During all this upheaval I have been knitting. My current project is basic stockinette, necessary as my reading ability is really hampered right now until my new glasses come in (next week), and my eyes are different enough, that simple readers don't work.
I've been working on this pattern by Cocoknits called Louisa. In retrospect I realize that I am probably knitting it in the color shown here, but that wasn't my intention. I saw a sample of this garment at the Vogue Knitting Live market last month, and selected a color of Habu N-68 Lamb Linen from the colors available, and you see what happened.
Being somewhat tall and long of torso, I had to do a little lengthening of the pattern to achieve a fit that was flattering on me, as you can see from the rather blurry photos below, which were taken fairly late at night with inadequate lighting.
The first photo is the length of the sweater as written, which as you can see, is too short and hits at an unfortunate position which emphasizes the curve of the hips and thighs in an unflattering way. The second photo shows the sweaters current length, after adding an additional 6 inches of length. Perhaps longer than necessary, but a flattering length on me, at least if I am wearing this with jeans, which is my intention. With a skirt or different styling the shorter length might be fine, and I may well consider that option in another version of this sweater.
At this point I have knit the body of the sweater up to the armholes and am about to start the sleeves, which are knitted in the round, then joined to the body and the top is knitted in one piece. Apparently, I don't have size 7 double-pointed needles so I will be picking those up tonight at knitting as I would much rather use the DPNs than two circulars, which I just find confusing and aggravating.
Here is a photo of the body of the sweater so far. The fabric is light and soft and has great drape. I am having some worries about whether I have enough yarn. I did order extra, but I don't know if I ordered enough extra for the six-inch extension. I probably won't know until I run out, so I might be on tenterhooks for a while yet. The yarn is available and I can order more; if the dye lots are not similar I have a couple of ideas for incorporating the color change into the design although they may require some ripping and reknitting.
I wish I had weighed the yarn with the cone when it arrived. I know how much yarn I purchased, but I don't know the weight of the cone itself. If I had weighed the yarn on the cone, I would have a much better idea of how much yarn is left.
Comments
17 responses to “Current Knitting”
Standard cones weight about 3 oz.
I like this! And you make me see why I should be at least a bit grateful for my short torso — I always wish for more length there, but at least I save on inches of stocking stitch 😉
The shape is gorgeous and the colour is so beautiful. I am very impressed as I could NEVER knit. I do have knitting envy.
Since the drape is so nice it will likely look good in any length, depending on what you have below. I find flowy pants accommodate pretty much any length from just below the waist to to the knee.
The sweater is beautiful and the longer length is much better.
I used to knit as a child, but prefer sewing. However, your knitting posts are intriguing. I might have to try it again one of these days.
Love the shape and color. That’s going to be a gorgeous, wearable piece when finished. I hope you’ll show us a finished modeling shot.
A very nice model and so is the color. I admire your patience to knit. I´m sure that this will look great on you : ).
I like it, and when life is stressful there is nothing like nice, clean stockinette. K
Dierdre, that is great information. And it helped. I weighed everything and subtracted and figured it out. I will either just squeak run out within a tiny bit of finishing.
Yes Mater, be grateful for your short torso. Fashion is designed for this as well. Even though models are tall, the best ones have short torsos and long legs, makes them look longer and makes it easier to fit clothing.
Oh Belette, you are so accomplished in everything you do. And you do so many things that I could never do, so I am envious of your writing and many things. Our envies can be complimentary.
Oops, complementary.
Duchesse, I am already planning another version of this top since the shape is good and the pattern is well written with good shaping in it. This one will be shorter, to wear with a wider variety of pants or skirts.
Thank you Susan. I think the longer version is better on me. But these things are all so individual.
I used to go through phases of knitting and sewing. Right now knitting is good because I can do it in the evening sitting with George on the sofa. Sewing is a more isolated task.
Once I get new bookcases up perhaps I can get back to setting up my sewing table and bring my machines out of the closet. I need new clothes and I have fabric. It seems something must be done, and I do enjoy sewing, even though I suspect many wadders will pass through my hands on the path to good garments.
Pseu, will I will.
I am finding that I love these cool browns which seem to have a bit of a purple base.
Thank you Mette, it is a nice brown with a generous purple/maroon background. A good color.
Yes Karen, getting lost in easy repetition is the best thing going at times, especially, for me anyway, accompanied by mindless tv or Monday night football, now sadly over.