Men Who Knit Promoting and inspiring the art of knitting amongst men.

Pattern: Franklin by Jane Ellison
Book: The Queensland Collection Book 9

Yarn Brand: Jo Sharp
Yarn Name: Silk Road DK Tweed
Yarn Colorway: 402 Serpentine
Yarn Content: 85% Wool, 10% Silk, and 5% Cashmere
Yardage: 50g; 147 yards
Quantity: 11 balls (1617 yards)
Needle: Size 6 US (4.0 mm)
Size: Small
Recipient: Me

Trim Yarn
Yarn Brand: Classic Elite Yarns
Yarn Name: '03 Tweed
Yarn Colorway: #5903
Yarn Content: 65% wool, 20% nylon, and 15% acrylic
Yardage: 50g; 143 yards
Quantity: 1 ball

Project Notes:
THE GOOD
Awesome patterning. That's what I can say about Franklin. Much attention was given to the raglan detail and how it seamed up. Looks so good on the model and that's why I actually chose to make it.

Wonderful addition of the contrasting colored trim. I think the trim makes the sweater pop.

The BAD
The sizing information in this book really needs to be revised. The MAJOR complain that I have, actually MAJOR enough for me to chuck this sweater and never wear it at all.... is how tight the armcye is! The armhole depth needs to be deeper. A LOT deeper. So, I looked through the book and found that Jane sized ALL her sweaters with the same sleeve length and body lengths. So, I am going to assume that every sweater in the book is going to feel VERY tight under the underarm.

I do not like the way the gray trim was attached to the sweater. It just says to bind off with the different color. That to me is not enough. You can see the purl bumps on the other side and you can see the blue through the gray bind off.

Changes that I've made
I tubularly cast on for the sleeves and the hem of the sweater. Much more professional finish look. However, I was dissapointed with the trim around the color and the placket. I couldn't really figure out another better way of attaching the trim so that it looks more professionally finished.

Things that I would change
I would definitely look at row gauge the next time. I love all the sweaters in the book, but I would really need to revise how deep her arm holes are. So for example, I need to make a size SMALL for the body, but like a size LARGE for the sleeves, but at the same time, not make the whole sleeve baggy, but retaining the depth of the armhole. It's all hind sight now, but I would love to embark on another of her sweaters (Beck..... :) )