on 66 stitches, instead of 80.  I did increase to the amount required, by increasing the number of times increased.  (Make sense)?
So, the pattern has you increasing every 7 or 8 rows.  After doing one set of the 24 row repeat, I started to increase on rows 3,7,11,15,19 and 23.  
Notes:  This sweater is knit from right to left, instead of from bottom to top or top to bottom. If you wanted to make it shorter you could take off one or two of the cables.  

I absolutely LOVE this sweater.  I really can't say enough about it.  It is one of those sweaters that will be worn a TON in my life.  I do love my sweater coats, and this one seemed to have joined the others very nicely. 

You Might Also Like

118 comments

  1. Gorgeous! Love the sweater!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Its really cute and I love the color you chose!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous5/13/2008

    Ruby is just beautiful on you! The color is very pretty too! You are so brave; I'm always afraid to alter patterns.

    About the height thing? Um, yeah, I'm 4' 11" and 3/4. Can I just say 5'?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Beautiful sweater! I love the cables and the colorway! I also love sweater coats, so I'll have to add this to my long list of to-do's! Nice work!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous5/13/2008

    This sweater jacket looks amazing on you! I have been searching for a sweater jacket pattern to make for myself, since I had to frog the 1st one I made (too bulky & too short). I'm going to add this into my queue. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  6. That is incredible. Wow. It is gorgeous on you and I'm just stunned by the amount of work that went into it. Yay you!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Beautiful!
    Love the color!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Ooooh, Ms. Ruby.. or It Ruby, is fantastic! The perfect in between seasons sweater!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I didn't know you were a tall girl!

    I already commented on Flickr, but I had to come over to the blog to see how you felt about Ruby. So glad you are in love after all that hard work. :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. Fantastic! Love the color! Thanks for sharing with us.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wow! That is an amazingly beautiful work of art! You are quite the talented knitter!
    And I'm 5'10 1/2". And I like the half but don't wish for the extra 1/2 to make it to 5'11"!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Perfect sweater-coat! And I love the color... It seems like putting in the effort for a large project paid off :) You know what I mean: sometimes you feel like a small project (hat?) will be more gratifying? Not in this case!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. It's gorgeous and I love that color! Beautiful work!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh, never mind! I just got my answer. But how on earth did I miss a post?!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Absolutely, positively gorgeous, Leslie!
    It is beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Oh it is wonderful, really gorgeous and I still have colour envy, that green seems so perfect for Spring. I am so glad you like it, I love mine too.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh my! I love everything about your sweater...she is lovely!!!!! I would never ever in a million years find enough time or energy to give to sucha project! stunning!

    ReplyDelete
  18. wow, wow, wow. she/it is lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  19. GORGEOUS!! That Cashmerino is to die for!! Beautiful work.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Leslie! It's just beautiful! Probably wouldn't work for me, since I'm on the short side but it's looks great on you! Love the color!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Anonymous5/13/2008

    it is absolutely gorgeous! I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  22. We've been anxiously awaiting the modeling of ruby! Oh my goodness! What a beautiful sweater! Your dedication to this large project and your beautiful knitting are to be applauded. Congratulations Leslie! It's beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Anonymous5/13/2008

    Oh my! Ruby is such an absolutely gorgeous coat! It looks great on you. Leslie, you have an eye for finding exactly what to knit that would look great on you! Bravo.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Anonymous5/13/2008

    Wow. This looks seriously stunning. I've been put off making it because of the amount of yarn it requires, but the result is definitely worth it! Love the colour too.

    ReplyDelete
  25. 19 balls!!! Wow, that is some serious yarnage!

    And what a commitment. It looks beautiful on you.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Absolutely Beautiful! Well done!

    ReplyDelete
  27. That coat did turn out great! Congrats.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Dang, Leslie! I love it. Color, cables and fit are all terrific. So you, you!

    ReplyDelete
  29. ay dios mio!! what a thing of beauty. and you rock it well.

    ReplyDelete
  30. You can NEVER have too many photos! It looks gorgeous and I can imagine you getting a ton of wear out of it. It seems a huge task to take on though - it would probably take me 3 years to finish! I'm just gonna keep on admiring yours ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  31. Anonymous5/13/2008

    Wow, this is absolutely amazing--truly a work of art!

    ReplyDelete
  32. An absolute winner!! it's so perfect with jeans and a white tee. The cables are so gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  33. What a major accomplishment--only you could look totally HAWT in a sweater coat, Leslie!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Anonymous5/13/2008

    really beautiful. no wonder you love it!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Wow, this is such an ambitious piece, and you did a beautiful job with it!

    ReplyDelete
  36. I am so impressed, this is amazing. I"m the most basic of knitters (read stocking and garter stitch!) and this is completely awe inspiring.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Ruby turned out beautifully, and I love the length too. I think your alterations turned out perfectly.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Don't worry, there could never be too many pictures of such a stunning sweater. I absolutely, positively love this. Fantastic colour, and I for one love the length!

    WOW!!!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Anonymous5/13/2008

    love it. it looks so beautiful on you. xo

    ReplyDelete
  40. Sweet merciful crap, Ruby is AWESOME. I love the color!

    ReplyDelete
  41. WOW! That is a serious (and seriously beautiful) piece of knitting!!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Anonymous5/13/2008

    Yes..now that's a sweater...

    ReplyDelete
  43. Wow. SHE's awesome!!!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Anonymous5/13/2008

    gorgeous, congrats on such a huge project. i love the back pattern the best!

    ReplyDelete
  45. I'm not even sure what to say to something that looks that spectacular!! Wow. What a beautiful work of art!! You wear it proudly!!
    Suzanne

    ReplyDelete
  46. it's stunning, leslie! really gorgeous in every way.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Yum! It is absolutely gorgeous - the fit is perfect! It looks like one of those sweaters that will never go out of style! Bravo!

    ReplyDelete
  48. I love it!! It looks fabulous on you! If you ask me, you can never have too many photos.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Ditto what everyone else said--it's just gorgeous. Lovely job!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Anonymous5/13/2008

    i LOVE it. oh my. love it. so much. love it.

    ReplyDelete
  51. oh, i have waited for these pictures. i love her too. beautiful!!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Oh.My.Glory!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Anonymous5/13/2008

    OH MY!!!!!!!! Gorgeous! Probably a lot of patience too...congrat!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Fabulous! I love the colour!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Anonymous5/13/2008

    (oh my. 55 comments and counting! yikes.)
    needless to say, that sweater looks superb on you and a lovely colour choice. it should go with virtually everything in a wardrobe.
    great job.

    ReplyDelete
  56. Oh wow, that is super gorgeous!!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Fabulous work indeed. I love the color.

    ReplyDelete
  58. Its beautiful, the colour is perfect. Enjoy wearing it!

    ReplyDelete
  59. absolutely stunning!
    congrats on the fabulous completion.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Anonymous5/14/2008

    For a long time I come to visit your blog but without leaving message because of my weak English... I am always admirative of your work. This time, I make an effort to really say to you how much your pullover is pretty, very very beautiful... And this soft color is so comforting... congratulation!!!
    P.S. Hope this message make sence! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  61. Wow! Such a beautiful sweater cannot have too many photos.

    I'm not a 3/4. I'm 5'7.5". I always thought I was going to be taller.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Anonymous5/14/2008

    The coat is fabulous and wearable, and I also love the photos.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Ooooooh she's gorgeous. Beautifully knitted, beautiful pattern and an absolutely wonderful colour. Oh how I wish I had the time to knit myself one!

    ReplyDelete
  64. OH MY GOODNESS! That is GORGEOUS!!!!!!!

    Such amazing stitches!

    ReplyDelete
  65. I am speechless. That is truly stunning.

    ReplyDelete
  66. this is GORGEOUS! and it looks so great on you! nice job leslie!!!

    and as far as too many photos? not a chance.

    ReplyDelete
  67. That turned out beautiful. Great Job! You look lovely in it. g

    ReplyDelete
  68. This is just beautiful. What a triumph! Congratulations!

    ReplyDelete
  69. My goodness! I'm commenter number 69! But of course the COAT is even more amazing! I love the 2nd photo. It has the perfect attitude (word borrowed from my daughter's vocabulary) for wearing this gorgeous COAT!

    ReplyDelete
  70. This looks fantastic--great work! I didn't like this pattern when I saw it in the book, but your version is beautiful. Hmm, I might just have to put it in my Ravelry queue!

    ReplyDelete
  71. beautiful job. i love the color you chose. it looks like a great sweater to own.

    ReplyDelete
  72. Beautiful! NOw I need to knit one too! Thanks for a great post!

    ReplyDelete
  73. Its amazing! It looks perfect. Especially on you! Wear it often. :)

    ReplyDelete
  74. Nice work! The greenish-blue colour is beautiful on you.

    ReplyDelete
  75. Anonymous5/14/2008

    Wow! WOW! That is stunning!

    ReplyDelete
  76. Anonymous5/14/2008

    This is amazing work! It's just beautiful on you. I always love your modeled shots!

    ReplyDelete
  77. I am in awe of your knitting skills. Ruby is so beautiful. And it looks beautiful on you. Great color choice.

    ReplyDelete
  78. Ms. Ruby is HOT! Lovely color...Lovely Pics!

    ReplyDelete
  79. Anonymous5/14/2008

    Oh, it came out stunning! If I weren't sick and tired of cables I would totally love making this! Beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
  80. Absolutely gorgeous!! All of your work inspires me, but this tops them all. Great job, well done!!! Happy Spring!

    ReplyDelete
  81. You should love her - WOW - that is gorgeous - your best ever that I've seen. Enjoy!!! The color is super.
    Tanya

    ReplyDelete
  82. Wow! It's gorgeous on you! :)

    ReplyDelete
  83. Ruby is gorgeous! Fabulous job as always. It looks so comfortable and cozy.

    ReplyDelete
  84. That sweater is fantastic!! It looks beautiful on you. I just found your blog and can't wait to look through your past projects! I am definitely now inspired to make myself a sweater/cardigan.

    ReplyDelete
  85. Now that is a beautifully epic sweater. So impressive.

    ReplyDelete
  86. Anonymous5/15/2008

    fantabulous. And very elegant!

    Love the colour too.

    ReplyDelete
  87. Anonymous5/15/2008

    It's a beauty for sure! I bet it is super soft too!?

    ReplyDelete
  88. Nicely done! That looks terrific on you.
    Very interesting technique, isn't it, the sideways cables?

    ReplyDelete
  89. Gorgeous. Just drop dead gorgeous. I love everything about it. Fantastic job!

    ReplyDelete
  90. Absolutely wonderful!

    All your swingy coats make me want to make one for myself...

    Shelling out all the money for so many skeins is the only thing that holds me back.

    Andrea

    ReplyDelete
  91. 'Wow, that's fancy' said my daughter.
    'Yes, I agree. How many stitches is that made of?'

    ReplyDelete
  92. Anonymous5/16/2008

    Just knew this was going to be gorgeous! Looks so cosy whilst still being elegant. Dare I ask how many stitches per row there are?

    ReplyDelete
  93. Oh My! That is thee most gorgeous sweater I have ever seen!!! You are AWESOME..my knitting idol. LOL!!! :D

    ReplyDelete
  94. beautiful! I wish I had your ability let alone patience! Cables are my downfall!

    ReplyDelete
  95. I am positively salivating over all those lovely cables! I'm also totally jealous that you can wear sweater coats...I'm so short I look like a short round midget in tops that go past my hips... ;)

    Great color, too!

    ReplyDelete
  96. Anonymous5/16/2008

    I love it. Usually I think most handknit sweaters are frumpy but this one's not at all. Nice color choice, too.

    ReplyDelete
  97. The color is pretty and the result wonderful

    ReplyDelete
  98. OH girl.. that's beautiful.. and what an AWESOME COLOR!!!

    ReplyDelete
  99. Wow........that is one impressive project! And I think your color choice is gorgeous. I'd be wearing it VERY proudly if I were you.

    ReplyDelete
  100. Ruby is stunning! It looks so cozy - like you'd never want to take it off :)

    ReplyDelete
  101. Gorgeous! Ruby is beautiful on you and what a fabulous color!
    Sharon
    saburket@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  102. I have been waiting for Ruby's unveiling. Well worth the wait!

    Looks fantastic!

    ReplyDelete
  103. my jar is literally hanging open while looking at these photos! ruby is stunning! the color is fantastic on you and the whole effect is just gorg!

    ReplyDelete
  104. Wow - BEAUTIFUL!!!! So nice when a project turns out so well.

    ReplyDelete
  105. 105 COMMENTS! U go girl, see U Thursday! BRing RubY!

    ReplyDelete
  106. Anonymous5/19/2008

    YOu are a freaking Kniting celebrity on blogger OMG! I got tired scrolling.

    ReplyDelete
  107. Everyone has already said it, but that is one truly amazing sweater. Good work, L!

    ReplyDelete
  108. Whoa, stunning!!! It looks fabulous on you, I love the length.

    ReplyDelete
  109. Delightfully beautiful pattern :)

    ReplyDelete
  110. Now, that's a work of an artist!! Lovely!!

    ReplyDelete
  111. You are seriously amazing with your knitting skillz!

    ReplyDelete
  112. Oh Leslie, you have done it again. Ruby is amazing, it is so you, the color and everything. Great model session too, but I would love to see your beautiful face with your newest accomplishment!

    ReplyDelete
  113. Anonymous5/26/2008

    I am in awe - that is just gorgeous.

    ReplyDelete
  114. Anonymous5/26/2008

    I am a little late to the compliments party but WOW I am blown away. Looks great and I love the color! And you can never have too many pictures. I think pics make the blog...okay the blogger makes the blog but you know what I mean :O)

    ReplyDelete
  115. Wow. Wow. Wow. Just lovely.

    ReplyDelete
  116. Absolutely stunning. I was so taken with your Ruby that I want to begin one of my own. How has it held up? Some reviews of Cashmerino Aran indicate lots of stretching/piling. Would you recommend the yarn or trying another?

    ReplyDelete