Oops

Because things don't always end up the way we intend them to, I humbly present this, my first dog sweater.  I designed this without a model, and the leg openings ended up too far from the neck.  I'm pretty sure there isn't a dog with a long enough neck for this one.  If you can think of one, please introduce us.

I do, however, really like the design.  It's a simple turtleneck sweater with ribbed neck, hem, and very short ribbed sleeves.  It has a simple 6-stitch cable down the back and a harness or leash opening.  I will definitely try this one again and get it right.

In designing knitted garments, I'm learning patience, among many other things.  I don't always get it right the first time, and I have to go back to the literal drawing board.  Rather than be disappointed, I'm learning to appreciate my mistakes and what I learn from them.

Super awesome cable

One of my most beloved knitting books is a stitch dictionary.  It has photos and instructions for 450 different knitting patterns-- knit and purl, rib, cables, and edgings.  Every time I flip through its pages I get inspired with a dozen new ideas for sweater designs.

I used to think of cables as just two simple lines twisting over each other, but my stitch dictionary opened my eyes to an enormous world of possibilities.  I immediately fell in love with the cable in this burgundy sweater and was excited to use it in a sweater.

This sweater is the first one I made using this book as inspiration, and it's still one of my favorites.  I used a smooth, simple yarn in burgundy so none of the detail of this amazing cable would be lost.  

It's a long turtleneck with a ribbed neck and waist.  The twisting cable is over a background of reverse stockinette, which really makes the cables pop, with a garter stitch belly for extra stretch.  

 

I love this sweater on my Chiweenie model, but I think it would look great on a longer dog as well, like a small dachshund.

Purple dog sweater with cables.

I love, love, love cables.  I made this sweater with a smooth 100% wool purple yarn with good stitch definition to allow the cables and ribbing to show nicely.  The yarn is also heathered, which I think gives the stitches depth.  It's a turtleneck with a short belly panel, sized for a pug or smaller.