Today I finished a project from the latest IK - Norah Gaughan's Bonsai Tunic. It is kinda blue, so I am really doing well this year with Project Spectrum. I decided to change it a bit, to not emphasize that particular part of my body with ribbing. Contrary to the widespread believe, ribbing is not always flattering, especially not there on me. Since I used stash yarn my gauge turned out slightly larger than the given one and the fabric I got from the wool/alpaca mix is slightly stiffer than I would have liked. Unfortunately this produces unwanted horizontal lines in the pattern.
With this design as with the "Shetland Shawl turned Vest" it is imperative to have negative ease in the bust area. I used the numbers for the 46" for the lower part and fudged the 42" numbers for the bust. Fortunately I ditched the increases on the bust as intended in the pattern, with my larger gauge I would have ended up with quite the potato sack.
As I have been told, taking pictures in natural light is much more flattering. I might be able to convince Rolf to take some more tomorrow. Maybe one in which a) I look smashing, b) you won't see that I suck in my stomach, c) the play of light and shadow will hide those darn horizontal lines.
We'll see. What do you think so far?
Something Saturday
Here's a gratuitous shot of the top of the "Peek-a-boo Cloche". I don't know if there's one in the book because I haven't received my copy yet (there was a mix-up with the address, and apparently it sold like hot cakes, so I might have to wait for the second printing). It also might be, just maybe, that I am a teensy bit proud of how I worked out the decreases to look that pretty.
I had to write this post twice. My first and really good version got lost because apparently I have put an "!" where it doesn't belong. I am trying to be good and not be too upset about it, but just you ask Rolf how that played out...
5 comments:
Thanks for that extra peek at your cloche. I don't think that picture is in the book. Very neat star pattern :) And I love orange and red together. Great job on the bonsai tank too. Man, you're fast, unless you get advanced copies of Interweave Knits somehow? ;)
Thanks!
Nope, no advance issue. I got mine on Feb 20, which incidentally was the official release date and much later than a lot of people bought theirs.
The tank looks fantastic!
I haven't seen your design yet...but supposedly Lace Style is coming my way for a review, so I'll be very happy to see it as soon as it arrives. I'm trying not to harass the postman...
I just bought a merino/alpaca blend to make the Bonsai Tunic and then started searching for anyone who has made it already. I'm so excited to find that you have also used the same type of yarn! I've been a little concerned about the ribbing in the waist too since I'm thick in that area. I was planning to make the 42" size to accommodate my bust, but now I fear the ribbing even more. Can you give me any more pointers on the pattern? Thanks - and btw I love your patterns. Embossed Leaves are on my dpns right now!
The girl at the wool shop in Pointe-Claire told me I could not. She told me she was an expert. Ugh! Okay - I'll try it!
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