the (short) leafy pull

Another item off my knitting list, and about time too. I clearly wasn't very eager to finish it, since I knit several other pieces in between. The pattern is lovely, and I will definitely make another one in the fall, but this time in wool, which I think will make all the difference. Knitting this in cotton was a trial, and up until I seamed it all together I really didn't feel the love for this project. Reverse stockinette in cotton just doesn't look that good and shows off every tiny mistake, of which there were plenty. I did learn a lot though, so my next one will hopefully turn out perfect.

And this one, now that it's done and blocked, is actually kind of cute. I love the leafy design, of course, and the actual knitting was easier than I thought. The yarn is also quite nice, although it has a tendency to split easily. On the other hand, it doesn't look like it's going to stretch much, which is always a concern with cotton.




Pattern: Pull #460-T6-275, from Phildar magazine nr. 460 Tendances
Yarn: Garn Studio Muskat (about 6 skeins)
Needles: 3.5 mm




Changes: I made a lot of them ... Let's see:

. Used smaller needles in order to obtain the right gauge
. Knit the body in the round up until the armholes. This was actually a wise decision, since my reverse stockinette in the round looks way better than doing it back and forth
. Added a couple of inches to the length. It was barely enough, but I could've added some more (next time I will)
. Made it short sleeved instead of long sleeved



To add to the difficulty, I worked with the French pattern, and made my translations as I needed them. I think it helped that I had already knitted another Phildar pattern, because their instructions are not written the usual way. And I'm sure there were a couple of things I missed, or didn't understand at all, but then I like to improvise and in the end I guess it turned out ok.

on the needles ....

I've been obsessively knitting the Phildar Leafy Pullover recently. It helps that I love knitting reverse stockinette, but to see the leaves design taking shape is even better. I'm knitting this in mercerized cotton, so I can use it in warmer days, and I think I'll probably make it short sleeved (or a 3/4 sleeve ? What do you think ?)
If this goes well, then I might knit a full sleeved version later in the fall, because I have a feeling this will be one of my favorites when it's done.



Finally done, and just in time, a baby jacket for little Ema, my friends' second child who was born this week, who is totally adorable and behaved so nicely when we went to meet her last night. The pattern is the February Baby Sweater in two needles from Elizabeth Zimmermann, and the yarn is Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino (it just took a little less than 2 skeins). The pattern is incredibly easy and the yarn is so nice to work with.





And just to let you know, the next shop update will definitely take place next week. Bookcovers only, this time, but then I hope to follow the week after with some bags as well. Have a great weekend :)

(note: and by the way, did you know that Blogger allows you to schedule posts to be automatically posted at a certain date now ? I just found out by accident ... )

gilet col tailleur

I was going to post about some summer sewing I've been doing lately, but with the weather acting up so strange lately I decided to show you the finished Gilet instead. Who knows, I might actually be able to wear it before next winter if the weather goes on like this ....

Anyway, first I have to say that I love the finished result. It turned out exactly how I expected, which doesn't happen that often. Because of all the ribbing the pattern is very forgiving and no shaping is necessary, so the knitting is pretty straightforward. The seaming, however, is another issue. I had a very hard time trying to figure out how to attach the front ribbing and collar. With a little online help I managed it on my third try or so, and I have to admit that the result is very pleasing. Seaming ribbed sleeves is a nightmare though, and I had to reinforce it with some sewing thread in the end.



The yarn is wonderful to work with, and I think it will hold up well. I machine washed it, blocked it lightly, and it didn't stretch much, maybe just half an inch or so (in length).




Pattern: Gilet #480-T7-268, from Phildar nº 480 Tendances Winter 07/08
Yarn: Schachenmayr Nomotta Extra Merino Big (12 skeins)
Size: S
Needles: 5.5 mm


Changes: none in the knitting. The pattern calls for a snap to be attached to close the front, and the big button is for decorative purposes only, but I tried it and didn't like the result (the front kept opening up). So I attached two smaller buttons instead, and because the yarn is quite flexible I'm able to push them through the ribbing.



Since this was the last project I had on my winter list, I can now finally start the spring/summer projects I've been dying to make. I cast on for the Phildar Leafy Pullover and the Frock Camisole already, but didn't progress much so far. And does anyone have any good suggestions for what to make with two skeins of Kid Silk Haze ? I couldn't resist buying them on my last visit to Spa Tricot but I've never done lace and shawls are not exactly my thing, so any recommendations are appreciated.