Lots of incredible shorts on the runways (these leather numbers are by Chloe) this season for spring, etc. but here in my picture, it’s just a cowl masquerading as a skirt to protect your sensibilities from a naked mannie…
Here, it’s paired with a half-finished cardi from long ago fished out of my Marination Chamber, where all my WIPs forlorn linger until further cookin’ takes place.
This cardi was started (long ago) for my personal wardrobe, hence the chartruese color supreme — has been resuscitated and is now well on its way to being finished.
BUT. What to do with the neck finish?
To totally go around the edge, I had to use a 47″ – #3 Addi Turbo! (It was very exciting – just looking at a needle that long is quite exhilarating and I am actually lucky enough to own one.)
I just kept picking up and picking up and now that all those stitches are in one place, I stepped back and decided to think a little about just how I was going to proceed.
The original plan for this was lace trim all around the neckline, body hem and sleeve edges. I still might make that sweater but not on this outing — I’ve fallen “out of love” with the idea — not an uncommon thing in the design process. I’m pretty sure that’s why I stalled and marinated it to begin with. The vision of that edging was just not clear enough going in and by the time it was ready to go on the piece, I started going round and round. The initial edging didn’t look right proportionately; then I started trying other lace patterns but none had the body required for an edge of that width.
Flopzeeze not allowed on a cardi edge — and nobody likes to sew a millimeter extra later (even though I adore adding grosgrain ribbon as a facing to edges).
Anybody keep up with the Sewing vs. No-Sew Debates in the knitting community? I’ve been constantly enlightened and entertained by the volatility of some of the discussions. Being fluent in both and enjoying each for their merits, leaves me room to sometimes just shake my head! And I routinely get emails chastising me for not writing my patterns a certain way. We’re talking severe poking; not just suggestions. I am amazed and amused by the drama this inspires… :)
For my personal wardrobe, I prefer sewn sweaters with set-in sleeves because I think they wear and fit better. They’re also easier to “imprint” with texture and cables and other designs. But you wouldn’t catch me trying fair isle NOT in the round. Recently, I found a swatch I made YEARS ago with expensive yarns that passed quickly into oblivion because of the tedium of row knitting in this style.
Luckily, that leaves me out of the brouha, because IMHO, it All Depends on What You are Going For.
And this sweater? I really don’t know, but I just went into the Studio and dug up a shorter #3 needle to try something new and unusual…
I try not to be a part of most of the “great knitting debates,” because I tend to get a little huffy at people when I feel like they are being rude. My gut feeling is that I would prefer to not sew my sweaters, because the more finishing work they require the more likely they are to languish. They might wear better or look better, but they are not more likely to get done in my hands. There are plenty of sweaters already designed in the round for me and plenty more designed in pieces for those who like to sew. Plenty of knitting for everybody.
The sewing and knitting worlds overlap, and a well-finished sweater is always worth the extra work. :)
I LOVE your patterns and have read comment after comment on the Ravelry forums saying that they are extremely well-written. I’ve purchased several, am knitting my first and I have to agree. I’m not having any difficulty!
There are patterns I’ve adapted so that I could knit them in the round. I think knowing different techniques gives one more options. I also think it’s easier to convert a pattern meant to be sew together to the round but not the other way around. Maybe it’s just me …
You never cease to amaze me with the ideas that are in your brain, and the skill you have to execute them. I would be jealous, if you didn’t “share” your patterns with me (us).
Your patterns are amazing.
I really like your ideas. In case I start with a project and – in the beginning – I do not know how the work will end, I like to see other ideas to compare and to try. I think you should work as you personally want to.
Annegret