These are from Cat Bordhi's book New Pathways for Sock Knitters (Book One) which is the only book one needs to make perfect-fitting socks, in my opinion. They took a very long time because I got tired of the cables. But now they're done and I'm very happy with them. The next ones I make are going to be very plain.
Don't worry, I've also been sewing and the skirt is progressing nicely. Thanks to the perceptive comments in my last post and further inspection of my muslin (in which I sewed the waistband without any difficulty) I realized that the problem was that I had basted the lining and fashion fabric together (as Vogue instructs in step 18). It is MUCH easier to sew the waistband on to a single layer. Serendipitously, doing so also means that both sides of the waistband can be clean-finished by machine. I'm always in favour of that.
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| Why yes, that is hot pink lining. |
To the commenters who suggested that it would be easier if the waistband was sewn to the top of the skirt first, and the diagonal seam sewn last together with the dart, I think you were definitely onto something. Vogue instructs sewing these darts before the skirt pieces are sewn together (which I had done) but I don't see why they couldn't be left to later.
I'm not usually a slave to pattern instructions and these were bad ones to follow slavishly. This is a beautiful skirt and Vogue was not kidding when they said the pattern is "Advanced/Plus Difficile". But better instructions would have been a good idea.
Right now I'm inclined not to do all the topstitching Vogue is asking for. My fabric is a plush cashmere (yummy) and so far I've just topstitched (rather than topstitched and edgestitched) the major skirt seams. The stitching makes for a nice texture but the darts and seams also show up well as you can see in the picture. According to Vogue, I should also topstitch the darts and the lower edge of the waistband. Thoughts?
Hi Kayy! Your newly completed socks are so beautiful. I love the texture and interest created by the cables. Cat Bordhi is a favorite of mine. I made some socks from the same book, and they sure do fit well.
ReplyDeleteYour skirt is coming along nicely. I'm in favor of topstitching the darts and lower edge of the waistband, as shown in the pattern photo. It adds even more visual interest, a finishing touch to the stunning lines of the skirt. Really beautiful!
Definitely topstich all, it really makes for a cleaner finish. Love the pink lining: hot pink is always an excellent lining choice for red!
ReplyDeleteThe skirt is definitely on the home-stretch now!!!
ReplyDeleteNice socks! I love to knit socks, unless the pattern is too complicated.
ReplyDeleteI would have thought all Canadians had drawers full of hand-knit socks :-). You will be hooked in no time, as they are seriously better than anything else in this season (and at least 2 others..). Congratulations, these are lovely.
ReplyDeleteThose socks are VERY fancy!
ReplyDeleteY'know, I used a lighter weight wool than your cashmere, and I removed some of the topstitching/edgestitching afterwards because it just didn't seem to do anything except accentuate all the seams and darts. If you have any scraps, I'd suggest testing it to see if you like the look before plunging the needle into the cashmere. Just a thought!
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