My friend really liked her top yesterday but hasn't tried it on yet - pics to come when she does. She really liked the style and colors though. So...when I got home I decided to make another one (Simplicity 3918, view A) a size smaller. Except...this fabric is different, more spandex-y, so it is clingy (except still loose in the bust) and so it still needs a cami under it and something with a flat front on the bottom half (definitely NOT the gray fly-front pants I was thinking of wearing with it.)
I'm thinking maybe a longer black side zip silky skirt I have will work, or if I can find a pair of pants in my closet (or make a pair, hmmm) without any "noise" like a zipper, buttons, belt loops or pockets, I'll do that. I also haven't hemmed it yet because I'm not sure exactly what length I want it to be. I'm thinking "bottom of the hip" so that would be about 2.5" shorter, and I'd need to cut it before putting it on the coverstitch machine.
Next up, here's Forecast after a bath, but before I put the button bands on (the picture with the button bands on it is coming out a weird color.) I finished the button bands today and wove in all the ends. Nothing left to do except buttons now!
Dirndl Raglan also got a bath - I wasn't sure how the Elann Superwash Bamboo would change with washing on that scale, so I washed it before finalizing the length for the main color section. This yarn gets super soft and smooth after washing, and really nice and drapey. The stitches weren't looking so great before I washed it but it all evened out after I did that. I just started the third row of the contrast color section. It just hit me that my color names are "Devon Cream" and "Praline (something)" so my sweater is basically "Pralines-n-Cream!" Too funny...I hadn't thought about that before. I'm really liking this one now that I feel good about both the yarn and the fit. I love the mid-project washing thing! It works well to avoid mishaps.
Also, I am almost to the "joining hem round" on Silken Scabbard. I have never used a provisional cast on for anything, let alone to turn a hem. It's this technique that's kind of like the 3 needle bindoff without the binding off part. Pretty interesting! I think it was an Elizabeth Zimmerman thing, from what I'm reading. I'm really liking this project too, and have not minded the thin yarn at all! I think it's because it's a really soft animal fiber (alpaca) and not the dreaded hemp or 100% cotton. Those yarns just kill my hands!
It's a little lighter than it looks here, but I like how the cables are looking so far! It'll be interesting when I get to the part where they "morph" into a different type of braided cable too! Most of the pattern is really simple though. I like patterns like that - they have easy stockinette sections where you can zone out, with interesting parts thrown in just so you don't fall asleep.
Hope everyone's weekend was great!!
I love your knit top! You find some gorgeous prints! FORECAST LOOKS FANTASTIC!!!
Posted by: adrienne | August 17, 2008 at 11:03 PM
You always have the most interesting projects going on. Love your fabric choices.
Posted by: Diane | August 18, 2008 at 09:54 AM
Your top making has really soared! Forecast looks great, too. Can't wait to see the modeled pics.
Posted by: Susan - Knitters Delight | August 18, 2008 at 11:13 AM
Wow! Every time I go away, I come home & you have made like 10 things! Everything looks great... I love the co-worker top. It's so cute on her.
Posted by: Jenny | August 18, 2008 at 01:41 PM
Lovely tops and the knits tops are awesome. Please explain to me how you change a knit flat pattern to be worked in the round.
Posted by: sheila | August 18, 2008 at 02:59 PM
I like the forecast. The colour is really beautiful. I had doubts about a provisional CO as well but i think the result is worthwhile.
BTW: Dirndl is a traditional Bavarian costume :-)
Posted by: Steph | August 18, 2008 at 03:24 PM
Damn you, Robin!
(it is a joke! Don't get mad with me!)
Posted by: sandra | August 18, 2008 at 03:26 PM
You are the fastest knitter I know! I simply amazed at how much you accomplish! Forecast looks fantastic! I can't wait to see the finished Dirndl Raglan as I've been eyeballing that one too!
Posted by: kozy Kitty | August 18, 2008 at 03:31 PM
Congratulations on Forecast! I know that was an uphill battle to finish, and hopefully you're pleased with the end result! Your other knitting and sewing also looks great.
I totally know what you mean about the justification thing. It's hard to get past.
Posted by: Debby | August 18, 2008 at 04:27 PM
Everything looks great! I love the Silken Scabbard pattern. I can't wait to see how yours turns out.
Posted by: Lara | August 18, 2008 at 04:47 PM
I can't believe how fast you whip out these projects!
Posted by: tiennie | August 18, 2008 at 05:02 PM
Love that top! It will look great on you!
Posted by: Bobbi | August 18, 2008 at 05:21 PM
Your knit tops from the last week all look great!! OK I've got to get my butt to do some more sewing!!
Also love forcast! The color is great! (I'm wearing a tee that color today!) and the Silken Scabbard might have to go in my queue!
Posted by: Michelle | August 18, 2008 at 06:15 PM
Forcast looks really good. What buttons are you going to use?
Posted by: Carol | August 18, 2008 at 06:38 PM
If you make the kind of pants you're thinking of, that might be a project where an invisible zipper would give you the smooth look you want. If you don't have any closure at all (say, a gathered waist with elastic), you might get more bulk than you intend.
The alpaca sweater is looking beautiful.
Posted by: marjorie | August 19, 2008 at 07:45 AM