Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Yet another one

I knit another top.  Yes indeed.  Knitting something takes approximately 1,000 times longer than sewing something, but I'm finding it strangely soothing as an activity.  It's so portable.

This is a pattern on Ravelry known as the "Grown-Up Tee", because it was originally published as a kid's pattern.  There are only two other projects for the adult version of this pattern posted on Ravelry, which strikes me as strange since this is kind of cute, and not hard to knit.


One modification I made was to add shaping to the lace section by using smaller needles above the hip, and reducing one stitch per lace repeat at the waist level.  It is *extremely* subtle since the 100% silk yarn (ColourMart again) is very drapey and the ribbed lace pattern does not really draw in, but in my imagination the blockiness of the pattern as designed (no shaping whatsoever) is avoided.  (To be fair to the designer, if this was knitted in wool as intended, the ribbing would naturally pull in to create the illusion of shaping.)

It is an interesting exercise to apply my sewing and fitting knowledge to knitting patterns. The pattern as designed is the same front and back, which would make for a very wide open and low-feeling back neck.  I added some short rows which start along the top of the sleeve to add approximately 2.5cm (1") to the back neck.  At left is a photo of the sleeve, taken from above, showing where the short rows start.  The line is approximately where the neckline as designed would have fallen.

I am going to my sewing room now to contemplate Claire Shaeffer's latest Chanel jacket pattern...

11 comments:

  1. Very cute top and I'm also enjoying knitting again as it is so portable.

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  2. Another *beautiful* knitted piece, Kay. It looks lovely on you.

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  3. So beautiful and it fits you so well. RK

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  4. Lovely. I agree on the portability of knitting being a real draw. You are getting some really nice results, and I think your sewing/fitting experience is the reason.

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  5. This is a gorgeous top. I love knitting and I love knitting this particular lace pattern. Love your choice of colour.

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  6. There's no doubt that garment construction knowledge is a huge benefit when knitting. Your sweater is lovely I just might have to copy this one.

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  7. I am learning to knit as I want to add them to my sewing wardrobe. Thanks for showing your beautiful work! I love the knitted top, it is just gorgeous!!!

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  8. That is a lovely top. It's been several years since I've knit anything, but watching your progress has me itching to pick up the needles again.

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  9. Yes, isn't it fun to use your sewing and personal fitting knowledge to help with something else. It's something we sewists can do, because we know about these things. One of the things I love about all the sewing I do for others and myself, is how many times I can totally personalize a garment in so many ways - just like what you do here. Love your top, it's really stylish.

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