That's been about it for knitting—and
I am not even done with the swatch!
It's free hand--after knitting feather
motif after feather motif, I more or less have the hang of it, and
since I wanted a more rectangular shape (vs a wedge shape) I am
working free hand.. Not looking at the chart at all to make this
swatch.
It doesn't have to be a perfect
match—just a close one. The most important part is the center (the
stocking knit part) of the feather. The yarn looks (and feels) very
different—and it is. It is heavier-fingering weight vs cobweb, and
it is smoother—especially now, since it is coated with a wax.
Most coned yarn, intended for knitting
machines, are coated with a water soluble wax. After I wash this
yarn, it will bloom and be softer and have a bit of halo. It will
then look more like the yarn I used for the shawl. This yarn also
has a bit of silk added, (10%) vs the 100% merino wool—but I don't
think that will make much of difference. Besides, in addition to
this swatch, the few remaining yards of the shawl yarn will be knit
up into a simple stocking knit rectangle and used for a color test swatch--just to make sure the yarns pick up the colors the same.
Once both swatches are completed, I
will stretch them out, into rectangles, and paint, while still damp. I want the colors to run and to have blends, not clear
colors “with in the lines”.
The lace swatch will be to try out
where each color goes, the plain swatch will be to check out how the
colors absorb—just in case there is a noticeable difference.
I have also started another pair of
socks.. These will have a crosswise knit lace band. I haven't even
finished the band yet. But I have finally got the pattern down. It's
a bit more complex than it looks at first glance. There are
increases (and a single decrease) on the wrong side rows (as well as
on the right side rows. I started with a few rows of stocking knit
that will be undone when I finish the length—the last row of
the pattern will be grafted to the first row—making a seamless band
to start.
The body of the socks will continue the
leaf motif—a natural for this green yarn, don't you think?
And, (about time!) I've started my
“muslin” (not muslin, but also not the silky, grey, satiny crepe)
of the top I intend for the dress for the wedding. I haven't started
sewing yet—just organizing the pattern pieces, and pinning out the
ones I intend to use. I am not doing a mock up of the skirt—I have
made A-line skirts before (and recently) and I am not worried about
the fit of the skirt.
But princess seams? I want a nice fit. And
this will be a good test run for another princess seamed pattern I
have—the second pattern is more casual--a jacket like shirt--but I am sure I will learn
things about the fit from this top. I am small busted, and smaller in the shoulder than would be normal for my size. I want a nice fit--and it might take some adjusting to get it right.
Later, when I make a jacket like
shirt top--(and matching gored skirt) I'll end up with a better fit--this next top(and skirt) will be from some of the cotton that is getting pre-washed and pre-shrunk.
I like the look of matching tops and skirts (vs a dress) sometimes--especially for a good fit. The cotton pieces will also lend themselves to being matched with other skirts and tops.
