Lace Coquette Tube Top Progress Pic and Tree Jacket Musings

Here's the lace coquette tube top that I started over the weekend; I just finished the first skein of Cascade Pima Tencel. A ribbon will be woven into those eyelets. Talk about mindless knitting - the only part where you have to pay any attention is the 24 stitch lace section. Adrienne - this would be a good first lace project. It's easier than Rusted Root because there is no side shaping, and the lace pattern is easier.

ETA: here's a closeup of the lace pattern; I was half asleep when I took the first pic and realized afterward that I didn't take a picture of the right side.

In other news on the Tree Jacket

Michelle told me that the yarn used to knit the sample was Knit Picks Andean Silk in the colorway Barn Red. Apparently this question came up on the Zephyr Style blog (I didn't even know they had a blog - I added that to bloglines now). Their blog also says they have two more patterns in the works that should be available soon, so that is exciting!

Not that I would necessarily use the original yarn, but to give an idea of the original fiber content, the Knit Picks Andean Silk is "55% Super Fine Alpaca, 23% Silk, 22% Merino Wool." This sounds nice - I haven't worked with the Knit Picks yarns before. It is $3.99 a ball for 96 yards, so pretty reasonably priced. For the S in this sweater (it says it is not designed to be as fitted as the other previous designs, so I would make the S based on my actual measurements instead of the XS based on negative ease) I would need 950 yards, or almost 10 skeins. It is nice to know that if I wanted to, I could make this sweater for just over $40 with shipping.

I am thinking about ordering one skein each of the most popular Knit Picks yarns and doing a "taste test" to see how they knit up. One of my knitting idiosyncrasies is that I rarely ever buy yarn for a whole project unless I have knitted with one skein of it first (hence my huge one-skein inventory). Hmmm, I could test these out and then I could pass the skeins on to someone else who hasn't knitted with the Knit Picks yarn (kind of like the traveling teddy bear and gnomes that are going around!!) Something to think about.

Does anyone have any experience with the Andean Silk? It definitely sounds like it'd be warm, with all that alpaca, so I don't think this solves the problem I've heard about finding a warm-weather substitute yarn.

Comments

[marjorie]

I bought a few skeins of Knit Picks Elegance, which seems to be a thinner version of a similar yarn. I got three skeins for a scarf (a test project). I haven't knit the scarf yet, but the yarn is very nice and I'd probably use it for a bigger project. I was suspicious at first of the low prices, thinking the quality would be lacking. But I was delightfully surprised. In fact, I've tried to convince a novice knitter to stay away from the acrylics at AC Moore and get yarn from Knit Picks instead (she is not willing to spend a lot of $ on knitting just yet because she is new at it).

I'm with you about testing yarns, although I usually get enough for a scarf--many of which end up as presents. I really won't commit to a major investment in a new yarn unless I'm thoroughly convinced I'll be happy with it.

[Michelle]

I did use the Andean Silk for my 1st wicked. I was very happy with the yarn. It's very soft, but it is warmer. But maybe with the lacy areas it won't be so warm.

[Stacey]

Mmmh I may have to try that tube top. I was actually looking at the one in Fitted Knits last night and debating about putting that one in my 'knit que'.

I love the idea of the KnitPicks Traveling 1 Balls! I ordered a couple of their sample cards but never thought about trying to knit them up! They should have a yarn club!

[Jenny]

I like Marjorie's idea of making a scarf--or you could buy one ball and make a gift for someone out of the "one skein" book.

I have a hard time buying yarn from knitpicks because I like to touch the yarn before I buy it. I think they have sample cards, though, so I really have no excuse.

[Chris]

I love Andean Silk. I used it to make CeCe (chick knits) for my Mom last year. It's so soft and has a nice halo without being too sheddy. I would definitely use it again. I've used Elegance too and it's very much the same, just in the finer weight.

[Adrienne]

I will have to look at that pattern!!!! I will also have to check out this yarn!!! Im really excited about this sweater!!! I love it!

[Karma]

I haven't used KP yarns at all, but I was interested at one point in the Andean Silk for a project and a kind blogger sent me her leftover snips. It's a really lovely and soft yarn. I would either use it for a cold weather project or something very open and airy if you wanted to wear it more year round.

[Bobbi]

The Andean silk is what I'm using for clapotis that I'm worried will be itchy. I would never have guessed from the picture that it is the yarn they used.

[Shannon O.]

My only experience is with KP Elegance, and I absolutely love it. It is soft, and warm. I'm working up Ms. Marigold with it right now. My mom has used KP Andean Silk and she seconds that it's much like Elegance, just thicker. I may have some left-over (Elegance) after this project if you're interested.......

[Koko]

I like your idea and Marjorie's. Those ideas seem to me to be the greatest to purchase yarns with entire satisfaction. I have thought that kind of idea before but I've been totally weak-kneed until now because I don't like collecting unwanted yarns in my room.
Thank you, Robin and Marjorie.

[Carol]

I sure like that Tree Jacket! Great idea on the KP yarn too! I've internet access challenged at home (again). I'm trying a few things to ensure all is connected correctly & if that don't work it's time to call in the repair team. hayelp!!!!!

[Katinka]

I made a scarf with Elegance -- it had an amazing drape once blocked, but I think it would be more drape than I would care for in a sweater. I only have a colorcard of Andean Silk, but it seems like really nice stuff (and offers beautiful color choices, too). I've seen some people say that the alpaca in it is itchy, but I'm sure that just varies from person to person.

Did you catch the sneak peek of one of the upcoming designs? So cute!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8185562@N07/520823959/

And not to add to your project queue, but I think Angela Hahn's new top is just lovely, too.

http://ahknits.typepad.com/knititude/2007/07/dayflower-lace-.html

[Katinka]

I made a scarf with Elegance -- it had an amazing drape once blocked, but I think it would be more drape than I would care for in a sweater. I only have a colorcard of Andean Silk, but it seems like really nice stuff (and offers beautiful color choices, too). I've seen some people say that the alpaca in it is itchy, but I'm sure that just varies from person to person.

Did you catch the sneak peek of one of the upcoming designs? So cute!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8185562@N07/520823959/

And not to add to your project queue, but I think Angela Hahn's new top is just lovely, too.

http://ahknits.typepad.com/knititude/2007/07/dayflower-lace-.html

[Katinka]

I made a scarf with Elegance -- it had an amazing drape once blocked, but I think it would be more drape than I would care for in a sweater. I only have a colorcard of Andean Silk, but it seems like really nice stuff (and offers beautiful color choices, too). I've seen some people say that the alpaca in it is itchy, but I'm sure that just varies from person to person.

Did you catch the sneak peek of one of the upcoming designs? So cute!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/8185562@N07/520823959/

And not to add to your project queue, but I think Angela Hahn's new top is just lovely, too.

http://ahknits.typepad.com/knititude/2007/07/dayflower-lace-.html

[Amanda]

I have not used the Andean Silk, but the yarns I have used from Knit Picks has been great. They are good yarns for the money. I would suggest getting some of the different yarns from them you are interested in and try them out...kinda like you suggested! :-)

[Viv]

Thank you so much for making me aware of that sweater - I adore it! I haven't looked on Zephyr Style in a while. I have used Andean Silk and liked it - I like Knitpicks Elegance even more although I've only used it for a scarf. Myself, I think I may make it in the exact same yarn color as on the model, I love it so much!

[tiennie]

I love that color!