Mom’s Hat, Annie’s Hat
September 11th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
Yet another lovely pattern from Kristina McGowan’s book, Modern Top-Down Knitting. I made this Annie’s Hat for my mom for her Birthday. She picked it out at Christmas after she gifted me the book, and also picked out a color that she liked. I had intended to get it done for Mother’s Day, but with finals and New York, it just wasn’t meant to be.
This pattern actually proved more challenging that I thought it would, which was actually quite delightful as I learned a lot. I had followed Kristina’s tutorial on how to crochet elastic into a garment for my Feather Dress—pattern from the same, beautiful book—and while this hat utilizes the same technique, pipe-cleaner/wire is substituted for the elastic, helping to form a nice rigid, shape-able brim. This creates a very sturdy edge, eliminating the elasticity in the knitting. The first use of the pipe-cleaners fit one of my knitting needle sizes perfectly, while the second was between my 29″ and 36″ needles, thus requiring me to use 12 DPNs to fit all of the way around the brim. Very, very different from anything I have done before!
My other notes and modifications:
- While I purchased 4 hanks of Tahki Yarns Cotton Classic (in Purple, #3947) I use just under 2 hanks, so I have 2 left over.
- My gauge was just shy/short of the specified in the pattern, and so I made a “Large” and ended up with a “Medium” which is the finished size that I wanted.
- I used an embellished Bias Tape on the brim, and a velvet ribbon at the base of the cap, before the brim increases, but as my supplies were so well color matched, I opted to leave the trim off of the two crochet-stabilization sections. I felt that adding more ribbon would have made the hat look busy given the contrast of the purples.
- In each of the two crochet-stabilization section, I only completed two-thirds of the specified rounds, as I felt the rigidity of the brim was enough to support the weight and keep the shape.
I really loved this project, and I would certainly do it again!
Like this:
Ambivalence and Ingenue, Finding my Inner Audrey
September 1st, 2011 § 2 Comments
I have to admit that I am feeling a great amount of ambivalence right alongside disappointment today. I have spent the first half of the week auditing classes, figuring out how I want to fill some of my time with learning. I have concluded to stay enrolled in 3 classes, the first is hand sewing techniques (embroidery, beading, etc), the second is a Fabric Science Class and the third and final is a pattern grading (both by hand and through gerber systems) class. Remaining on the roster until, literally, 3 minutes ago was the History of Fashion class, but I just pressed the drop button, away it went, and now my money is being returned to me, sometime in the next 7–10 business days (even though it only takes 10 minutes to give it to you…). Now, still in possession of my history book, which I purchased on Amazon in June for $50, do I sell it again? I can likely get about $100 for it …
Why do I feel ambivalent? Ramon and I took a good hard look at the Fashion Department curriculum and reviewed what it would really take for me to get a second degree, which I don’t really need. Even with all of my transferred credits I’d still need to take about 80 more units in order to fulfill the Associates Degree requirements, and with everything in my life I am just not sure this coincides with my overall goals. Yes, it be nice, but I’d really need to be going full time for a few years, and doing nothing else. That’s just not really in the cards. I tend to bite off a little more than I can chew, but surely anyone has ever noticed, that though! Part of me didn’t want to drop the History of Fashion class, even though I know it is the right thing to do. In my mind I have plenty of time to do it all, but I know that 6 weeks from now I’d be regretting it, as it would be taking away valuable time from other endeavors. So, I did the right thing, right … right? Ugh, yes. I wish that these decisions were more cut and dry for me, but they’re just not always that way.
Another class I decided not to take was a class focused around creative garment design, though upon going to the first class I learned that this class is primarily developing of what I call Mood Boards, and then designing garment “collections” in sketch-form only from your inspirations in the mood-boards. Given that I have taught a class like this at the Academy of Art, even though the “collections” designed were logos and visual branding, I just can’t see myself super excited about spending 12 hours a week on homework doing something that may not be helping me to get ahead as much as some other topic. The hard part is that if the teacher doesn’t have 20 students then she must teach the class as Directed Study (Independed Study) versus 2 times a week in a classroom environment. Well, guess what number I was. Yep, 20. So, there is some guilt and disappointment there, but at the same time, I can’t go to a class for 16 weeks to make other people happy.
Though, often when I start taking a class, or classes, I quickly notice a common thread running through my life and some special piece of content. What I have noticed this week is structure. Last week I happened to catch a show that has been a long time running, though I’d never previously experienced it. It’s a little show called, SuperNanny. This has, even though I have only seen 3 episodes, become my new favorite show. My immediate take-away is the importance of structure in a young-one’s life, which has caused me to reflect on my own upbringing. While spending a fabulous long weekend in Seattle with Ramon and his equally as fabulous business partner, Nicole, we discussed the concept of structure while raising children in some detail. Ramon had an extremely different upbringing than I did, with complete lack of structure. I had a lot of structure, and was lucky enough to have my mother be a stay-at-home mom until I was in elementary school, and I really think that this helped me to become a happy successful person. Ramon, with very little structure from his parents, even as a young child, worked to put structure in his life, and he is very happy and successful as an adult.
The concept of structure reared it’s head in both the sewing techniques class and the fabric science class earlier in the week. First, the idea was presented that that we won’t buy things unless they are comfortable, and these garments generally lack physical structure, as physical structure in a garment makes us sit-up straighter, restricts motion, etc, as well having clothes that have less structure are more applicable to a variety of body types. Second, in the Fabric Science class, clothes with more structure are generally used in social situations where we are trying to create a better impression of ourselves.
The idea that we won’t buy clothing if it is not comfortable is a very valuable notion. Look at how much knitwear (t-shirts, stretchy dresses, leggings, yoga pants, sweaters, sweatshirts, etc) is in our closets, and look at which things are so easy to get out of the closet first. How many times have you picked the knit top versus the silk blouse … why? Because the knit top is more comfortable and moves with you. And in terms of structured garments helping us to create a better impression of ourselves, think about how many prom dresses, wedding dresses, or men interviewing in suits that look casual and comfortable. But are these points not true with structure in our lives, too?
Remaining on the structure point, I feel like I have been needing more structure in my life to help me stay on track. A fitted bodice if you will. Previously I have really enjoyed taking the classes, even if some of my teachers, or the content have been a little underwhelming. I like the schedule to arrange my day around, but I don’t want it to take over my entire life. And thinking about structure and McQueen (I’ve got to make this thing go full circle), well, if there is one thing that McQueen is all about …even the knitwear … need I say more.
So, after all that, I am feeling a little less ambivalent, but still disappointed, for completely different reasons. A little knitting therapy always helps,but that is part of my current disappointment. I have been trying for a couple of months to find a variegated yarn that works completely harmoniously in my concept for a pattern design. I got new yarn yesterday to try, and yet again, failure. I don’t want to accept that the project isn’t going to work out …
I guess that things just don’t always work out the way you want them to, and instead of throwing things across the room it is better to accept it and move on. Some women think of the strength of Elizabeth Taylor overcoming adversity to emotionally deal with conquering their own. She’s never been quite my style, so I try to channel my inner Audrey Hepburn.
In addition to all of my pattern designs, I try to work on a little something for myself, everyday. Even if it is only for 5 minutes, I still want to make things just for me. I learn a lot by following other people’s patterns, and I have a lot of fun working with other people’s designs, and that is the whole point of knitting, right? To have fun? I think so.
Custom Knits by Wendy Bernard
Last year, about this time, I picked up a book called Custom Knits, in which I found a sweater that seems pretty much directly inspired by Audrey Hepburn, even if I am the only one who thinks so. The sweater is called Ingenue. So in one of my recent yarn orders, I bought some yarn that is in my budget (Valley Yarns Northhampton in Fawn) to work on Ingenue, which I am also knitting Continental Style, just as the Owls. This one is coming out much nicer. The wool isn’t my favorite texture, but I just adore the color.
The image at the top of this post is the final project in the book, and just below is an image of the finished collar, and the inside of the garment, where I have (I think) created a beautiful modification:
Instead of sewing the Cast On edge of the collar to the inside, bottom pattern repeat (fold over and sew with Wrong Sides Together), I K2Tog including the CO row and the last row of the last pattern repeat. This has resulted in a very nice finished edge, even hiding the CO row, completely, as it has been turned to the inside of the collar, which is enclosed.
Back to the point here, channeling an individual’s energy and spirit is a lot easier to do with something so reminiscent of them in front of you for so long. This project has become such a joy to work on, it is doing much more for me than knitting something without that outside influence that I am looking for. I think that this project is going to go much quicker than I anticipated, and maybe I can bring some of that influence into more of my own work and pattern development. Audrey is such a great muse and such a beautiful soul.
Oh, I am feeling better already.
- Added Structure? Check!
- Inspiration? Check!
- Knitting Therapy? Check!
- Sewing?
I think I know what is coming next.
Little Lamborghini, This Ain’t No Ordinary Knitting Project
August 30th, 2011 § Leave a Comment
I’d like to tell you about my special friend, Lamborghini, who I have had the pleasure of knowing since she was drinking from a bottle (please note the tail nubbin):
Well, Lambo’s all grown up, and back in April she gave me her fleece, as she was getting too warm.
Lambo in March:
Lambo in April:
So kind of her, but of course I had to hide it from my cats until I get it cleaned up, sorted out, and ready to go. In order to do this, I must do two things:
Step 1. Figure out exactly how much fleece I have
Step 2. Figure out what in the hell I am going to do with it.
Oh oh oh! I have the answer to Step 2!
So, I have done some research and Lambo is a Suffolk sheep, which are mostly used for their meat, not their fleece. Their fleece doesn’t make great wool for spinning and knitting because it is made up of short fibres, not the sexy long ones that your merino sweater is made of. However, it I can make wool roving from it. Well, I don’t mean me I’d have to send it out to be processed, but none-the-less.
About a month ago when surfing the Ravelry.com world, I stumbled across an absolutly amazing blanket, Giganto-blanket by Laura Birek. In doing so I think I have figure out just what to do with my own fleece! I bought the pattern last week through Laura’s Ravelry shop last week (she sells it on ETSY, along with the actual finished blanket, too), and I have started doing even more research, and I am even more excited, because this is a knitting project that Ramon will get to be a part of, in helping me to make my PVC knitting pipes needles.
Giganto-blanket by Laura Birek
I can’t wait to start this project! It is so unique, and amazing… but I am getting ahead of myself. What about Step 1?
So, First part of Step 1 is to weigh the fleece. I have learned that when you have a whallop-o-fleece that what you will get once it is doing being processed will be about half of the weight that you started with. Why?
Poop.
No, really, Poop! Well, Manure, and other things, like hay, natural oils, and, well, basically everything from Lamborghini’s home.
So, once I figure out what I have, then I need to send it out to be processed, which includes (I am no expert, but this is what I have found so far):
- Washing, Scouring: The step in which the fleece is cleaned and the oils are removed.
- Picking: The process by which the fleece is put through a machine to open the locks and prepare it for carding
- Carding: The mechanical proccess by which locks and unorganized clumps of fibres are aligned so that they are parallel with one another.
- Roving: A long and narrow bundle of fibre which is usually used to spin into yarn. In this case it won’t be spun into yarn though.
At which time the wool would be returned to me, and I’d need to get my other fun tools ready. I will list only the ones I have never encountered in a knitting pattern before, oh wait, that is ALL OF THEM:
- 6 pounds superwash wool roving
- 10-foot length of 1 1/2” PVC pipe, cut in half
- Duct Tape
- Drying rack
- 2 Flat Queen-sized White Cotton bed sheets
- White cotton twine or yarn -Scissors
- Bathtub
- Clean rubber rain boots
- Liquid laundry detergent -Washing machine (optional, but EXTREMELY helpful)
- Needle felting kit (optional)
As you can see, this is CLEARLY no ordinary knitting project, but I have a feeling that I can’t go wrong when the pattern involves Galoshes.
Oh Little Lamborghini, this is going to be fun! Thank you for your fleece!
Ignorance is Bliss
August 29th, 2011 § 1 Comment
This summer has been more of a whirlwind of activity, instead of a whirlwind of creativity. I have been lucky to spend the second half of my summer figuring out how to enjoy my life, trying to take more time to take advantage of the sun and good weather, prioritizing, and adding structure, but still busier than a little bumble bee. A once or twice a week I have been meeting up with Trina to get coffee at our local downtown, then walking to the children’s park to let her daughter play, though, she would rather just swing. Though, of course I am not just drinking coffee, I am working on a knitting project the entire time, as well. There is a used bookstore right near our coffee shop. A local gem. We hopped in one day, after knitting on the bench outside, enjoying our coffee, and the wee one enjoying Curious George on the iPad. No knitting books peaked my interested, but I noticed another that did. Way back a year ago, I read the first book that Julie Powell wrote, Julie & Julia and described how it was one of the three encouraging factors for me to begin my own blog. So, when I saw her second book, Cleaving, which I didn’t even know existed, I had to buy it.
After knitting like a mad-woman day in and day out, trying to get my huge project list under control, I finally set down my sticks to dig into this new piece of literature. I am now only 13 pages in. Frustrated I put it down the other night, and I honestly wonder if I will ever pick it back up. She starts off in her beautiful, poetic writing style. Hooked you read that she gives Eric, her husband, full credit and recognition for her ability to complete both her blog and her first book and then … yeah, I couldn’t believe it either, she describes her currently ongoing affair with another man. Her husband knows, isn’t OK with it, but they remain together anyway. I know that everyone’s relationships are different, but I have very, very little interest in reading about selfish people hurting the ones that they love. I think a big part of t his stems from the fact that now that I have Ramon, I see the world differently, and I just don’t see how if other people felt the way that I do about him, that they could hurt their loved ones the way that Powell is. I feel no sympathy, and no longer want to spend countless hours reading about your journey. I don’t fucking care about your journey anymore, because you don’t care about the same values that are important to me. By no means do I think I am the end-all-be-all, make no mistakes, and that my shit don’t stink. I will repeat that I do understand that every relationship is different, by why, when you know you’re really hurting someone you love, do you continue to do it?
Maybe this is what the book is about, and it can shed some light, but I just don’t really care.This is one of those cases where the more you know, the more you wish you didn’t. I think my pattern-making blog project is going awfully the same way. A year ago I felt like I could do anything, now I sit there, work on a pattern for days, and feel like I have accomplished nothing. The more I learn, I realize the less I know, feel intimidated, overwhelmed, and like I am in an entirely different league that I don’t belong in. I know that I need to keep pushing forward, and I want to, I will, but I have to get over this hump. I did purchase a few patterns mentioned in a previous post,and have made a few pieces. One awesome woman even found my blog, and sold me the jumpsuit pattern—Vogue 2343—she was about to list on Ebay.
Vogue 2343, 1999, Image Courtesy of PatternVault
The other patterns I ordered from Ebay and Etsy have also arrived, and sort of as a joke, and just to get something made, I wiped out this puppy—Vogue 2157—in about 2 hours.
Vogue 2157, 1998, Image Courtesy of PatternVault
I used a polyester fabric that doesn’t want to behave, and so I was very sloppy with my sewing. Now that it is made I really wish I’d put more effort into it. Even though I need a slip to wear with it, as it is unbelievably sheer, it is beautiful. This super-simple to sew, with weirdly shaped pattern pieces really is a beautiful garment! 
So, patterns in hand even, why do I still feel so glum? Where do I find the confidence to keep going with the sewing?
Maybe, instead I should be asking: Why is this always a problem?
Like this:
Owls like Baths
August 26th, 2011 § 1 Comment
So at long last I finished my Continental Owls sweater. About a month ago I mentioned that I feel it is time for me to step up my game, but that means taking a few steps back.
Switching from English knitting style—which I have done everything in until this point—to learning how to knit Continental style, wow, this little puppy took me a while, and caused a great soreness in new muscles! I had to try holding the yarn 4 different ways on my left hand to finally find a comfortable position. But I finally did find a good place, and now I am working on even more things in this new style. The soreness is now also going away.
Starting the leftover yarn from my Rihanna Inspired Nautical Cropped Pullover —Berroco Comfort in Black/Liquorice— and acquiring a wee bit more, I accomplished this sweater in the wrong yarn weight, and I feel like my modifications created a successful outcome!
Changes to the pattern:
- I used a worsted weight vs a chunky weight
- I worked the ribbing on size US 8 (5.0mm) Needle, and the body, St St, Owls on a US 9 (5.5mm) Needle
- Instead of working size 1, which would fit me, I did some calculations from my gauge swatch and worked a size 5 (second largest) in the smaller needles/yarn to compensate
- I worked long short rows around the arms and back to elongate and shape, compensating for the lack of height after the owls, which wouldn’t have been an issue if I had been working with the specified materials in the pattern
- I made the sweater have more of a crew neck than a boat neck, as that is what I prefer to wear. This was done with the previously mentioned short rows.
- I made the owls have pointy ears by working a SSK, K4, K2Tog over each owl, after finishing the owls. I then had to go in and calculate the rest of the decreases for the yoke to be shaped appropriately.
- I also learned that it is VERY difficult to take pictures of a black sweater with detail work …
Overall, I am super happy with the outcome, but the stitches overall looked fairly uneven. After throwing this machine washable and dry-able yarn in the laundry on the delicate cycle the stitches really evened themselves out. Though I will add that I am still glad that I chose to do this project in problem-hiding-black. I wish it were colder out right now, just so I could wear this sweater more. It will be treated like a sweatshirt in the winter, in that it is going to be used frequently, and I don’t have to care to much about looking after and being kind to it.
Jill’s Dress, at long last
August 25th, 2011 § 1 Comment
Remember the Royal Wedding?
Well, I actually finished this project on that very day while admiring all of the McQueen in white. I finished it, that is, with the exception of the crocheted princess seam-lines. It has been siting on my Size 5 dressform since then, waiting, and hoping it would soon be finished.
Well, finally that day has come!
Every lot of Malabrigo is different, but I thought this would only be reflected with the color, not the hand of the yarn. I ordered this yarn, and wished that I had gone to pick it out in person. I have worked with Rios a number of times and love it, but this felt more dense but also fluffy than the rest that I had used. The smoothness and almost unnoticeable gleam in the yarn was gone. Displeased, I threw a little tantrum, and almost never got started on it. Once I did, ready the pattern, and building the project went very easily, smoothly and quickly.
Changes to the pattern, not many!
- I was dead-on with the gauge, so that made it easy to get started.
- I added some shaping in the bodice through the “side-seam”
- I also added some shaping in the waist through the hip through the “side-seam”
- Leaving the princess seams out. With the varigated yarn they just aren’t working for me. I love them in the original pattern, and this is where I got caught up for months. I have come to the conclusion that I do love them, just not in this specific yarn.
I know that I have mentioned this before, but I love the patterns in this book, and the super friendly author makes them even more fun to work on. And that’s how knitting should be, fun, right?
Pete Sampras, King of Swing meets Queen of Sticks
July 23rd, 2011 § 3 Comments
Since the dawn of my knitting time I have been knitting English style. Pretty and even as it may be, I have learned it is slow. I have seen the continental style of knitting, and have even done it on occasion, though with varied success, as my stitches have lost their previous perfection in consistence. My knitname “the machine,” referring to how perfect my little stitches look, is lost. Alas, I have stuck with the English style to retain perfection, and loose speed.
So, I have made a decision …
Yesterday my good friend Jensen and I were chatting on our hour long drive to MotoGP about Corporate America’s inability to embrace short term loss for long term gain based on misunderstanding and unwilliness to forsake ROI—Oh God, don’t worry, I’m almost done talking about Corporate America. He told me a story, of which I don’t have specifics and I will paraphrase, so don’t correct me if I’m wrong it doesn’t matter. Back in the day there was a fellow who played Tennis. You may have heard of him, his name is Pete Sampras. Well, he was really f*cking good, but wasn’t the best. See, he was doing a double-handed backhand, which kept him just out of the #1 Tennis Play of the World ranking. His coach decided to give it to him straight, telling him that he’d never be The Best if he kept doing the double handed backhand. So, he learned the new technique, and took a serious tumble in the rankings. He learned, caught back up, fought back and eventually became The One in Tennis. Lesson learned? Old dogs can learn new tricks, but sacrifice must be made.
The similarity is SHOCKING, I know.
Backtracking further, I had already decided to take this leap last Sunday, thus starting a second OWLs sweater, this time for myself. I am making great progress, and getting much more comfortable, but my stitches aren’t “pretty” yet. Though, looking at the grand scheme of things, by this time last year I hadn’t ever even made/finished one single sweater. So I think it is best that I learn now. Using some of the left over yarn (Berroco Comfort) from my Rihanna Inspired Nautical Cropped Pullover, I have convinced Ramon that this sweater is not a waste of time, as I am: 1. learning something really, really new, even though I have already done this pattern once, and 2. Since the yarn is black, it is doing a great job at helping to hide my mistakes.
Far and away the most exciting picture I have ever published on Project-Hallway.com, my owls sweater in progress:
I have also been working on a number of other knitting project, including slowly plugging away on my 12in11project, the Lace Panel Tunic with “thread” (Malabrigo Lace yarn in Azul Bolita).
While i am not working on this in contentinal kntting style, it is c h a l l e n g i n g to say the least. It is like knitting with thread. Ironically, this project hurts my hands more than working the previously unused muscles in my hands from switching styles. As it takes 1 1/2 hours to knit one inch onto this bad boy, I am thinking about doing something different with the sleeves, meaning, short, not long blouson sleeves. Ugh.
REAL Alexander McQueen Patterns
July 22nd, 2011 § 3 Comments
Come one, come all! We have Real, Yes, that’s right ladies and, well, Ladies, Real Alexander McQueen Patterns! Cleverly hidden, step right up and let Pattern Vault show you the 8th wonder of the world!
From the title of this post I can tell that you are super excited, and you should be. So, they are not straight from London, but I think that they are just about as close as I am going to get.
Last Monday a fellow blogger discovered Project-Hallway.com, and in sharing her/his/there posted a comment, through which I could follow to their own blog on WordPress. PatternVault (real name, identity, gender … everything … still unknown) shares some similar passions, from fabulous Toronto—I seem to have a fair number of followers from this fair region, hooray!—also recently made the voyage to The Met in NYC for McQueen. Only two posts so far in the blog, both focused on McQueen, I have learned something new, and very wonderful.
Back in the day when McQueen was at Givenchy, Vogue patterns published a small number of patterns from the Givenchy line/runway. I HIGHLY doubt that they are identical to the pattern pieces that McQueen created—unlike the one on ShowStudio, shown at the end of this post—but I think that they are as close as I am going to get. With an excellent opportunity to learn I whatever these patterns have to offer, I have located and purchased the few that I could find from Etsy and Ebay, and I am keeping my eyes peeled for the others.
After ordering on Monday afternoon, I have already received this one, which I already have fabric I could use for it.
Vogue Paris, Août 1997, Image Courtesey of PatternVault
Image Courtesy of PatternVault
So, then the question is, do I:
I have these two on the way:
Vogue Patterns 2248, Image Courtesy of PatternVault
Vogue Patterns 2157, Image Courtesy of PatternVault
And I am absolutely freaking dying to find one of these patterns …
Vogue Patterns 2343, 1999, Image Courtesy of PatternVault
So excited that I received the information and the insight on these patterns, I recommend reading through Pattern Vault’s blog, nice insight, and so far two great posts on McQueen:
- Alexander McQueen for Givenchy: Vogue Patterns, Part 1
- Alexander McQueen for Givenchy: Vogue Patterns, Part 2
Trina also pointed me at this McQueen pattern, which is AUTHENTIC from McQueen. I really need to pop this file over to Kinko’s Fedex Office.
Alexander Mcqueen Pattern, Kimono, Scanners: FW 2003–4
Alexander Mcqueen Pattern, Kimono, Scanners: FW 2003–4
Getting into the Sew-ing of Things
July 20th, 2011 § 1 Comment
I find myself now, ready to get the factory going again, though some things have changed. I sometimes find myself looking back on previous thoughts, or decisions i have made, finding the youth and naivete where I didn’t see it before, even though some of these decisions took place just six months ago. I couldn’t have been that much younger, could I?
I have long had this idea about listening, and perhaps this is were the emotion I am feeling now stirs from. I have listened long enough that the things I once wanted to make black, I now want to make white, or even lavender, like my stylist made my hair today, though that is more of an eggplant. The unforeseen darkness in the decision disappears to hope and finding creativity within (finally, again) instead of looking outside. I am reading three books right now, no big shocker given my over-achiever status. Ok, well one I finished last night, a very well written novel, which I find incredibly rare. The second is an instructional sort of knitting book, written by the author as if she were tell the story of Whinnie-the-Pooh, which I very much like, an the third is from a friend of mine, the recipient of the second Little Joey sweater sample, with words excellently crafted, and well selected without force or perseverance, the stories of women archaeologists, explorers. Helping me to turning my thoughts to the adventure ahead, I have gotten my machines back out, dust cleared, old projects, scraps, and mental weights tossed to the wind. The sails are up.
The knitting book is making me re-think the way that I want to write about knitting. Realizing it is Ok for it to be fun, playful, and almost like a story told in a children’s book, patterns don’t need to be dry, like instructions for the blender. I think that is ok, if not great to have some of my personality infused into them as well. I mean, this is coming from an individual, and hey, every article in the New York Times has opinion in it. Isn’t there a chance that the people reading my patterns will read them for the perspective? The personality of the sweater, which is really the personality of me? Isn’t their even a smidgen of a chance they’ll be reading the pattern for the story?
Interesting and lovely conversations with Trina (Batsy) about this. As lovely as her lovely patterns. In one week’s time I have used her published Park Top to make two garments (pictures below), and her not-yet published Maxi Dress pattern, name also pending (pictured above).
I have seen her own sample Park Tops on her, but in making them—super simple and super quick, an hour long project including cutting the fabric—I am in love with the pattern. For being over-sized I can’t believe how well it fits. You’d think it would just be a sack, but no, no no no. I was mistaken. With fabric recently acquired from a beach trip with Trina and we-one to Harts Fabric, the striped one is my new go-to favorite. I have worn it 4 out of 5 days since I finished it, and now I think it is due for a wash.
Who knew that sewing knits was so easy, so intimidating, so fun?
Oh, wait, Trina did, didn’t she …
In my flurry of knitting, and knit sewing, I have also been making great progress on some of my McQueen projects again. At long last, ready to push forward, here we go! I got a dress drafted, a lining sewn, though I may need to do some back-tracking. I recently spent a week at my mom’s in the middle of no-where, figuring out where I am going. I made a huge word document status tracker. Listing out every project, and writing where I am on each of them was, surprisingly, not intimidating, but more exciting. I am feeling much more focused, and much more active. I just hope I can keep it this way.
Rihanna Inspired Nautical Cropped Pullover
July 1st, 2011 § 5 Comments
About a month ago I saw Rihanna perform on NBC’s Today Show. She was wearing a cute little, nautical cropped top. I loved the contrast of the bold primary blue with the deep, rich black.
I thought it would be fun to re-create the cute pullover using chunky yarn. I can see that Rihanna’s is some type of knit fabric, and is also cropped very close to the bust. For this version, it is still quite cropped, but a little more modestly. I used a plump weight yarn that is machine washable, Berroco Comfort, which makes this sweater a little more bulky than the original. The pattern is written so that it is very fitted, and it is intended to be worn in this fashion.
The bodice (front and back) parts of this pattern are written from the bottom up. The sleeves, however, are written from the top down. This isn’t intended to cause confusion, but rather to make things easier. As I feel there are a lot of options for lengths, and a lot of different types of people out there, by writing the sleeves from the top down it will be easier to alter, extend, shorten, or whatever you would like to the length of the sleeve. When you start from the bottom and work your way up, you can run into some fitting issues. I have also included FOUR versions of the sleeves: Regular and Petite sizing, as well as Regular and Petite sizing including the “Hand Mit.” The hand mit closely resembles Rihanna’s top, where the sleeve comes all of the way over the hand, and includes a thumb-hole. As I prefer the sweater to end at the wrist, I have completed my sample without the hand-mit.
This sweater is very quick and easy to knit. As Berroco Comfort comes in so many amazing colors, the color combinations possible are limitless. One could add length, or make it even more cropped, like her version. Short or 3-quarter length sleeves could be adapted from this pattern by the user. I had a lot of fun making—and now wearing—this sweater, and I hope that you do, too. This is also the same yarn that I used for the Little Joey Kangaroo Hoodie and the Striped Kangaroo Hoodie. I have really come to love this yarn, and one can find lots of great Berroco Yarn information and ideas on the Berroco Blog, too.
For the time being I have made this sweater pattern free. Generally when I release a pattern for free, even despite that my copyright that is included, I find people stealing my pattern and selling it, or selling goods made from my pattern. Upon the discovery that the copyright for this pattern has been violated, it will no longer be free, and I will make it available for sale only. Please don’t steal my pattern. It hurts everyone.
You can check this pattern on ravelry.com for yarn ideas, too 
My fashion sketches, in an effort to keep practicing my drawing skills:
SIZING
Regular
XS (S, M) L
FINISHED GARMENT MEASUREMENTS
- Chest Measurement:
31″ (33″, 36″) 39″ - Length of Bodice from Shoulder Tip:
13″ (13″, 14″) 14″
YARN
- Color A, 2 (2, 2) 2 Hanks Berroco Comfort #9736 “Primary Blue”
- Color B, 2 (2, 2) 2 Hanks Berroco Comfort #9734 “Liquorice”
NEEDLES
- US 7 (4.5mm) Straight needles (or Circular based on preference) for Ribbing.
- US 7 (4.5mm) 16″ Circular Needle for Neck Ribbing.
- US 8 (5.0mm) Straight needles or Circular needles based on preference.
GAUGE
- 18 stitches and 26 rows equals 4×4″
NOTIONS
- Tapestry Needle for weaving in ends.
- 1 Stitch Marker
ABBREVIATIONS
- STS Stitches
- CO Cast On
- K Knit
- P Purl
- K2TOG TOG Knit 2 stitches together
- SSK Slip Slip Knit
- P2TOG Purl 2 Together
- KFTB Knit Front to Back
- SSP Slip Slip Purl
- PM Place Marker, Indicates beginning of round
- Pick-Up Pick Up stitches,
- BO Bind Off
- RS Right Side of garment
- WS Wrong Side of garment
BACK
Each Stripe is made up of 24 (24, 26) 26 rows. Carry the yarn that is not being used up the side, wrapping around the other yarn to secure. While it is not indicated where to switch yarn colors, remember to do it after the specified number of rows.
RIBBING
In Color A, and US 7 (4.5mm) needles CO 62(66, 74)80 sts. If using circular needle, do not join. Begin K2, P2, Rib Stitch through end of row, RS.
Work 5(5,7)7 more rows even in Rib Stitch pattern ending with a WS row.
BUST SHAPING
On RS, In Color B, with size US 8 (5.0mm) needles, begin Stockinette Stitch, K1, KFTB, K to 3 sts before end of row, KFTB, K1. Work 7 more rows even in Stockinette Stitch, ending with a WS row.
Repeat increase 3 more times.
70(74, 82)88 sts.
Work 4(4,6)6 rows even
ARMHOLE SHAPING
On RS, BO 4 stitches on the beginning of the next 2 rows.
K1, K2TOG, K to 3 sts before end of row, SSK, K1. P on WS.
P1, SSP, P to 3 sts before end of row, P2TOG, P1
Repeat this decrease 1 more time. (Should complete one full stripe.)
On RS, switch to Color A, K1, K2TOG, K to 3 sts before end of row, SSK, K1. P on WS.
P on WS.
Repeat this decrease 2 more times. 48(52, 60)66 sts **
BACK NECKLINE AND SHOULDER SHAPING
Work 18(18, 20)20 more rows even. (Should complete one full stripe.)
Switch to Color B, work 2 rows even.
K 17(17, 22)22 sts. BO 14(18, 16)22, K 17(17, 22)22. P on WS.
K1, K2TOG, K to end.
P to 3 sts before end of row, P2TOG, P1.
K1, K2TOG, K to end. P on WS.
Repeat 2(2, 3)3 more times.
K to across. BO 6(6, 8)8 sts. P 6(6, 8)8.
K to across. BO remaining 6(6, 8)8 sts. Break yarn, leaving and end to weave in.
Return to remaining 17(17, 22)22 sts. Join in yarn on neckline edge. P across on WS.
K to 3 sts before end, SSK, K1.
P1, SSP, P to end.
K to 3 sts before end, SSK, K1. P on WS.
Repeat 2(2, 3)3 more times.
K to across. On WS, BO 6(6, 8)8 sts. P remaining 6(6, 8)8 sts.
K to across. On WS, BO remaining 6(6, 8)8 sts. Break yarn, leaving and end to weave in.
FRONT
Work the Front identically to Back until **
FRONT NECKLINE AND SHOULDER SHAPING
Work 6(6, 8)8 more rows even.
Switch to Color B, work 2 rows even.
K 21(21, 26)26 sts. BO 6(10, 8)14, K 21(21, 26)26. P on WS.
K1, K2TOG, K to end.
P to 3 sts before end of row, P2TOG, P1.
Repeat 1 more times.
K1, K2TOG, K to end. P on WS.
Repeat 1(1, 2)2 more times.
K1, K2TOG, K to end. Work 3 rows even.
Repeat 1 more times.
K1, K2TOG, K to end. Work 8 rows even.
K to across. BO 6(6, 8)8 sts. P 6(6, 8)8.
K to across. BO remaining 6(6, 8)8 sts. Break yarn, leaving and end to weave in.
Return to remaining 21(21, 26)26 sts. Join in yarn on neckline edge. P across on WS.
K to 3 sts before end, SSK, K1.
P1, SSP, P to end.
Repeat 1 more times.
K to 3 sts before end, SSK, K1. P on WS.
Repeat 2(2, 3)3 more times.
K to 3 sts before end, SSK, K1. Work 3 rows even.
Repeat 1 more times.
K to 3 sts before end, SSK, K1. Work 8 rows even.
K to across. On WS, BO 6(6, 8)8 sts. P remaining 6(6, 8)8 sts.
K to across. On WS, BO remaining 6(6, 8)8 sts. Break yarn, leaving and end to weave in.
SLEEVES
Make 2 alike.
Remember, Each Stripe is made up of 24 (24, 26) 26 rows. Carry the yarn that is not being used up the side, wrapping around the other yarn to secure. Except where specifically indicated in the Sleeve Cap, remember to switch the yarn color after the specified number of rows.
SLEEVE CAP SHAPING
In Color B, with size US 8 (5.0mm) needles, CO 6(6, 6)10
Working in Stockinette Stitch, K1, KFTB, K to 3 sts before end of row, KFTB, K2.
P1, PFTB, P to 3 sts before end of row, PFTB, P2.
Repeat previous two increases 2(2, 3)3 more times. 18(18, 22)26 sts.
In Color A, K1, KFTB, K to 3 sts before end of row, KFTB, K2.
P on WS.
Repeat 2(2, 3)3 more times.
K1, KFTB, K to 3 sts before end of row, KFTB, K2. P on WS.
Work 3 rows even.
Repeat 2 more times.
K1, KFTB, K to 3 sts before end of row, KFTB, K2. P on WS.
Repeat 1 more times.
ARMHOLE SHAPING
In Color B, K1, KFTB, K to 3 sts before end of row, KFTB, K2.
P1, PFTB, P to 3 sts before end of row, PFTB, P2.
Repeat 1 more time.
C0 4 sts at the beginning of the next two rows.
50(50, 56)60 sts.
REGULAR LENGTH SLEEVE
Work 12(12, 10)10 more rows even, ending with a WS row.
On next RS row, K1, K2TOG, K to 3 sts before end of row, SSK, K1. Work 11(11,13)13 more rows even.
Repeat 9 more times.
Work 6(6, 0)0 more rows even. 30(30, 36)40 sts.
On RS, In Color B, and US 7 (4.5mm) needles K across. On WS, begin P2, K2 Rib Stitch through end of row.
Work 4(4, 6)6 more rows even.
BO all sts.
REGULAR LENGTH SLEEVE WITH HAND MIT
Work 12(12, 10)10 more rows even, ending with a WS row.
On next RS row, K1, K2TOG, K to 3 sts before end of row, SSK, K1. Work 11(11, 13)13 more rows even.
Repeat 9 more times. 30(30, 36)40 sts.
On next RS row, K1, KFTB, K to 3 sts before end of row, KFTB, K2. Work 5(5, 3)3 rows even.
Repeat 3 more times. 38(38, 44)48 sts.
Work 0(0, 2)2 rows even.
On RS, and US 7 (4.5mm) needles, begin K2, P2 Rib Stitch through end of row. Work 5(5, 7)7 more rows even.
BO all sts.
PETITE LENGTH SLEEVE
Work 10(10, 4)4 more rows even, ending with a WS row.
On next RS row, K1, K2TOG, K to 3 sts before end of row, SSK, K1. Work 9(9, 11)11 more rows even.
Repeat 9 more times.
Work 4(4, 0)0 more rows even. 30(30, 36)40 sts.
On RS, In Color A, and US 7 (4.5mm) needles K across. On WS, begin P2, K2 Rib Stitch through end of row. Work 4(4, 6)6 more rows even.
BO all sts.
PETITE LENGTH SLEEVE WITH HAND MIT
Work 8(8, 4)4 more rows even, ending with a WS row.
On next RS row, K1, K2TOG, K to 3 sts before end of row, SSK, K1. Work 9(9, 11)11 more rows even.
Repeat 9 more times. 30(30, 36)40 sts.
On next RS row, K1, KFTB, K to 3 sts before end of row, KFTB, K2.
Work 5(5, 3)3 rows even.
Repeat 3 more times. 38(38, 44)48 sts.
Work 0(0, 2)2 rows even.
On RS, and US 7 (4.5mm) needles, begin K2, P2 Rib Stitch through end of row. Work 5(5, 7)7 more rows even.
BO all sts.
BUILDING
Sew Front to Back at shoulders and sides, lining up the stripes. Sew each sleeve, then sew Sleeve into Armhole, lining up the stripes. While sewing the sleeves, if the Hand Mit directions have been followed, sew the ribbing sides together, leave an approximate 2 inch opening for the thumb, and continue sewing the sleeve together where the next contrasting stripe begins.
NECKLINE
With RS facing, Color A, and US 7 (4.5mm) 16″ circular needles, working around the back, beginning at where the shoulders are joined:
- Pick-Up 11(11, 13)13 from Back Side Neckline,
- Pick-Up 14(18, 16)22 from Back Side Neckline,
- Pick-Up 11(11, 13)13 from Back Side Neckline,
- Pick-Up 25(25, 27)27 from Front Side Neckline,
- Pick-Up 6(10, 8)14 from Back Side Neckline,
- Pick-Up 25(25, 27)27 from Front Side Neckline,
- PM, Join. 92(100, 104)116 sts.
Begin K2, P2, Rib Stitch through end of round, SM.
Work 5 more rows even.
BO all sts.
FINISHING
Using a tapestry needle weave in all ends. Block as desired, wear and Enjoy!
©2011 Julie Grantz. All Rights Reserved.
Please respect copyright law and Do Not Reproduce in any form. Duplication & distribution of this pattern in any form without express permission of the author is a violation of copyright law: You may not make multiple copies of this pattern, reformat it for commercial use or resale, or sell items made from this pattern. Your respect for copyright law allows me to keep bringing you new and interesting designs. Write with feedback or errata at: projecthallway AT gmail.com.
