February 05, 2012
The Bodice
Week Two of the Ella KAL finished on Monday - and the goal for week two was to finish the bodice. Success!
I'm quite pleased with the fit. There's about two inches left between the bodice fronts to allow for the ruffle, but judging by the way my swatch grew, I expect this will be a little bigger when all is said and done.
I am a little concerned about the size of those armholes, but weeks 3 & 4 are for sleeves, so I'm reserving judgement until the sleeves are done and I can see how it all goes together. We've got two weeks to do the sleeves, and so far I'm on target to finish these by next Monday. As usual, I'm doing both sleeves at the same time.
Including my awesome, high tech counting method that I always use for sleeve shaping.
A post it note, with the increase rows noted, and counted off one at a time. Don't knock it, it works!
TAFE starts this week, so my time may be more restricted than I think. I'm a little nervous about the impact on my time that TAFE will have.
But I had a little quiet time in the shop this week, so I started something new there, too.
Starr by Martin Storey from Rowan Miniature Classics, in Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino.
The pattern calls for Rowan Cashsoft DK, which is a 57% Merino, 33% Microfibre, 10% Cashmere mix, in a 50g ball with 130m per ball. I'm using Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino which is 55% Wool, 33% Microfibre, and 12% Cashmere in a 50g ball, but has only 125m per ball.
Somehow, the sportweight Baby Cashmerino has less yardage than the DK Cashsoft witha similar composition. Colour me confused! For what it's worth, DB Cashmerino DK has only 110m per ball.
Anyway, the Cashmerino Baby is subbing nicely for the Cashsoft DK, the tension is perfect, and the resulting fabric is lovely. And how cute is the sweater?!
Posted by Donna at February 5, 2012 02:40 PMComments
Hope you manage to balance TAFE, work and home life with plenty of knitting and sewing in between!
Posted by: Lynne at February 5, 2012 05:15 PMHave fun at TAFE. Can't wait to watch this sweater grow.
Posted by: Suzanne at February 6, 2012 09:52 AMThe little sweater is cute. I used locking stitch markers to mark increases/decreases so that I can see & count them as I go. Good luck on TAFE.
Posted by: Ann at February 6, 2012 10:35 AMit is WAY cute. a perfect yarn and pattern match! yes, those arm holes are roomy, but perhaps there is method to the madness. i cant believe youre making a whole coat! it cant be denied that studying takes a lot of time - to do well it takes even more. it might be a tough year but im sure it will be worth it.
Posted by: drk at February 6, 2012 03:16 PMElla is growing! The armholes are quite deep, but I guess a coat is meant to be worn over other stuff. I think waiting until the arms are in before deciding what to do is a good move.
That little sweater is too cute.
Posted by: Zena at February 16, 2012 12:26 PM
The little jumper is very cute!
I thought the armholes looked a little big too, when I saw the pic - I hope they won't be - I guess it is to allow you to wear something underneath and not be too restricted.
Posted by: RoseRed at February 5, 2012 03:15 PM